U.S. military veterans have been facing significant challenges, with many struggling for years.
“A lot of them are unfortunately taking their own lives,” Veteran Affairs Secretary Doug Collins shared during an interview about the Glenbeck Program. “We simply haven’t made progress, which means it’s time for a different approach.”
Despite spending over $588 million annually on initiatives aimed at prevention, Collins noted that the suicide rates have remained steady since 2008. “We often resort to medications, but that isn’t enough,” he added.
As the country starts to focus on healing, the VA is exploring alternative therapies to assist veterans who may feel overlooked.
“We’re considering options like alternative medicines, hyperbaric chambers, and potential psychedelics for therapy. We just need to find better avenues for help; sometimes it feels like the VA only offers a prescription bottle,” Collins explained.
Glenn expressed some optimism about exploring these new strategies, saying it’s a reflection of the effort put into preparing veterans for combat, which seems lacking when they return home.
“We can train individuals to pull the trigger when necessary, which costs a lot. However, when they come home, we’re not investing enough time or resources to help them reintegrate into society,” Glenn stated.
Transitioning veterans is under the purview of the Department of Defense, and Collins has stressed the need for a reevaluation of the process to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses.
“This is why the Secretary of Defense and I are collaborating at an unprecedented level,” Collins disclosed. “I told Pete, ‘We must correct this. You may be in charge, but I’m the one facing the backlash, and I will not accept responsibility for what I can’t manage.’”
He underscored the urgency of improving the transition process, particularly for those who have already been affected by trauma.
