Bill Overview
Title: STRONG Veterans Act of 2022
Description: This bill addresses mental health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including by requiring the VA to update training for the VA workforce and Veterans Crisis Line staff, implement pilot programs, expand access to mental health care, conduct studies and research, and provide outreach to veterans regarding mental health resources. Among other requirements, the VA must ensure its medical centers have at least one full-time minority veteran coordinator and that such coordinators receive training on culturally appropriate mental health and suicide prevention services for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans; increase the number of full-time equivalent employees at Vet Centers and paid mental health trainees in the VA's workforce; expand specified scholarships and loan repayment programs for mental health providers and students; review and update the training for Veterans Crisis Line responders and social service assistants; designate a Buddy Check Week to organize outreach events and educate veterans on conducting peer wellness checks; update the Veterans Justice Outreach Program, including by conducting program outreach to justice-involved veterans; make permanent and expand the Peer Specialist Support program; expand eligibility for Vet Center services; offer mental health consultations to certain veterans; improve the assessment and treatment of veterans with sleep disorders; and perform various studies and research related to mental health issues and care. Additionally, the bill permanently authorizes and expands the Solid Start program.
Sponsors: Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans
Estimated Size: 19000000
- The STRONG Veterans Act of 2022 primarily impacts veterans as it pertains to the mental health care services they receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- The bill includes several provisions aimed at improving mental health care access, training, and outreach specifically for U.S. veterans, which indicates the primary impacted group is veterans residing in the U.S.
- It details specific target groups within the veteran community, such as minority veterans, American Indian and Alaska Native veterans, and veterans involved with the justice system (justice-involved veterans).
- Broader aspects of veteran mental health care will potentially impact veterans' families and support networks indirectly by improving veteran wellbeing and support.
- While the act is U.S.-centric, the model primarily estimates the U.S. veteran population but could include some global consideration for veterans living abroad who still access VA services.
Reasoning
- The STRONG Veterans Act focuses primarily on U.S. veterans, with specific provisions designed to assist minority, American Indian, Alaska Native, and justice-involved veterans.
- Given the VA's typical reach, the policy is likely to impact veterans across a broad range of backgrounds, occupations, and life situations.
- A portion of veterans may not experience significant changes in wellbeing due to lack of interaction with VA services, or because their needs do not align specifically with the policy provisions.
- As the budget allows for expansive but not universal reach, the impact is expected to vary based on regional VA resource allocation, existing VA involvement, and specific veteran needs.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I currently use VA services for therapy, and improvements in training and expanded access would really help.
- The Buddy Check Week sounds like a great initiative to keep veterans connected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired (Houston, TX)
Age: 66 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've never used VA mental health services, so I'm not sure how much this will affect me.
- More outreach might encourage me to explore some of these resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Nurse (Fargo, ND)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Transitioning to civilian life has been challenging, so having access to mental health resources is crucial.
- I'm particularly interested in peer support programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Freelance Designer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I face unique challenges related to my background and PTSD, so I hope these culturally tailored services will help.
- The expansion of services at Vet Centers could be a lifeline for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 51 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have used Vet Center services in the past, so their expansion is very welcome.
- The Veterans Justice Outreach Program updates might also indirectly benefit me as they reach out to others in my community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy will be beneficial for many veterans but personally, my family hasn't relied heavily on these services.
- However, I'm glad to see increased support, especially the scholarships for mental health providers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Farmer (Boise, ID)
Age: 59 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Resources through the VA could be better, and I'm hopeful these changes will make a real difference.
- I’m particularly concerned about ensuring those in rural areas get the support they need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Student (New York, NY)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The mental health support will likely benefit many of my peers who struggle during their academic pursuits.
- I'm doing okay and hope others find it equally beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Nurse (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen many younger vets struggling, and I think this policy could provide an essential support structure for them.
- I hope the outreach and peer support programs are well-implemented.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Social Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited for the increase in resources and support for mental health advocacy within the veteran community.
- Many of the strategies seem like they would address key struggles I see in my work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $550000000)
Year 2: $515000000 (Low: $460000000, High: $570000000)
Year 3: $530000000 (Low: $480000000, High: $580000000)
Year 5: $550000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $600000000)
Year 10: $575000000 (Low: $520000000, High: $630000000)
Year 100: $700000000 (Low: $650000000, High: $750000000)
Key Considerations
- The likelihood of veteran mental health improvement and its social and economic benefits are crucial for evaluating the balance of costs and savings.
- Ongoing funding adequacy for sustained program operation beyond initial implementation should be noted.
- Inter-agency coordination is crucial for successful execution.