Veterans deserve help of board

Veterans put their lives on the line, yet too many return home to face new battles: PTSD, addiction, homelessness and a system that fails them. Access to mental health care is a top concern in Palatine, with Northwest Community Hospital consistently identifying it as a major need as many residents — including veterans — struggle to find support.

This spring, Palatine Township voters can change that by establishing a mental health board to supplement VA services and provide timely, local care for those who sacrificed for us.

The statistics are alarming. Veterans experience PTSD at higher rates than civilians, with 8% meeting lifetime criteria (Wisco et al., 2014). Substance use disorders are also more common, especially alcohol addiction (Boden and Hoggatt, 2018). Homelessness remains a crisis — veterans made up 8% of the homeless adult population in 2020 and three-quarters struggled with addiction (Miller, 2024).

Most tragic of all, suicide rates among veterans are nearly double that of nonveterans, with young veterans (ages 18—34) at almost triple the risk (Ramchand, 2002). These numbers represent real people — our neighbors, friends and family — who are suffering without the care they deserve.

A mental health board would provide up to $1.7 million annually to expand community-based care and close critical gaps. This funding would support local nonprofits and public services like crisis intervention social workers for police. Nearly 100 Illinois communities already fund similar programs — now it’s Palatine’s turn to act.

For less than the cost of a tank of gas, we can provide essential mental health and addiction support to those who served us. Vote YES on April 1 to ensure no veteran is left behind.

Richard Medina

Palatine