I 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 785 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 28, 2009 Ms. Tsongas (for herself and Mr. Michaud) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs A BILL To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide outreach and training to certain college and university mental health centers relating to the mental health of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and for other purposes.

1.

Pilot program on outreach and training relating to mental health of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom

(a)

Pilot program

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a four-year pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide covered services to covered mental health centers. (b)

Definitions

For the purposes of this Act: (1)The term covered mental health center means a counseling center, student health or wellness center, or student services center at a college or university with a large enrollment of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, as determined by the Secretary. (2)The term covered services means outreach and training services related to the mental health of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Such services shall include— (A)training for clinicians on treatment for mental illnesses commonly experienced by such veterans; (B)training on providing assistance to such veterans in accessing mental health care and services available through the Department of Veterans Affairs; (C)training for administrative staff who interact with such veterans relating to crisis management and other relevant skills; (D)training of peer counselors on conducting support groups for such veterans; and (E)any other service the Secretary determines is necessary or appropriate. (c)

Reports to Congress

Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act and not later than 30 days after the last day of the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program. Each such report shall include— (1)the names of the colleges and universities at which the Secretary is carrying out the pilot program; (2)the number of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom enrolled at each such college or university; (3)a description of the services carried out by the Secretary under the pilot program; (4)an assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program; and (5)the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to the extension or expansion of the pilot program. (d)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2013.