Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign

Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign
Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign Overview Brigadier General Colleen McGuire Director, Army Suicide Prevention Task Force 6 October 2009

Changing Our Perspective
“The Army’s charter is more about improving the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our soldiers and their families than it is about suicide prevention. If we do the first, we are convinced that the second will happen” “Unfortunately, in a growing segment of the Army's population, we have seen increased stress and anxiety manifest itself through high-risk behavior, including acts of violence, excessive use of alcohol, drug abuse, and reckless driving" 2

Army suicide rate has been historically lower than the US population rate
From 2001 to 2006, the “adjusted” US population suicide rate was steady at 19.5:100K while the Army rate doubled from 10:100K to 20.2:100K 22.3:100K (156/700K) 19.5:100K 20.2:100K Projected Active Duty Army Rate Adjusted US Population Rate Historic Active Duty Army Rate 10:100K 3 3

Mission Army Health Promotion, Risk Reduction Campaign (ACHP) is the means by which HQDA will direct actions necessary to implement immediate and enduring policy solutions to improve and immediately affect Army health promotion, risk reduction and suicide prevention programs Intent: Meet SA and CSA guidance to reduce Army suicide rate Analyze existing systems and processes for validity and redundancy Decrease stigma, change Army culture and create a rapid shift to socialize positive attitudes toward effectively addressing behavioral health issues Ensure care systems are holistic and integrated Actions: Established Army Suicide Prevention Task Force – 23 Mar 09 Published ACPHP Campaign Plan - 16 Apr 09 4

Indications of Increasing Risk Infidelity
Moderate Risk High No / Low Indications of Increasing Risk Infidelity Excessive alcohol use / abuse High risk driving Multiple drug use offenses Opiate-based drug misuse Sleep deprivation Erratic behavior UCMJ violations Extreme financial hardship Sexual / psychological abuse Ideations Gestures Attempts Completions Outpatient Counseling Inpatient Counseling Hospitalization Unit Postvention Mitigation Relationship counseling Financial counseling and assistance Administrative separation Increased drug use testing Review for medical retirement Non-judicial punishment In-patient treatment Intervention Management Postvention Investigation Cmd Tm & Unit Leaders At-risk Behaviors Programs 5

Develop / Refine / Adjust / Divest
Individual Soldier, Unit and Family Resiliency CSF Assessment Education / Training Interventions Treatment Initial Entry Tng Soldier Life-Cycle Low Resilience High Intervention / Treatment High Resilience Reduced Intervention / Treatment Assessment Develop / Refine / Adjust / Divest Integrate Legacy Programs Transformed Care Silo’ed programs “One size fits all” General care Integrated programs “Perfect fit” Targeted care Institutional Programs (Physical / Behavioral / Spiritual / Social…) ACPHP 6

Questions / Discussion
7

COMPREHENSIVE SOLDIER FITNESS: STRONG MINDS, STRONG BODIES
\ COMPREHENSIVE SOLDIER FITNESS: STRONG MINDS, STRONG BODIES BG Rhonda Cornum AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 8 8

As a culture, Americans have reduced exposure to unpleasantness to bare minimums. But the reality of military service in a time of war could not be more disparate. Our all volunteer Army faces repeated deployments to austere environments, facing an ambiguous but deadly enemy. When friends and comrades are injured or killed, they do not miraculously* reappear the next day in pristine condition, as they do in movies, but may be in pieces that can never be reconstructed. “… full spectrum operations—simultaneous offensive, defensive, and stability or civil support operations—is the primary theme of this manual.” FM 3-0, Operations (February 2008) AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 9 9

“We must also provide for our Families
“We must also provide for our Families. We will not be successful if we fail to care for our loved ones waiting for their Soldiers to return. We must fight for their healthcare, children, housing, and Well-Being with the same vigor we fight with on the battlefield. They deserve nothing less.” Not only must individual Soldiers be prepared for “full spectrum” warfare (from peacekeeping through high intensity conflict), but must engage in offense, defense, and “nation building”, simultaneously. Our Soldiers, often led by junior leaders in small groups, must continue to show trust, respect and compassion towards members of local populations, even when their loyalties and actions are suspect. The nation is asking a lot from these young men and women. SMA Kenneth O. Preston – Sergeant Major of the Army (December 2006) 10

CSF - What is it? CSF is… CSF is not…
“A structured, long term assessment and development program to build the resilience and enhance the performance of every Soldier, Family member and DA civilian.” Gen George Casey, CSA CSF is not… Not just another mandatory training requirement Not a “screen” for any physical or psychological disease or dysfunction, including suicide Not something we “do” after a Soldier, Family member, or DA Civilian has a negative psychological, physical, social, or professional outcome This is important- - just paraphrase the slide Comprehensive Soldier Fitness is a long term strategy, not a "stand down", "chain-teach", or other single event. Physical fitness is not achieved by a single visit to the gym, and psychological strength is not achieved by a single class or lecture. It is achieved by learning, practicing what you have learned, seeing the results, and then learning more. AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 11 11

Comprehensive Soldier Fitness
In response to the observed need, in 2008, the Army established the Directorate of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness to correct the observed gaps in capability, Because clearly- how you come out of an experience is in great measure determined by how you went in to it. We are committed to increasing the baseline resilience of Soldier prior to them being placed in the most difficult and challenging experiences. So that fewer Soldiers will have difficulties following these very difficult and challenging experiences. AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 12 12

