Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. Interview on Purple Heart Radio Highlight Support of National PTSD Hotline

Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. Interview on Purple Heart Radio Highlights His Support of National PTSD Hotline

for Veterans in Need of Services

Congressman Kagen, 8th district (D-WI) Discusses Importance of Veteran Operated

PTSD Hotline For Returning Veterans Dealing with Affects of Serving in War-Time

and Integrating Into Civilian Life

Internet-based Purple Heart Radio (PHR) hosted a second interview with Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D., discussing his position on the need for a dedicated, national hotline for US military veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD). 

Experience as an elected official, and as a respected medical professional, Congress Kagen is a long-time supporter of the development of a National PTSD Hotline for veterans, as well as their immediate family members. When asked by PHR host Mr. Z, a disabled American veteran of the 101^st Airborne,  if he would be willing to introduce specific legislation to support the proposed PTSD Hotline staffed by other combat veterans, the Congressman’s answer was a resounding, “Yes!”

Congressman Kagen explained, “There is a different conversation that takes place between one vet to another vet. There is no greater frontline than another veteran answering the telephone.”

According to Invisible Wounds of War: Psychological and Cognitive Injuries, Their Consequences, and Services to Assist Recovery, a new study released and funded by the California Community Foundation, 19 percent of those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan reported experiencing possible traumatic brain injury, but many, fearing the stigma attached to psychological illness, did not seek help. The study estimates that PTSD and depression among returning troops will cost the nation as much as $6.2 billion over two years in medical costs, lost productivity, and lives lost to suicide.

To hear the interview in its entirety and to learn more about Purple Heart Radio, visit www.PurpleHeartRadio.com

About Congressman Steve Kagen http://kagen.house.gov/

About the Purple Heart Radio

Launched in the spring of 2008, Purple Heart Radio, an Internet-based radio station with a call sign “The Voice of the Veteran,” is dedicated to the brave men and women who have received the Purple Heart medal. Purple Heart Radio is continuously streaming on the Internet atwww.purpleheartradio.com.