A group of lawmakers led by Congressmembers Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) have sent a letter to Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health Shereef Elnahal requesting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to produce a strategic plan to implement MDMA therapy in-house if it’s approved by FDA.
MDMA tablets, often referred to as “ecstasy”.
“The effects of emerging therapies for our veterans have been groundbreaking, and I’m proud to be a leader on pushing forward this innovative tool into the proverbial toolbox, especially while moving away from opioids,” said Congressmember Luttrell in a press release. “As the FDA is finally playing ball to move towards approving these therapies, it’s critical we ensure the VA has an implementation plan and can effectively and efficiently treat veterans.”
Congressmember McGarvey said “VA is the leader in mental health care for veterans, and its providers’ specialized knowledge in treating issues such as combat trauma and military sexual trauma is unmatched by any other healthcare system in this country. We want to be prepared to support the VA in leading the nation through expanded research and clinical implementation of this novel care model, ensuring veterans receive access to the highest quality mental health care available.”
Other cosigners of the letter include Congressmembers:
- Jack Bergman (R-MI)
- Julia Brownley (D-CA)
- Nikki Budzinski (D-IL)
- Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL)
- Chris Deluzio (D-PA)
- Greg Landsman (D-OH)
- Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA)
You can read the letter in full by clicking here.
