NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Assemblyman Felix Ortiz 51st A.D.

Albany Office Room 826, Legislative Office Building Albany, New York 12248 518-455-3821 District Office 404 55st Street Brooklyn, New York 11220 718-492-6334

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 7, 2012

Contact: (518) 455-3821

Peer Support Program for Veterans Initiative

Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz introduces new legislation calling for peer support program for veterans.

(Albany, NY) Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz (51st AD, Brooklyn) is introducing a new piece of legislation that calls for a peer support services program aiming to serve veterans throughout New York State. This program will allow peer counseling services for mental illness including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and alcohol and substance abuse. This program will also provide family support services to veterans. As the current Chair of the Assembly Mental Health Committee as well as the former Chair of Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, Assemblyman Ortiz has championed issues crucial to veterans such as access to services, tax exemption for veteran business owners, etc. Trauma and stress experienced in battle can often return home with veterans in the form of PTSD. Veterans may turn to medication or alcohol to relieve the symptoms of PTSD. This behavior can sadly lead to addiction and abuse. It is vital that our veterans are provided with counseling. This peer to peer program will allow veterans to support one another through one of the most difficult times in their lives, said Assemblyman Ortiz. Assemblyman is working to provide them the best quality care and treatment possible to overcome their various physical and mental ailments. Assemblyman Ortiz added: The supports of peers, or individuals who have had similar experiences, are valuable for people in all walk of life, but especially with veterans in helping them heal from the scars of war. Furthermore, peer counseling is a proven method of helping veterans overcome their condition. It is imperative that we put this program in place as soon as possible so that veterans will get the help they need and deserve.

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