WASHINGTON (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff is backing a bill to expand mental health care for veterans.
The bill is called the Building Resources and Access for Veterans’ Mental Health Engagement Act, or BRAVE.
The bill would increase the number of eligible providers, strengthen the infrastructure and technology of current facilities, and fund new efforts to support women veterans, suicide prevention programs and outreach programs.
Association, Department of Veterans Affairs reports throughout 2025 showed a monthly decline in psychologists employed by the Veterans Health Administration, with 57% of medical centers reporting a shortage.
The bill, first introduced by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) would improve access to mental health services at VA Vet Centers by increasing the number of eligible providers, strengthening the infrastructure and technology of current facilities, and funding new efforts to support women veterans, suicide prevention programs, and outreach programs.
“Too often, mental health issues go untreated because the resources and support aren’t there. Our veterans deserve better, and this legislation will help ensure Georgia veterans get the quality mental health care they need,” Ossoff said.
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