Doctor: Study Found "Excellent Satisfaction" With VA Healthcare System.

During a segment on US healthcare, Dr. Paul Song, who supports the President Obama's reform proposal, noted on CNN's Larry King Live (8/18, 9:26 p.m. ET) that the "Rand Corporation, which is actually a conservative think tank, recently published a study that showed excellent satisfaction" with the Veterans Affairs system.
Impact: Rand Corporation study, satisfaction with VA

Rieckhoff: With Nation Focused On Health Care, Now Is The Time To Improve VA.

In continuing coverage, Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, wrote in an opinion piece appearing on the Huffington Post (8/18) that "this week, we got a brief respite from the 'public options' and the 'death panels' to hear" from the Obama Administration "about the implications of the proposed health care reform on the nation's largest health care provider," the Department of Veterans Affairs. Rieckhoff continued, "Hundreds of veterans were in attendance to hear President Obama and VA Secretary Shinseki address this issue firsthand at the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention and two town halls in Pennsylvania. They promised America's veterans that despite the rumors, VA health care will be protected." But Rieckhoff argued that "we can't stop there. We must also find ways to improve the VA." Politicians "on both sides of the aisle must work together to improve mental health care, expand rural access to the VA, and improve services for female veterans. With the country now focused on health care, there is no better time to address the unique health care challenges facing veterans."
Impact: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of American, health care reform

US Army Hopes Mental Health Program Will Reduce Stress, Suicides.

In continuing coverage, ABC World News (8/18, story 4, 2:25, Gibson, 8.2M) broadcast, "Nearly one in five soldiers deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, about 300,000, report mental health problems. Now," however, the US Army "is launching a major effort to bolster the mental toughness of all its 1.1 million soldiers. ... The Army calls this new program Comprehensive Soldier Fitness," and starting "this fall, every US soldier will be required to take" classes under the program, which will also be offered "to...family members of those fighting in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan." ABC said the "hope" of the program is "to stem the rising tide of mental health disorders inflicting so many service members, including post-traumatic stress and suicide.";
Impact: Army suicides

Lawmakers Praise VA Plan To Open New Vet Centers.

The Tri-City (WA) Herald (8/19) reports, "A center to provide to provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to combat veterans will open in Walla Walla next year," the VA announced recently. The VA "said its existing 232 community-based Vet Centers are a key component of its effort to provide combat veterans with mental health screening and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling. Walla Walla is one of 28 new locations selected to help meet a growing need for services, the VA said. 'I am pleased that the VA has recognized the needs of the Walla Walla veterans community,' said" US Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)., "in a statement. 'Especially now, with so many of our troops overseas and more and more veterans coming home struggling with PTSD and other psychological health issues, it is imperative that veterans have a support system in their communities.'"
Impact: Vet center in Walla Walla