HARRISBURG, PA — Legislation requiring additional trauma-informed care training for Pennsylvania county veteran assistance directors, including education on military sexual trauma, has passed the state Senate unanimously and is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.
House Bill 2024, introduced by state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, would require county veteran assistance directors to complete additional training and certification intended to better prepare them to address the post-service needs of veterans. Shusterman indicated the proposal was developed at the recommendation of the Commonwealth’s Women Veterans Health Care Task Force.
Pennsylvania is home to nearly 700,000 veterans, and the legislation is designed to strengthen the support available to veterans who have experienced trauma during military service, including military sexual trauma.
“As with other forms of trauma, survivors of MST live with their experiences in different ways, and their mental and physical health may be significantly affected for years to come,” Shusterman stated. “It is imperative to ensure the resources and support we provide to them is effective.”
Shusterman also credited co-prime sponsor Rep. David H. Rowe Scheuren and House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair Jared Solomon for helping advance the measure.
“Their support and guidance have helped promote awareness and bipartisanship around this bill,” Shusterman stated. “I look forward to finding more ways to continue serving those who sacrificed so much for us.”
The bill passed both chambers of the General Assembly with unanimous support and now awaits the governor’s signature.
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