Chairman Takano, VA, & US Capitol Police Announce Mobile Vet Center Deployment on Capitol Grounds

WASHINGTON, D.C — Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acting Under Secretary for Health Dr. Richard Stone, and U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) Acting Chief Yogananda D. Pittman jointly announced the deployment of critical resources through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Health Administration to ensure those impacted by the events of January 6^th can access support and mental health resources needed during this critical time. Two Mobile Vet Centers will be deployed on the Capitol grounds to provide free, easily accessible mental health resources and counseling to the U.S. Capitol Police, members of the National Guard, and any Congressional staff in crisis. 

 

"I'm so grateful to VA and Dr. Stone for their willingness to offer critical assistance and mental health care to the U.S. Capitol Police, National Guard, and any Congressional staff in crisis following the insurrection on January 6^th,” said Chairman Takano. “Veterans often continue their service after the military, and we’ve seen that firsthand as USCP officers, staff, and even some Members who served have been highlighted in the days since the insurrection. VA has responded to crises across the country through its Fourth Mission from the shooting at Pulse Night Club, to the rampage in Las Vegas, and the current pandemic-- the Mobile Vet Centers deployed on our Capitol grounds will once again show how veterans and VA continue to step up and serve their community, not just their fellow veterans. With the continued deployment of thousands of National Guard troops in our Capitol region, I am elated that VA has agreed to provide these invaluable and potentially lifesaving resources."

 

“Our Vet Center teams often deploy to emergency or crisis situations to help fulfill VA’s fourth mission of caring for our communities, providing necessary counseling and connection to other community resources they may need at the time,” said Dr. Stone. “Staff are prepared to discuss and identify solutions to addressing stress, fatigue, grief, trauma and other thoughts or feelings individuals may be experiencing. We are a part of the communities we serve and want to be a part of the solution.”

 

“The United States Capitol Police is grateful for the support of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs for helping to facilitate access to these services for our officers. The continued support of the entire Congressional community, and the nation, is of great comfort to our Department,” noted Acting Chief Pittman.  

 
Process for Seeking Services during the Deployment:
Professional counselors and support staff at the two Mobile Vet Center sites, located at Lot 16 on the Senate side and Lot 5 on the House side will provide counseling, outreach, and referral services to members of the U.S. Capitol Police, members of the National Guard deployed to the Capitol, or anyone in crisis beginning February 2. These services are strictly confidential and at no cost to the individual. 

 

The Mobile Vet Centers can accept walk-in appointments from 7:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m. or if someone would like to schedule a next-day appointment, they may call the Washington, D.C. Vet Center at (202) 726-5212. Calls placed after normal business hours will be answered by the 24/7 Vet Center Call Center. Secured virtual services may also be offered by calling (202) 726-5212. 

 

Vet Center Background

Vet Centers, including Mobile Vet Centers, provide confidential counseling, outreach and referral services to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve components, and their families at 300 locations, through the use of more than 80 Mobile Vet Centers, a 24/7 Call Center and numerous access points across the nation. Mobile Vet Centers and Vet Center staff often deploy to emergency or crisis situations to help fulfill VA’s fourth mission of caring for our communities, providing necessary counseling and connection to other community resources they may need at the time. To find a nearest Vet Center, visit https://www.va.gov/find-locations or call 1-877- WAR-VETS (927-8387). 

 

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