'I am proud to lead this initiative to help ensure more veterans dealing with mental health challenges have access to the timely care they need and deserve.'
On Thursday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) reintroduced the Sergeant Ted Grubbs Mental Healthcare for Disabled Veterans Act, legislation he also introduced in the 118th Congress. This legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to lower its Designated Access Standards to five days for veterans seeking mental healthcare for a service-connected mental disorder, for which they have a disability rating above 50 percent.
Yakym’s bill is named after retired Sergeant Ted Grubbs, a veteran and 2nd District constituent who was diagnosed with service-connected complex post-traumatic stress disorder and complex traumatic brain injury after returning from duty. In the wake of a mental health crisis Sergeant Grubbs experienced in 2023 that required prompt, in-person follow-up appointments, he was told by the VA that the soonest in-person appointment they could offer was more than two months away.
"America is the land of the free only because of brave veterans like Ted, and we owe it to them to make sure they get the help they need in a timely manner, especially when it comes to veterans experiencing a sudden mental health crisis," Yakym said. "I am grateful that Ted spoke up, and I am proud to lead this initiative to help ensure more veterans dealing with mental health challenges have access to the timely care they need and deserve."
A one-page summary of Yakym's legislation can be viewed here, and the full bill can be accessed here.
Lucas Oil named title partner of 500 Festival Parade
Applications open for new United Way of Central Indiana initiative to build community solutions
Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC announces increases over next three years
Fountain County man arrested on sex crime charges, Parke County investigation remains
Friday is National Wear Red Day
Vermillion County DCS worker facing felonies
One week left to file for office in Indiana
Bridge closures to impact State Road 42 over I-70 in Clay County
Road renaming resolution co-authored by Criswell to honor Bobby Knight passes House
Thrive West Central to host Utility Workshop
Greene Realty continues to grow
World Food Championships set for 2026 Indianapolis return
SW Parke Community Schools looking at Revision Project
NWS extends Winter Storm Warning to Monday morning
IDHS activates State Emergency Operations Center in response to winter storm
Scholarship Fund honors former Coach Blank
Winter Storm Watch in effect for the weekend, heavy snow possible
