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Regular Session, 2010 ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 32
BY SENATOR CROWE
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To urge and request state and local government agencies to improve outreach to veterans
and their families on mental health and readjustment issues.
WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of Americans have proudly served in the United
States military and the armed forces in combat zones in Iraq, Afghanistan and other troubled
parts of the world; and
WHEREAS, these brave men and women will face normal challenges readjusting
from the stress of combat back into their civilian lives; and
WHEREAS, family members of military personnel stationed in combat areas
experience emotional challenges coping with a loved one who is in danger and exposed to
events of war; and
WHEREAS, recent national data reveals higher than average suicide rates and mental
health issues for U.S. Armed Forces personnel returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom and their families and this data further reveals that returning
veterans and their families oftentimes face additional stress and pressures upon their return
due to financial and housing difficulties; and
WHEREAS, overcoming the stigma associated with mental illness and readjustment
issues and facing the question of whether to seek treatment for them is something that poses
serious challenges to veterans and their families; and
WHEREAS, many states in the nation have existing state and local community
resources that can assist returning combat veterans and their families that are dealing with
readjustment issues; and
WHEREAS, nationwide organizations exist which provide dedicated, complimentary
and confidential mental health counseling to returning veterans and their families; and SCR NO. 32 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, as Louisiana legislators, we have a responsibility to assist in the
coordination and improve the response that veterans and their families receive within the
mental health systems both in Louisiana and in the various other states.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express its support and encouragement for all efforts whether state, local or private, to utilize
outreach methods to contact, counsel, and refer veterans and their family members to the
critical health, career, and social services they have earned by their brave service and may
require at this time.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge
leaders in government, veterans affairs and mental health leadership teams throughout the
country to encourage health care and social service professionals to enhance their
understanding of mental health and reintegration issues facing veteran and their families and
to consider volunteering their services in support of veterans and their families.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
President of the United States, the Vice-President of the United States, the Speaker of the
House and House Minority Leader, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the U.S. Senate,
the members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, the Governor of Louisiana and all
Louisiana cabinet officials.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES