Rep. Sheri Biggs pushes for expanded mental health resources
Rep. Sheri Biggs, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, is urging the current administration to enhance access to faith-based mental health care for veterans.
The South Carolina Republican recently addressed a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, requesting an evaluation and implementation of faith-oriented mental health resources. With her background in Christian ministries, Ms. Biggs believes these resources could significantly aid veterans dealing with trauma and other “invisible wounds.”
She proposed utilizing online platforms like Pray.com, which offers daily prayers and faith-related audio content. The platform includes mental health materials such as Bible teachings and meditations accessible through its app.
“Veterans require more than just another prescription; they need healing that recognizes their spiritual wounds and guides them toward hope,” stated Ms. Biggs, who also serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. “Faith-based tools are already assisting in restoring peace and purpose, and the VA should act promptly to provide these options to veterans in need.”
Ms. Biggs was joined by over a dozen Republican colleagues in signing the letter, encouraging the Department of Veterans Affairs to adopt proven spiritually grounded alternatives beyond traditional care models.
This strategy, they argue, combined with an expansion of chaplaincy services within Veterans Affairs and an integrated care office, would offer veterans additional pathways to seek help.
The letter emphasized that the Department of Veterans Affairs is uniquely positioned to tackle this crisis since its mental health services must address specific moral and existential challenges faced by veterans transitioning from combat experiences over the past 25 years.
Michael Lynn, co-founder of Pray.com, shared that the veteran mental health crisis has become deeply personal for him after losing two Navy SEALs he met at a retirement ceremony within a year due to suicide.
“That experience compelled me to take action. We needed to do more for him and countless other veterans facing this crisis daily,” Mr. Lynn expressed in an email. “This conviction led us to engage policymakers in Washington and collaborate closely with the VA.” He noted that Pray.com ensures access to both spiritually grounded and clinically validated resources for veterans.
The organization’s research indicates that utilizing Pray.com’s offerings results in a 74% reduction in stress levels, a 69% decrease in anxiety symptoms, and a 94% improvement in sleep quality among users.
The House Appropriations Military Construction and Veterans Affairs annual reports have requested that the agency assess the effectiveness of faith-based support during its fiscal year 2025 and 2026 committee reviews.
The agency has established a Center for Faith along with partnerships involving religious leaders aimed at enhancing support services.
Additioanlly, letters have been signed by over 20 Veterans Service Organizations including prominent groups like the American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America advocating similar initiatives.
Reports indicate that the VA plans significant cuts this month affecting up to 35,000 healthcare positions as part of ongoing reorganization efforts amidst nearly 30,000 employee losses this year.
