WWW.USVETERANSMAGAZINE.COM SUMMER 2020 U.S. VETERANS MAGAZINE 53
address chronic pain, offer constructive ways to cope with stress, and provide an ecosystem of support and opportunities to address their underlying problems. And therein was the problem: There was no access to a comprehensive TMS treatment program in Ohio to send Harkins. Senator Hoagland decided to attack this issue simultaneously on two fronts. First, he teamed up with the Adena American Legion Post 525 to raise the necessary money to send Harkins to a Texas treatment center that incorporated TMS into a comprehensive treatment program. Additionally, he began building a coalition of Ohio Senators, House Representatives, and key leaders from the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS), and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) to support legislation that would bring a TMS program to Ohio. The act was incorporated into Ohio House Bill 166, the state operating budget. It became the first state funded TMS treatment program designed specifically for veterans, with $6 million dollars appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly to the newly established Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Fund in the state treasury. I am proud that this years state operating budget included critical new funding for a TMS pilot program to help treat struggling veterans in the state of Ohio. I'd like to specifically thank Ohio Governor DeWine, Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, and the Ohio AMVETS for being committed to our veterans and their families, Senator Hoagland said. His vision of this program is not limited to only helping Ohio veterans. This was an opportunity for Ohio to lead the way by establishing the framework for other states to adopt similar programs. If Ohio can do it, so can other states. Senator Hoagland believes it is only a matter of time before this program will be extended to Ohio first responders, law enforcement and, eventually, to all citizens struggling with mental health and substance use. His vision may seem lofty, but the Senator believes it can be done if people act. He hopes the successes of this treatment will inspire others to contact their local elected representatives to request funding to start similar treatment programs across the country. With the help of this comprehensive approach to treatment, Harkins has gotten his life back on track. He is currently pursuing a degree in social work so he can help others overcome similar challenges. Its crazy, I havent been in school for close to 35 years and recently I finished my irst semester and made the dean's list. After my fourth treatment, I woke up and realized something was different-way different. I noticed improvements in my focus. It was like the fog had been lifted and suddenly, I felt a sense of hope.
Senator Frank Hoagland speaking at the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative of Ohio forum with Ohio state Representative Rick Perales, (seated) Chair of the Ohio Legislative Veterans Caucus and statewide veterans' organizations in November 2019. This event focused on the needs of veterans who are struggling with substance misuse.
OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR FRANK HOAGLAND RALI OHIO
Senator Frank Hoagland standing for the Pledge of Allegiance before an Ohio Senate legistrative session
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