I need help with a research paper. The topic is A gap in equity related to mental health access for veterans. I wrote the milestone 1 part but I am unable to complete Milestone 2 or the final paper pa

A Gap in Equity Related to Mental Health Access for Veterans

Shellee A Barbour

Southern New Hampshire University

A Gap in Equity Related to Mental Health Access for Veterans

Historically, veterans have a hard time getting any medical care, but receiving quality, effective mental health care has been almost impossible. These people faced unspeakable horrors in combat and need help adjusting to everyday life. This issue affects men and women alike and doesn’t discriminate against any ethnic background.

Mental health issues are nothing new. World War I veterans experienced PTSD, we just didn’t understand it then. There were no guidelines in place then and nowhere for these veterans to go, if they were willing to discuss their problems. The “shell shock” experienced by the World War I veterans was chalked up to a lack of courage for discipline. The Veterans Administration was established in 1930. At its inception, there were 54 hospitals, 4.7 million living veterans, and only 31, 600 employees. The main focus was on war related, physical injuries, not mental health.

A veteran’s socioeconomic status seems to have a big impact on their access to mental health services. In 2014, 4.6 million, non-minority veterans used the VA’s healthcare services while only 1.3 million minority veterans used their services. The VA hospitals are usually in big cities so if a veteran doesn’t live near one or doesn’t have access to reliable transportation they won’t be able to get help. There is also an unfamiliarity with services they might be eligible for that is a roadblock to their getting help.

The location of the VA clinics and hospitals and the lengthy application process are two reasons why many veterans are not getting the help they need. If left unchecked, these problems can devastate a veteran, life. Demographic barriers and false perceptions based on demographics such as age, gender or ethnic background could be an impediment to receiving much needed care. These men and women selflessly sacrificed themselves to protect our country and the freedoms we all enjoy. They should never be made to feel lonely or isolated. If left untreated, the mental health problems of veterans can lead to substance abuse, relationship problems, suicide and violent behavior.

References

Chubbuck, P., STR. (2017, August 29) War Veterans and PTSD. Retrieved from https://releasingthepast.com/war-veterans-ptsd/

House Committee on Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://veterans.house.gov/

Military Service History and VA Benefit Utilization Statistics. (1-110, Rep.). Washington, DC: Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from http://va.gov.