The two organizations will partner together to increase the focus on clinical trials for psychedelic medications to treat serious mental illness.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to guarantee the implementation of the president’s Executive Order to accelerate medical treatments for serious mental illnesses. The action follows President Trump’s order, which included instructions to explore the use of psychedelic drugs to treat veterans and others with serious mental illnesses.
The memorandum of understanding signed by the two departments lays the groundwork for the federal agencies to partner on psychedelic drug trials. This includes efforts to increase the number of participants in clinical trials; provide training for therapists, doctors, and nurses involved in clinical trials; collect and share data on the effectiveness, safety, and cost of potential psychedelic drug therapies; share data with the FDA for approval of tested treatments; and develop educational materials for patients after a treatment has been approved.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said that the research could turn into “life-changing treatment.“ He said, “President Trump opened up a world of possibility for treating Veterans and others with mental health conditions, and VA is proud to be part of this important work.”
“America owes every Veteran the best care our nation can provide,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We’re not going to wait while promising treatments sit on the sidelines.”
The VA is currently involved in 20 different active clinical trials surrounding the use of psychedelic therapies for various mental health conditions.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Kennedy as he collaborates with VA officials on scientific research on psychedelic drugs.
- For Secretary Collins as he facilitates the trials seeking to improve treatment for veterans’ mental health.
- For VA and HHS officials who will oversee and conduct the clinical trials.
- For healing for the veterans who will be participating in the clinical trials
Sources: Department of Veterans Affairs
