Montana PTSD Vets won't have to leave state for care

Groundbreaking marks VA mental-health center

MARTIN KIDSTON Independent Record
Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010

FORT HARRISON — Gripping golden shovels, a team of health care providers broke ground Tuesday on a $6.7 million facility that will allow veterans to receive long-term mental-health care without having to leave Montana.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat and member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, joined the team of doctors and directors on the grounds of the VA hospital, opening a chapter of care that officials say will greatly improve the mental-health needs of Montana’s vets.

“By doing this, we’ll be taking a few important steps in fulfilling the promises made to Montana’s and America’s veterans,” Tester said. “Access to quality health care, no matter where you live, is important.”

Under the current system of treatment, Montana veterans needing inpatient psychological care for post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse or depression must travel to Idaho, Wyoming or North Dakota.

While the new 24-bed, 24,000-square-foot facility won’t open until the spring of 2011, the anticipation is already great, and the treatment center, officials said, is long overdue.

Dr. Rosa Merino, chief of behavioral health with the VA Montana Health Care System, said the risk for chronic PTSD increases greatly with the intensity and length of combat.
read more here
Groundbreaking marks VA mentalhealth center