Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.
Attention A T users. To access the combo box on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Press the alt key and then the down arrow. 2. Use the up and down arrows to navigate this combo box. 3. Press enter on the item you wish to view. This will take you to the page listed.
Menu
Menu
Veterans Crisis Line Badge
My healthevet badge

Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs

Remarks by Secretary Eric K. Shinseki

Statement from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki
Executive Order to Improve Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families
Washington, DC
August 31, 2012

President Obama continues to demonstrate that his commitment to Veterans is genuine, it runs deep, and it is unwavering. I applaud the President's strong and decisive leadership in advocating for America's Veterans. The President's historic initiatives and budgetary support will have a positive impact on the lives of Veterans and their families for generations
to come.

History shows that the costs of war will continue to grow for a decade or more after the wars have ended. The mental health and well-being of our brave men and women who have served the Nation is the highest priority for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VA will work closely with our federal partners to implement the executive order immediately, and continue to expand access to the high-quality mental health care services our Veterans have earned and deserve.

return to top go