Hearing Looks at Ways to Help Veterans (NY)

Andrew Carden | The Legislative Gazette | March 5, 2012

In an effort to improve the treatment of soldiers returning home from combat with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, advocates and veterans last week testified before the state Legislature.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that may develop following a terrifying or life-threatening event. Symptoms of the disorder include nightmares, flashbacks and severe anxiety. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 11 to 20 percent of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars suffer from the disorder.

Sen. Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga, who chairs the Senate Committee on Mental Health, wants to see veterans on the ground in every county of the state willing to assist fellow soldiers returning home from war...