Local veterans and those across the country who are struggling with mental health issues will have more clinicians available to help them soon.

U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki on Tuesday announced the department would add about 1,600 mental health clinicians and nearly 300 support staff to its existing workforce nationally.

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that about 30 clinicians and five support personnel will be hired to support mental health operations at the Wilkes-Barre Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Plains Township and six outpatient clinics in the region.

Funding has been distributed and recruitment is under way.