FLINT, Mich. — Veterans facing mental health challenges can now access free services through the COMPACT Act, which allows them to receive mental health care at any VA hospital or emergency room.
Tim Aplin, a veteran who served in the Air Force for over 40 years, says that he sometimes struggles with mental health.
“We need you, we need you here, you just need to seek help. It gets better trust me,” said Aplin.
He noted that many veterans struggle to acclimate to civilian life, feeling like “an outcast” compared to their peers.
Despite the stigma, Aplin urges veterans to overcome barriers to seeking help, such as lack of employment or medical coverage.
Some of the barriers are now removed thanks to the COMPACT Act.
The COMPACT Act allows veterans to get mental health services at a v-a hospital or any non v-a emergency room. … and the federal government will pay for it.
Wendy Schultz, suicide prevention program manager at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Hospital in Saginaw, explained that the Compact Act covers the cost of emergency room visits, transportation, and up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential care, as well as 90 days of outpatient care.
Schultz highlighted that veterans can use the Compact Act even if they aren’t enrolled with the VA.
Aplin, who is also a VFW commander, plans to spread awareness about the program, believing it could save lives.
“Somebody out there loves you, somebody needs you, you have a family,” he said,
Any veteran who needs mental health services can go to any VA hospital or the emergency room at any hospital, tell them you need help, and they will provide treatment.
For more information on the COMPACT Act, visit the link here.