UNMASKING MENTAL HEALTH DISPARITIES: A G.I. BILL POLICY PERSPECTIVE ON THE U.S. MILITARY

Abstract

Following World War II, an influx of 15 million servicemen and women returned to the United States, yearning to reintegrate into civilian life. The instrumental intervention of the G.I. Bill, championed by the Roosevelt administration, proved pivotal in providing federal support for crucial services like healthcare, education, home acquisition, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Through multiple amendments, including the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, the focus has shifted towards bolstering access to benefits, extending entitlements to families, and addressing disparities in educational accessibility (Kleykamp, 2013). However, the specter of invisible disabilities, particularly mental illness, continues to cast a long shadow over this population. While strides have been made in the transitional process, veterans grapple with formidable obstacles, often facing unperceived and unmet needs within a system meant to support them (Boulton, 2014). Despite soaring demand, mental health services for veterans remain hindered by formidable barriers, and in some instances, remain frustratingly inaccessible (Spirada et al., 2020). It is imperative to acknowledge that deeply ingrained social challenges often trace their roots to longstanding policies. Effecting change in the lives of veterans requires a thorough reexamination of the G.I. Bill