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History
- Referred to mental health and developmental disabilities
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Establishes a peer support program for veterans
In Senate Committee · Veterans, Homeland Security And Military Affairs · Sponsor Felix Ortiz
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S7819
Title of bill
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing a peer support program for veterans
Purpose
The purpose of this bill is to establish a certified peer counselors program for veterans who are suffering from any or combination of the following: mental illness, alcohol abuse, and chemical dependence.
Summary of provisions
The mental hygiene law is amended by adding a new section 7.42 that requires Commissioner of mental health, commissioner of alcoholism and substance abuse services and director of division of veterans affair to develop a minimum of two regional peer support services programs for veterans. The program shall include, but not limited to, peer counseling for mental illness including post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse counseling, information on access to services, family support services, and specialized services for female service members and veterans.
Justification
Trauma and stress experienced in battle can often return home with veterans in the form of PTSD. Veterans may turn to medication or alcohol to relieve the symptoms of PTSD. This behavior can sadly lead to addiction and abuse.
The supports of peers, or individuals who have had similar experiences, are valuable for people in all walk of life, but especially with veterans in helping them heal from the scars of war. Furthermore, peer counseling is a proven method of helping veterans overcome their condition. It is vital that our veterans are provided with counseling. This peer to Peer program will allow veterans to support one another through one of the most difficult times in their lives.
The sooner that this program is put in place, the sooner the veterans will be able to get the help they need and deserve.
Legislative history
2011/12 - A9679A - Ref to Ways and Means
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.