Congressional Bills To Keep An Eye On

H.R. 4575: Veteran Peer Specialist Act of 2021 would amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to expand the peer specialist support program of VA to all its medical centers.

“Peer specialists play a vital role at VA in assisting their fellow veterans who also struggle with mental illness, chronic pain and substance abuse disorders,” said The American Legion. Studies have shown that peer support is mutually beneficial for those experiencing transitions, mental health crises and readjustment issues, and that peer specialists are better at sympathizing with fellow veterans.

“The work of (peer specialists) is critical now more than ever,” continued The American Legion. “Just this past month, September 2021, the Pentagon reported military suicides had increased by 16%.”

This act would establish an additional 25 medical centers per year over the course of five years until the program is available at each VA medical center. Priority would go to medical centers in rural areas, areas that are not near a military installation and those representing different geographic locations.

“By increasing the number of VA medical centers that have (peer specialists), more veterans will have access to the health-care resources they have rightfully earned and may urgently need,” concluded The American Legion in support of H.R. 4575.

Another piece of legislation is focused on breast cancer treatment for veterans.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women under the age of 40. According to a VA study published in 2021, female cases of breast cancer tripled between 1995 and 2012. Oncologists at the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center conducted a study that showed between 1975 and 2010 male breast cancer diagnoses had increased by 26%.

“Women who have served in the military are 20% to 40% more likely to develop breast cancer than women who have never served,” said subcommittee Chairwoman Julia Brownley, D-Calif. “It is therefore critical that VA ensure all veterans have access to prompt, high-quality breast imaging services to detect breast cancer early and access to genetic testing to identify individual breast cancer risk.”

H.R. 4794: Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act would require VA to submit a strategic plan to Congress for improving breast imaging services to veterans and expand access to more modern technologies. This includes a three-year pilot program that would provide tele-mammography services for veterans who live in states where VA does not offer breast imaging services. These statistics indicate early detection is critical in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

“Ensuring veterans have timely access to mammography services will facilitate early diagnosis, increase treatment options and improve survival chances for a veteran population with a significantly higher risk of breast cancer,” wrote The American Legion.

Blake Hyfield is the post service officer for the local VFW and American Legion posts. He can be reached at bhpegleg@yahoo.com.