New Councilman Poised to Take on Veterans’ PTSD concerns at City Hall

January 28, 2014 2:11 PM·

Written by Adam R. Bermudez

Bronx City Council Member Andrew Cohen, newly elected to represent Riverdale, Kingsbridge and Woodlawn in City Hall, is in a unique position to influence city policy affecting returning armed services veterans from the Bronx. Cohen will chair the City Council’s Mental Health Committee, as well as sit on the Veterans Affairs Committee.

“I am delighted to be named the Chair of the Mental Health Committee and appointed to [a] seat on the Veterans Affairs Committee,” said Councilman Cohen.
“We…must do more to support our veterans who sacrifice their lives to protect our
freedoms. I believe my work on the Mental Health committee can intertwine with my
work on the Veterans Affairs committee as many veterans unfortunately return home
with mental health issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”

Many of those Bronxites from around the borough utilize the services provided by the borough’s James J. Peters VA Hospital, located in Cohen’s district on West Kingsbridge Road. A national leader in PTSD care, the Bronx VA recently conducted a nationally acclaimed study on suicide and PTSD in combat veterans.

James J. Peters VA Hospital, on West Kingsbridge Road. Photo c/o bronx.va.gov.