By SARAH BELLIS

News-Times intern

Whidbey Island leaders and veterans are troubled by long wait times for mental health appointments, an uptick in suicide rates, transportation barriers for disabled veterans and misdiagnoses affecting female veterans.

Friday morning at VFW Post 7392 in Oak Harbor, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) listened to these concerns and outlined what he’s done — and hopes to do — to help former and current military members. With more than 10,000 veterans living in Island County, the roundtable discussion emphasized the challenges facing those who served — and the immediate need for solutions.

“We’ve really tried to focus on four key areas: housing, health care, education and employment,” Larsen told the group, noting Washington state’s high rate of veteran homeless

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