ALPENA — Representative Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, along with fellow legislators, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), the Navy SEAL Foundation, the Green Beret Foundation, and Wounded Warrior Project, announced the launch of the Veteran Alliance for Legislative Outreach and Reform (VALOR).

In a Tuesday press release, Bergman’s office called VALOR a “first-of-its-kind national coalition.” VALOR aims to unite veteran-serving organizations, researchers, and policy to advance mental health care for veterans.

According to the release, founding members of VALOR include VETS, The Navy SEAL Foundation, the Green Beret Foundation, and Wounded Warrior Project.

The release states that each founding member brings “a unique perspective, track record, and constituency to this unified effort.”

Members of the coalition will have access to research, advocacy leadership, and a network that aims to confront the range of mental health challenges impacting Veterans and their families.

“The VALOR Coalition is uniting partners nationwide to deliver real solutions for Veterans facing PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI),” Bergman stated in the release. “With more than 185,000 Veterans in VA care suffering TBI, 13 percent diagnosed with PTSD, and over 6,000 dying by suicide each year, it’s clear current treatments aren’t enough. VALOR is advancing innovative therapies — including breakthrough psychedelic-assisted treatments — while driving research, policy, and access to care. I’m proud to stand with VALOR in their mission to give our heroes the care, hope, and healing they deserve.”