Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
On Memorial Day, Veterans Speak Out On Troubles With Mental Health, PTSD And Sexual Assaults Gone Unprosecuted
The New York Times: U.S. Army’s Tweet Prompts Stories Of Harmful Effects Of Military Service
It was meant to be part of a social media tribute on Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday afternoon, the United States Army posted a video on Twitter featuring a scout in fatigues who said his service gave him the opportunity to fight for something greater than himself, making him a better man. In its next tweet, the Army opened the floor and asked: “How has serving impacted you?” The post was shared widely and received thousands of responses. But many were probably not what the Army was looking for. (Zaveri, 5/26)
PBS NewsHour: Why Many Combat Veterans Are Still Suffering, Years After The Fight Ended
On average, 20 U.S. military veterans daily die by suicide, and suicides among active duty personnel are increasing. A number of treatments for veterans with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder exist, but they have drawbacks. (Cerre, 5/27)
The Associated Press Fact Check: Trump Takes Credit For Obama's Gains For Vets
Boastful on the occasion of Memorial Day, President Donald Trump and his Veterans Affairs secretary are claiming full credit for health care improvements that were underway before they took office. Trump said he passed a private-sector health care program, Veterans Choice, after failed attempts by past presidents for the last "45 years." That's not true. The Choice program, which allows veterans to see doctors outside the government-run VA system at taxpayer expense, was first passed in 2014 under President Barack Obama. (Yen, 5/27)
And in other news —
Politico: Vets Who Use Medical Marijuana Hit VA Obstacles
U.S. veterans who use medical marijuana are ensnared between harsh federal drug laws and the state-based push for legalization — and some say it’s blocked them from job training or other benefits. Access to medical marijuana has quickly risen to the top of the veterans advocacy world as groups address chronic pain, depression and suicide rife in the veteran community. Both the American Legion, the country's largest vet organization, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, have made researching the plant’s medicinal value a top legislative goal. (Owermohle, 5/23)
