Oklahoma PTSD, brain trauma bill would create training programs for military members, caregivers

TULSA - A bill intended to aid Oklahoma National Guardsmen and their families passed the Senate with ease Monday, and now heads for the House.

Senate Bill 527, which received a 44-0 approval, would create pilot programs for guard members returning home with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries. 

SEE THE BILL (http://bit.ly/XH3QfO)

Sen. Brian Crain, who co-authored the legislation, says the programs would be geared to assist the friends and family members acting as caregivers for returning troops.

With each of these conditions, it may appear as though the individual is healthy, when in fact, they are dealing with multiple symptoms that can be debilitating,” Crain said. These pilot programs will help give their caregivers access to the latest information about these conditions, what triggers or symptoms they should be aware of, and how they can best help their loved ones.”

U.S. service members committed suicides at a record pace in 2012: 349 members of the Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard took their lives, an NBC source told the outlet in January.

That number equates to one every 25 hours.  

Whether the bill passes the House or not, there are a number of crisis options military members have at their disposal.

Veterans may call the Veterans Crisis Line toll-free at 1-800-273-8255, texting 838255 or going online to veteranscrisisline.net.