ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
Airmen and Guardians can count on to see a further referral course of for psychological well being care because the Brandon Act is carried out all through Air Power and Area Power installations.
The Brandon Act is meant to assist establish and get look after psychological well being issues by making it simpler to entry – and required of leaders to take critically – psychological well being help by referencing “The Brandon Act” once they want a referral to psychological well being companies.
The Brandon Act is known as after Navy Aviation Electrician’s Mate third Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in 2018. Teri and Patrick Caserta, Brandon’s dad and mom, have been a driving drive in implementing the Brandon Act.
“I spoke with the Caserta household and listened to their expertise,” mentioned Secretary of the Air Power Frank Kendall. “They bravely shared the story of their son in hopes to assist save others. We should honor their spirit and remind each supervisor and chief within the Air Power and Area Power of their obligation and authorized obligation to assist fellow teammates who ask for help.”
“The trail for the Brandon Act has been lengthy,” mentioned Teri Caserta, mom of Petty Officer Caserta. “However as every army service implements the act, it has renewed our hope. A hope that these new guidelines will save the lives of those that are serving on our behalf.”
“As leaders and supervisors study concerning the Brandon Act, we hope it lifts the stigma that some have when asking for assist,” mentioned Patrick Caserta, father of Petty Officer Caserta. “Asking for assistance is an act of braveness and mature judgement — in our name with Secretary Kendall, we imagine now we have the best leaders to assist lead the change and enhance our army and save lives. We need to thank Secretary Kendall for embracing and implementing the Brandon Act. We admire the laborious work that he has and continues to do for our Airmen and Guardians.”
When Airmen and Guardians voluntarily request a psychological well being referral by contacting their commander or supervisor (within the grade of E-6 or above) it invokes the Brandon Act and expedites the method. Service members could request a referral for any cause, together with, however not restricted to non-public misery, private issues or bother performing their duties. They don’t seem to be required to offer a cause or foundation for the referral.
It’s necessary for commanders and supervisors to honor a Brandon Act request.
The Division of the Air Power program shall be known as the Brandon Act – The Commander/ Supervisor Facilitated Referral Program.
“The care and well-being of our Airmen is all the time our prime precedence,” mentioned Chief Grasp Sgt. of the Air Power JoAnne S. Bass. “I’m inspired by initiatives, just like the Brandon Act, that guarantee our folks have a number of paths to looking for look after psychological well being issues they’re experiencing.”
A psychological well being analysis referral request might be made by active-duty members at any time and in any atmosphere, together with deployed areas. Members might be energetic obligation, in active-duty standing as a member of the choose Reserve, assigned to a short lived obligation station or on depart.
“Few issues are extra essential than bettering entry to psychological well being are and each enchancment issues,” mentioned Chief Grasp Sergeant of the Area Power Roger A. Towberman.
As soon as members request help below the Brandon Act, their commander or supervisor should contact the psychological well being clinic and request an appointment for the member the identical or subsequent day. The psychological well being supplier will do both a face-to-face, telephonic or telehealth appointment.
A referral below the Brandon Act differs from a command-directed or impartial referral in a number of methods. A Brandon Act referral is initiated by the service member to their commander/supervisor, whereas a command-directed psychological well being referral is initiated by a commander or supervisor and is necessary. An impartial self-referral is dealt with fully by the member themself.
Moreover, the service is working to develop annual coaching on how one can acknowledge if somebody might have a psychological well being analysis primarily based on conduct or imminent hazard for commanders/supervisors. The coaching will even embody how a member could get hold of a Brandon Act referral that protects their privateness. Additional info on the coaching shall be launched because it turns into accessible.
Extra psychological well being sources embody the 988 Veterans Disaster Line, Navy OneSource nonmedical counseling, and the 24/7 Psychological Well being Useful resource Middle. For extra info, go to well being.mil/brandonact.
