SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 66
(By Senators Hunter, Bailey, Edgell,
Minard, Oliverio, Wells,
Boley, Hall, Sypolt, Unger, Jenkins, McKenzie, Kessler,
Stollings, Plymale and Foster)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
family support mechanisms for dealing with mental health,
alcohol and substance abuse issues for veterans.
Whereas, There has been increasing expert and public
acknowledgment that the human cost of war extends beyond the
injuries and disabilities that arise during the term of military
service which can cause serious mental health disorders; and
Whereas, Numerous studies demonstrate that as much as 58
percent of combat veterans may have been so traumatized by the
mental demands of preparing for and participating in battle that
they developed post-traumatic stress disorder; and
Whereas, Some veterans who have been exposed to combat have
become involved in alcohol and substance abuse; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study family support mechanisms for dealing with
mental health, alcohol and substance abuse for veterans; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance compile an inventory of mental health resources currently available throughout West Virginia and identify where there are
gaps in services available to veterans and where there is strong
community support for services and how this state can optimize,
coordinate and initiate services; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance determine the best means to apprise the federal government
of the concerns of West Virginians regarding mental health issues
affecting our combat veterans and to encourage the federal
government to meet its responsibilities in this regard; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2008, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
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