Just in time for Monday’s Veterans Day, the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to improve mental health care for student veterans, developing a continuing education program that trains counselors on post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment options. Backed by the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the program includes instruction on military culture and challenges faced by veterans pursuing higher education after returning from deployment.
The bill, filed by Westford Rep. James Arciero and passed Wednesday, was championed by Haverhill and Methuen Rep. Linda Dean Campbell.
“Conditions like PTSD can be incredibly debilitating and isolating on campus. Veterans need to know that there are resources to help them,” Campbell told WHAV in a statement. “Training counselors at our institutions of higher learning to be familiar with the challenges that veterans face during the transition from active duty and combat to civilian life, and to assist them when the going gets tough, will greatly enhance the chances of a veteran completing their program of study and leading a productive civilian life.”
According to Campbell, the program will be developed within 180 days of passage in the Senate.