To The Reader’s Forum:

Post traumatic stress disorder is a common result of exposure to the horrors of war. Our veterans who have risked their lives and mental health for our freedom must be given the best medical care our country can provide. 22 veterans take their lives every day and the suicide rate for veterans has gone up 35 percent since 2001. We must recognize and address this tragedy. This will require mental health services, social services, and the reintegration of soldiers to civilian life. Central to this is the availability of good high paying jobs, safe housing, and support for families. We must put a renewed focus on the services provided to our district’s 55,000 veterans and take steps to ensure comprehensive mental health care and address the suicide crisis in the veteran community. With so much at stake, there is no time to waste.

Dr. Linda Andrei,

Ithaca