Dear California Senate Committee on Appropriations,

<p>California is home to approximately 184,00 women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. However, women veterans have higher rates of suicide, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. RAND Corporation found that women veterans had a suicide rate double that of women who did not serve. According to the Journal of Preventative Medicine, 12% of female veterans experience PTSD, nearly double the rate of male veterans. By 2034, women veterans are expected to comprise 15% of the veteran population in California. Women veterans honorably serving their country deserve proper care and attention from their home state. AB 718 ensures that the mental health challenges facing women veterans in California are researched and understood, ensuring women veterans receive the proper services, support networks, and prevention tools.</p>