New 'Veterans Get Outside Day' Resolution Pushes Nature Therapy for Mental Health

This resolution officially declares the House of Representatives’ support for designating the second Saturday in June as “Veterans Get Outside Day.” This isn't about creating a new federal holiday, but about launching a targeted public health effort. It’s built on the sobering fact that veterans face high rates of mental health crises, including PTSD, depression, and TBI, which contribute to elevated suicide rates. The core idea is simple: since research shows spending time outdoors significantly helps mental well-being—lowering depression risk and improving focus—let’s make sure veterans are actively encouraged to tap into that resource.

The Mental Health Crisis and the Green Prescription

For anyone keeping track of veteran affairs, the numbers are tough to look at: since 2000, over 460,000 service members have been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), and roughly 20% of post-9/11 vets struggle with post-traumatic stress and depression. This resolution directly points to these gaps in care, arguing that nature should be part of the solution. If you’re a veteran dealing with the daily grind of anxiety or PTSD, this day is designed to be a clear, official invitation to step away from the clinical setting and into the restorative power of nature. It’s a low-barrier, high-impact approach to supplement existing mental health care.

Putting the Federal Agencies on the Same Page

Since this is a resolution and not a law, it doesn't mandate spending or create new regulations. Instead, it acts as a strong suggestion, encouraging key federal agencies to coordinate their efforts. Specifically, it asks the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior to work together. They are encouraged to promote "Veterans Get Outside Day" alongside the already established “National Get Outdoors Day.” For the average person, this means that the federal government is trying to streamline its outreach. Instead of the VA running one program and the Forest Service running another, the resolution is pushing for a unified message and coordinated events, making it easier for veterans to find and participate in activities, potentially building on existing perks like free national park entry.

What This Means for Real Life

While this resolution doesn't put money in your pocket, it recognizes a major issue affecting millions of families and proposes a practical, evidence-based intervention. Think of a veteran trying to manage chronic stress: a coordinated day of events means they might find a free guided hike or a fishing trip sponsored by the VA and hosted on Forest Service land, all promoted together. The impact here is on access and awareness. By officially supporting this day, the House is validating the idea that non-clinical, outdoor activities are crucial for recovery and well-being, providing a clear focal point for communities and organizations that already want to support veterans’ mental health.