West Chester, PA – At the first-ever graduation ceremony of the Chester County Veterans Court program, U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA-07) today applauded the graduating veteran on completion of the program. Meehan has been an advocate for veterans treatment courts – a court system to serve the unique needs of veterans struggling with addiction, mental illness, or other conditions.

Meehan was joined by Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA-06), Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffery, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan, Chester County Commissioners, and other state leaders.

“It’s an honor for me to be here to personally congratulate this veteran and acknowledge successful completion of this program,” said Meehan. “I want to applaud Justice McCaffery, DA Tom Hogan, and the other leaders in this community who made it a priority to be sure our veterans in the court system are getting the services and treatment they need.”

There are approximately 85 veterans treatment courts nationwide. Pennsylvania has 12 throughout the state, including in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties.

Earlier this year, Meehan led the fight in the House to secure $4 million for the Department of Justice to help communities establish veterans treatment courts – the first time federal funding has been secured for these courts. Meehan also introduced legislation, H.R. 3721, the Servicemember Assistance for Lawful Understanding, Treatment and Education (SALUTE) Act, which would make federal funding available for veterans treatment courts.

According to the RAND Corporation, one in five veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will experience a stress related mental illness, and many turn to drugs and alcohol to help cope from the trauma of the battlefield. Veterans treatment courts provide our returning heroes access to counseling, drug and alcohol treatment and other services as part of the criminal justice system. Successful completion of veterans treatment court programs – which includes drug testing – gives veterans the ability to lessen or dismiss the charges against them.