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Veterans

Veterans' Care and Incarceration: Congressman Joe Sestak's Efforts to Address Invisible Wounds

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Congressman Joe Sestak, a Vietnam veteran and former three-star Admiral, has been highlighting the challenges faced by returning servicemembers who have received inadequate resources, particularly those struggling with substance dependence or abuse and incarcerated due to service-related injuries and impairments. On Veterans Day, Sestak spoke with inmates at the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Graterford, where he stressed the need for a seamless transition from active duty to the VA medical system and access to medical treatment appropriate to a Veteran's condition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Joe Sestak has advocated for a seamless transition from active duty to the VA medical system and access to medical treatment appropriate to a Veteran's condition.
  • The 2004 Department of Justice study showed that 140,000 Veterans were incarcerated in state and federal prisons, with more than three out of five suffering from substance dependence or abuse.
  • At least ten percent of the approximately 2.2 million incarcerated Americans are Veterans, with 46 percent of Veterans in federal prison and 15 percent in state prison incarcerated for drug violations.
  • Sixty-one percent of incarcerated Veterans met the DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence or abuse, with more than half serving during wartime.
  • Congressman Sestak has introduced legislation to combat homelessness among Veterans, including increasing the amount of assistance that Veterans housing vouchers can provide.
  • He also helped pass the Homes for Heroes Act of 2009 and the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 to provide additional support to homeless Veterans.
  • Congressman Sestak's staff has worked over five thousand cases for Veterans and their families, emphasizing the need for a seamless transition from the military to the VA and closer collaboration between the VA and correctional facilities.
  • Congressman Sestak, a 31-year Navy veteran, is the first Director of Deep Blue, the Navy's anti-terrorism unit, and serves as the Representative from the 7th District of Pennsylvania.

Statistics:

  • 140,000 Veterans were incarcerated in state and federal prisons in 2004 (Source: Department of Justice study)
  • At least ten percent of the approximately 2.2 million incarcerated Americans are Veterans (Source: various estimates)
  • 46 percent of Veterans in federal prison and 15 percent in state prison were incarcerated for drug violations (Source: unknown date)
  • Sixty-one percent of incarcerated Veterans met the DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence or abuse (Source: unknown date)
  • More than half of Veterans in federal or state prisons served during wartime (Source: unknown date)
  • Congressman Sestak's staff has worked over five thousand cases for Veterans and their families (Source: Congressman Sestak's office)

Sources:

  • Office of Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak
  • 2004 Department of Justice study (no date mentioned)
  • Unknown date (no specific source mentioned)
  • Congressman Sestak's office (no date mentioned)
  • Office of the House Historian (no date mentioned)

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