Tuesday, December 19, 2006
CONTACT: Will Coghlan, (212)-982-9699,   

New Mental Health Survey
Shows Tremendous Strain on US Military
Reported Acute Stress Rises Along with Rate of Attacks on US Troops

NEW YORK - New data released today in the Army's third annual Mental Health Assessment shows a high incidence of mental health problems in troops currently or previously deployed to Iraq. IAVA: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (http://www.iava.org/), released the following statement in response today from Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff:

"The grave mental toll of this war comes as no surprise to the men and women who have lived it in Iraq, and in many cases, are still struggling with the effects of this war once they return home," said Paul Rieckhoff, the executive director and founder of IAVA, the nation's first and largest organization representing Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. "We will be dealing with the psychological toll of this war for decades to come."

"It is also important to note that Soldiers are reporting more frequent and intense combat experiences, largely due to the increase in the use of IEDs," Rieckhoff said. "With the increase of violence comes an increase of acute stress and resulting problems suffered by our men and women in uniform. We need new solutions to reduce this tremendous burden on our Troops, many of whom are returning to Iraq for their second or third tours."

"This survey shows positive gains in the availability of mental health resources to troops in theater, but we must remember that these men and women don't stop suffering once they return home," Rieckhoff said. "The availability of mental health care for this newest generation of veterans is an area that still needs dramatic improvement. It is inexcusable that a young veteran should be made to wait weeks or months to see a counselor at the VA, but that is the sad state of affairs today."

For more information, or to schedule an interview with Paul Rieckhoff any of IAVA's member Veterans, please contact Will Coghlan at 212-982-9699 or .

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