Give an Hour is a not for profit online resource that provides anyone who served in the military, their families, and those who considers themselves a “loved one” free consultations with volunteer mental health professionals. There is no time requirement for military service, so anyone who attended Day 1 of boot camp is eligible regardless of discharge status
PREVENTing Suicide September was Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This September, progress was made in several pieces of legislation addressing suicide prevention. Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act Veterans COMPACT Act The Brandon Act In an executive summary of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, a somber… Read more »
The eras of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has led to an increase of veterans with mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And since Sept. 11, 2001, over 150,000 soldiers have been discharged from the Army with a less-than-honorable discharge. By receiving these discharges, these veterans no longer have access to government benefits that would help them with their mental health. Instead of assistance, many veterans have faced unemployment, substance abuse, or homelessness. A new lawsuit hopes to provide some of them with upgraded discharge statuses to get them the help and services they need.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979. Observed on the 3rd Friday in September to recognize and honor those that were Prisoners of War (POW) or those who are still Missing in Action (MIA). Included is a personal account and remembrance by Lori Waddell of her grandfather, Fred Jossi, a POW during World War II.
Senators are calling on the House of Representatives to pass the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. This landmark legislation is named to honor the legacy of retired Navy SEAL Commander John Scott Hannon. The bill is focused on efforts to prevent veteran suicides and improve mental health outcomes through improved access to care, better diagnostic tools, and increased oversight of VA programs.
The PAWS Veterans Therapy Act aims to help veterans with PTSD by providing them with access to trained service dogs. Learn more about this important piece of legislation. Read more.
Update July 13, 2023: The Brandon Act is a federal law that “creates a self-initiated referral process for service members seeking a mental health evaluation,” according to the Department of Defense. The law was also created to reduce stigma by allowing troops to get mental health services on a confidential basis. President Joe Biden signed… Read more »
COVER Commission Recommends Marijuana & Psychedelic Research for PTSD Treatment The COVER (Creating Options for Veterans Expedited Recover) Commission, which is a federal commission that evaluates mental health treatment options for veterans within the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), released a report in January of this year recommending the VA expand its mental health research… Read more »
Estimates indicate that a whopping 20% of veterans suffer from PTSD, which is one of the most common trauma-induced mental illnesses afflicting veterans today. Recently researchers found that walking with a dog from local shelters had a greater effect on psychological and physiological stress indicators in veterans when compared to walking with another human.
PTSD Awareness Day Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a global problem. It is a mental health disorder that some people develop after experiencing a traumatizing or life-threatening event. To shed light on this far reaching problem, June 27th has been designated National PTSD Awareness Day, and it is a great opportunity to talk with… Read more »