(Washington, D.C.) - Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus joined President Obama today for the signing of his legislation to provide medical screenings to returning combat troops to help identify and treat post-combat related behavioral health issues.  Baucus’ measure was included in the final version of the Department of Defense Authorization Bill that the President signed into law.

The legislation, which is modeled after a program currently used by the Montana National Guard, requires the military to provide a live screening for every Soldier, Marine, Airman, or Sailor before he or she deploys to combat as well as no later than six, twelve and twenty four months after their return.  The Congressional Budget Office estimates that once fully implemented this new requirement would result in the need for an additional 150,000 mental health assessments every year.

“This is a huge victory. After sacrificing so much for our country, Montana service men and women deserve the very best care,” Baucus said. “This bill is about making sure they stay healthy and safe once they’ve returned home and I know it will make a big difference.”
 
The purpose of the screenings will be to identify Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health issues to identify which service members are in need of additional health care and treatment. 

According to a 2008 RAND study, nearly 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or depression.  The Army’s suicide rate has increased every year since the Iraq war began and in 2008, the Army reported 143 suicides, the highest number since the Army began keeping records in 1980.

“Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression can take a devastating toll on our brave and selfless service members.” Baucus said. “And if we can prevent just one needless tragedy our efforts will be well worth it.”

Under current policies, the in-person screening requirements vary widely from State to state and from unit to unit. If troops are not identified with PTSD or other problems upon return from combat, they often do not receive a follow up in-person screening unless their primary care provider notices a problem during his or her physical exam. 

Baucus partnered on the legislation with Matt Kuntz, who has been a leading advocate for the screenings after his stepbrother, a service member, took his own life.

“Senator Baucus’ legislation is going to save a lot of lives by helping our men and women in uniform get help for their post-traumatic stress injuries,” Kuntz said. “In effect, Senator Baucus and his group of bipartisan allies in Congress have taken the mental health screening model developed by Governor Schweitzer and the Montana National Guard to our nation’s entire combat force.  This bill is a major testament to how much the people of Montana and our leaders care about our heroes and their families.”

Montana Senator Jon Tester cosponsored the legislation, as it complements his work on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“Veterans who come home to rural states like Montana face unique challenges in getting access to quality, affordable mental health care,” Tester said.  “This is an important step toward making sure all troops get the services they need when they return to civilian life.  I appreciate Max’s hard work.”

Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) applauded the measure.

“This legislation has the potential to save more lives than all the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles money can buy,” Rieckhoff said. “Mandatory mental health screenings have been a top priority for IAVA, and we applaud Senator Baucus for his hard work on this issue. Generations of veterans will benefit from this critical legislation.”

The bill was also strongly endorsed by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the National Guard Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.