Today, Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04) spoke on the House floor in support of the Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans’ Mental Health Act as an original cosponsor of the bipartisan proposal. The bill is named in honor of Sgt. Brandon Ketchum, an Iowan and Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tragically, Sgt. Ketchum took his own life after failing to receive the mental health care he needed from the VA.
“Our veterans deserve the best care and attention, including when it comes to treating unseen wounds. That is why I am honored to be a part of this effort to expand mental health services to veterans in rural areas. After Sgt. Ketchum’s heartbreaking death, it is clear the lack of reliable mental health services for our veterans needs to be addressed. Our legislation will help prevent tragedies like this moving forward,” said Rep. Randy Feenstra.
Full remarks, as prepared for delivery:
Our veterans deserve the best care and attention, including when it comes to treating unseen wounds.
That is why I am honored to be a part of this effort to expand mental health services to veterans in rural areas.
The Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans’ Mental Health Act is named in honor of Sgt. Brandon Ketchum, an Iowan and Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After serving overseas, he suffered from a number of physical and mental health conditions.
Tragically, Sgt. Ketchum took his own life after failing to receive the mental health care he needed from the VA.
It is clear mental health care shortcomings for our veterans needs to be addressed.
I would like to thank my colleague from Iowa, Congresswoman Axne, for working on this important bill.
God bless all those who have fought to protect and defend our freedoms.
Background
H.R. 2441 would establish additional Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) programs based on the need for additional mental health resources in rural areas. RANGE is an existing program designed to support veterans who often are at high risk for homelessness and/or inpatient hospitalization.
This proposal has been endorsed by The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Wounded Warrior Project, Military Veterans Advocacy, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Minority Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA), The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, and Policy & Action.
Original source can be found here
