Reps. Baker, McNally Introduce Legislation to Create Informational Veterans' Medical Posters

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) and Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) Wednesday  introduced House Bill (HB) 740, which would allow medical providers to display an informational poster regarding medical benefits and services offered for veterans.  

“Too many of the men and women who served our country don’t realize the full range of health resources and support they’ve earned,” said Rep. Baker. “This bill is about making sure that information is clear, accessible, and easy to navigate, ultimately making sure our veterans have the information needed to live healthy and supported lives.”

“I believe that the best way to help people advocate for themselves is to share information with them. This bill is meant to be a reminder of all the resources available to veterans when they are in conversations with their providers. It is so disheartening to see the statistics on mental health and suicide with our veterans. I think this information, and these posters in medical offices, can help empower veterans to share what they are going through” said Rep. McNally. 

The representatives believe in our duty to take care of our veterans, and by creating veterans’ medical posters we are educating and reminding Ohio veterans of the benefits and services available to them. This bill would require the Dept. of Health, in cooperation with the Dept. of Veterans Services, create a Veterans' Medical Poster that would include the following contact information and website information for the state and federal Department of Veteran Services, veteran health care rights and veteran legal services.  

HB 740 awaits a House committee assignment. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: A photo of Reps. Baker and McNally introducing the legislation is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Reps. Baker and McNally’s office.