[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 193 (Thursday, December 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXPANSION OF THE WOMEN'S POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER RESIDENTIAL 
           TREATMENT PROGRAM AT THE BATAVIA VA MEDICAL CENTER

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                        HON. KATHLEEN C. HOCHUL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2011

  Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the 
opportunity to recognize the expansion of the Womens' Post Traumatic 
Stress Disorder Residential Treatment Program at the Batavia VA Medical 
Center in my district today. This is the first residential PTSD 
treatment center for women veterans in New York State. The VA is 
anticipating the treatment of up to 120 women veterans at this 
facility, and will provide care from 6-8 weeks depending on their 
needs. The $5.4 million in funding for this project was provided by a 
women's health initiative by the Department of Veterans Affairs and 
will help provide vital services to female veterans throughout Western 
New York.
  For over two decades women have served on the battlefield, leading to 
unprecedented trauma that requires focused treatment upon their return 
to civilian life. And with more women serving in the military than ever 
before--15 percent of all active military personnel and 20 percent of 
reservists--we must expand the availability of health facilities and 
benefits to our women veterans.
  According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, women veterans are 
four times more likely to have long lasting PTSD than men, which may 
lead to severe depression, substance abuse, and physical health 
problems. The VA is taking the proper steps to adapt to the growing 
number of women veterans; however, there are currently less than a 
dozen centers in the United States that provide PTSD services.
  Without the selfless actions of all the brave men and women of the 
Armed Forces, past and present, our country would not live so freely. 
For years, our veterans have gone untreated for PTSD, causing perpetual 
hardships for them and their families after they have returned home 
from the battlefield. Today, we recognize our female veterans and make 
progress in providing them with the proper care they need and deserve.

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