An Army health official recently shed light on the limitations in health care coverage for reservists compared to full-time soldiers during a panel investigation into a tragic mass shooting by a reservist experiencing a psychiatric breakdown.
Reservists in New England face challenges as there are no Army hospitals in the region, and they typically do not qualify for care through Veterans Administration hospitals. Consequently, reservists often rely on private health care providers. However, these providers are restricted from sharing information with the Army command structure without the patient's consent, creating potential gaps in communication that could hinder commanders from having a comprehensive understanding of their soldiers' overall health.
While the U.S. Army Reserve Command oversees the Psychological Health Program, which offers various services for soldiers and their families in times of crisis, it is important to note that the program cannot mandate treatment for reservists; only a commander has the authority to do so. Additionally, there may be communication breakdowns, and soldiers sometimes hesitate to seek treatment due to concerns that a mental health treatment record could negatively impact their careers.
The independent commission established by the governor is investigating the facts surrounding the mass shooting that took place at a bowling alley and a bar and grill, resulting in 18 fatalities and 13 injuries. The gunman, who later died by suicide, had exhibited signs of growing paranoia leading up to the incident and had been hospitalized for a psychiatric breakdown during a military training session.
In response to the shooting, the state Legislature passed new gun laws aimed at enhancing Maine's existing “yellow flag” law, which prohibits the transfer of firearms to individuals prohibited from ownership and increases funding for mental health crisis care. The commission is expected to release its final report later this summer.
A preliminary report from the commission criticized the police's handling of the removal of the gunman's weapons, suggesting that law enforcement should have taken action under the yellow flag law to prevent the tragedy. Mental health experts emphasize that individuals with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators and stress the importance of addressing access to firearms as part of the solution.
