The legislation, the Douglas “Mike” Day Psychedelic Therapies to Save Lives Act, is named in honor of former Navy SEAL Mike Day, who took his life earlier this year. Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL himself, introduced this legislation as a way to look at treating mental illness stemming from military service.
“Mike's personal struggle wasn't an isolated case. More than 20 veterans killed themselves every day,” Crenshaw said. “27% of post 9/11 veterans are diagnosed with PTSD, and the truth is we have not made much progress in treating it. We have to think outside the box, we have to do something new.
The bill has garnered bipartisan support from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and support from former Navy SEALs such as Reps. Morgan Luttrell , Ryan Zinke , and Derrick Van Orden . It also has the support of Freedom Caucus member Rep. Matt Gaetz . Crenshaw said he wants this legislation to pass to give service members another way to treat PTSD and other traumatic brain injuries that stem from their time overseas, and he said he believes psychedelic treatment can work.