MI HR0217

Urges Congress, the Department of War, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans with psychological trauma from military service

Highlights promising non-technology treatments including buddy-to-buddy programs, controlled use of psychedelics in clinical settings, outdoor therapy, and easier access to service animals

Notes that Michigan ranks 12th nationally in veteran population with 516,758 veterans as of 2023, and that 882 Michigan veterans died by suicide between 2016-2020, with 170 veteran suicides in 2022

Emphasizes that reserve component and National Guard members lose access to full military health system services upon demobilization while dealing with the same psychological challenges as active-duty personnel

Calls for resources to help families of servicemembers understand and assist loved ones with psychological trauma, addressing impacts such as family violence, lower parenting satisfaction, and child behavior problems