EL PASO, Texas -- Officials for El Paso's local authority for mental health said they're seeing an increase of suicides among military personnel. But how can an agency that cut off 1,500 patients because of a budget shortfall help?

El Paso Mental Health Mental Retardation is making some changes and additions to its facility to accommodate a growing trend among military families. One of those new elements is that the staff is training for post-traumatic stress disorder.

"The dreams are always gonna be there. Just live with it. You can still see the pictures of all the dead. They're going to be there all your life," said Mike Anslinger.

Anslinger just retired from the military after 22 years. He was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Anslinger is just one of hundreds in the Fort Bliss/El Paso community who suffer from PTSD symptoms.

"The suicides have soared for this war beyond any other war in history," said Jesus Quiroga, the manager for intake and crisis emergency for the MHMR.

As KFOX reported, MHMR will be cutting off 1,500 patients because of a budget shortfall, but soldiers with insurance will be able to get services. Quiroga says MHMR has seen an increase in attempted suicides among the military.

"We are seeing all branches of military attempting suicide, not only the active, but also the veterans and also the dependents of the individuals, which is startling to have the spouse even the children attempting suicide," said Quiroga.

"I know from personal experience, my family has been through the war just like I was but they were in the home front. We need to help them out," said Anslinger.

Now, Anslinger's experience is being used to help the thousands of Fort Bliss soldiers suffering from these symptoms. He's now the military consultant for MHMR that's helping create a pilot program to help military personnel and their families. The program is not completely funded yet, but the help is already there.

"Once we get the family involved with the whole process it's going to be a lot quicker and a lot better for them," said Anslinger.

The agency's CEO, Gary Larcenaire, said the agency is getting ready to send 1,500 letters to uninsured patients explaining that they will be cut off from MHMR services. He said patients are expected to receive a letter by the end of this week.