Let's Take Care of Our Veterans

"Expect the clamor to grow louder as scores of wounded military service personnel return from Iraq and Afghanistan crippled by combat stress and brain injuries.

The RAND Corporation, in their 2008 study, reports that more than 30% of returning service personnel “have a mental health condition or reported experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI).” Nearly 20% meet the criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or depression.Multiple tours and inadequate time between deployments can increase the rate of combat stress by 50%.

Blow away the smoke and Virginia’s share of this serious mental health concern comes to more than 50,000 veterans over the next 20 years. Considering the impact on spouses and children, the number increases to 200,000 during the same time period.

It’s a public health issue that the current service delivery system is not prepared to address. So, Governor Tim Kaine and the 2008 General Assembly are dealing with this challenge through the Commonwealth’s Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and new state laws that take effect July 1, 2008."

Click here to gain a better understanding:

What is the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program?

The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program will coordinate support services for veterans with stress related and traumatic brain injuries resulting from service in a combat area. The program will ensure that these veterans and their families receive timely assessment,
treatment, and support.

Who does the Program serve?

The Program supports Virginia veterans and members of the Virginia National Guard and
Virginia residents of the Armed Forces Reserves not in active federal service. The program also supports the family members of these veterans, Guard and Reserve members.

What kind of services will be provided?

Primarily behavioral health services will be provided by the Wounded Warrior Program;
however, other services, such as case management, outpatient, family support, and brain
injury services may be available as well.

Where can people go for help from the Wounded Warrior Program?

If you or someone you know is a veteran—or the family member of a veteran who may have suffered stress‐related or traumatic brain injury as a result of their service in combat, call . . .

You may also get additional information by visiting:

The Virginia for Veterans website

And

The Virginia Wounded Veterans Program

Doesn’t the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide all the services
necessary for veterans and their families?

The U. S. Department of Defense (DoD) provides treatment and health care for military service personnel up until they are discharged or retire. Veterans have access to VA health care services for five years after discharge. But, no care is available from the VA for their family members. For some veterans, access to a VA medical center or clinic may be difficult due to geographic distance or because of their injuries.

Click here for the local organization helping with TBI