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Veterans hospital adds mental health staff

columbiamo.va.gov

The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia is adding seven new positions in its mental health care programs for veterans.

It is part of an effort by the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expand the availability of mental health care for returning veterans nationwide. Truman Veterans Hospital spokesperson Stephen Gaither said the new positions will increase efficiency.

“The real philosophy there is that with additional staffing we’ll be able to do a better job in reaching out to those particular veterans in a more timely manner.”

Gaither said that the expansion will help mental health staff to adequately meet the needs of veterans at local community clinics. The local clinics provide veterans easier access to mental health services.