Initial Focus Priority of Effort
Focus initial efforts on Junior Enlisted: Highest rate of PTSD, other BH problems (PDHA/PDHRA data) Highest rate of financial problems Highest rate of divorce, positive UA’s, Chapters Greatest potential Positive impact on Force Not surprisingly, there has been an increased rate of "stress symptoms" following deployments ( PTSD, depression, suicides, risk taking behaviors, family violence, drug and alcohol use), especially among junior Soldiers. This is a reflection of the fact that we are asking them to do things which are very challenging, often dangerous, and that Soldiers and their Families are variably prepared to cope successfully with significant challenge. All our Soldiers, Family members, and Civilians are Important! AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 13 13

Pillars of the Program 1. Self assessment tool (Global Assessment Tool) Deploy to entire Force Adapt to Family members 2. Self development modules queued by assessment Civilian-Military working group in five dimensions – ensures quality (Physical, Emotional, Social, Family, Spiritual) Implement simultaneously with Assessment On line and program training - available to Family members 3. Resilience training All TRADOC schools; progressive, sequential Unit Training - varies by deployment cycle Will be offered at Family Forum events 4. Master Resilience Trainers (MRT) Teaches Leaders to instill resilience in subordinates Platoon, Company, Battalion level: “Soldiers Helping Soldiers” Civilian Institution Immediate; TRADOC Long-term MRTs at BN, Brigade and Installation level supporting Soldiers, Families, and DA Civilians Modeled after the Army's approach to physical and technical fitness and proficiency, it is a four pillar approach: 1- Assessment, using the "Global Assessment Tool" (GAT) and reassessment at appropriate intervals. Begins at accession, follows Soldier throughout entire career. 2- Mandatory Resilience training- beginning at initial entry (both officer and enlisted) . Provides progressive training on techniques to improve resilience in self and subordinates. 3- Individualized training- based on performance on the GAT. 4- Trained "Master Resilience Trainers" (MRTs) with enhanced training and experience in importing the mental and physical skills important in building and maintaining resilience. AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 14 14

1. Global Assessment Tool (1/3)
Type of Assessment: Online survey via a secure website Access via AKO Number of questions: < 150 for Soldiers (pending for Family members and DA Civilians) Time required: >20,000 respondents, approximately 24 minutes Who will take the GAT: Army service members (Enlisted and Officer) to include Reserves and National Guard Army Family members and DA Civilians will have the opportunity to take the GAT and participate in Self-Development Modules in the future Beginning at accession, each individual will confidentially assess their psychological strength using the Global Assessment Tool, or GAT. The Global Assessment Tool is a survey based instrument used to assess the dimensions of emotional, spiritual, social, and family fitness. Developed by subject matter experts from the U.S. Military and Civilian Universities, the GAT comprises a series of ~150 questions, drawn from scientifically validated scales. Administered online it takes about 20 minutes to complete, and rapidly estimates an individual’s fitness in these four dimensions of strength. Individuals will complete a GAT reassessment every two years throughout their careers in order to allow time for measurable growth, maturity, and learning. The importance of this is clear: each Soldier will be able to monitor his or her personal improvement over time. AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 15 15

Global Assessment Tool (2/3)
To enhance the likelihood of honesty, no one besides the individual taking the GAT has access to anyone elses' answers, or their score. The GAT is not be used as a selection tool for promotion, command or schooling. Primarily designed as a self-assessment for the individual Soldier, when personally identifying information is removed, the aggregate scores of the assessment will help the Army determine which training is most effective in building strength in these important areas. AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 16 16 16

Global Assessment Tool (3/3)
Emotional Fitness Distribution Emotional Results to date Mean Min Max All Army 3.72 1.1 5.0 E1-E4 3.56 E6-E9 3.78 1.6 O1-O3 3.85 2.1 4.9 O6-O10 3.98 1.8 4.8 Females 3.74 Males 3.68 As of SEP 09 AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 17

All training is evidenced based
2. Resilience Training Develop critical thinking, knowledge, and skills to overcome challenges, mature, and bounce back from adversity All training is evidenced based Future curriculum development will be based on demonstrated quality, efficacy, and lessons learned Teaches people to see that: Challenges are temporary - not permanent Challenges are local - not pervasive Challenges can be changed by your own effort Also beginning at accession, growth Soldiers will receive instruction on specific mental and physical skills to enhance performance when facing challenges, regardless of whether those challenges are in their personal or professional lives, in garrison or in combat. First line leaders will be taught how to instill these qualities in their subordinates as a normal part of leadership training. There will be continuous, progressive and sequential sustainment training of both Soldiers and Leaders, given at every level of professional military development. AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 18 18

3. Self-Development Soldiers, Family members, and DA Civilians directed to a menu of self-development modules based on results from GAT. Provides evidence-based training in each area of health available based on individual needs Offered on line to all Army Components and deployed Soldiers, Family members, and DA Civilians Military and civilian expert workgroups determined the knowledge, skills and attributes for each dimension Will utilize technology to integrate outcomes; results inform decisions on which programs to continue to support, expand, or eliminate The Third Pillar is Self Development. Based on the relative psychological strengths identified on the assessment, a menu of appropriate self-development opportunities is offered to Soldiers. Each Soldier will be afforded the opportunity to improve in each of the dimensions, regardless of the level he or she is at the beginning. AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 19 19

Resilient Mental Skills
Real-time Resilience: Shut down counter-productive thinking to enable greater concentration and focus on the task at hand. Problem Solving: Increase flexibility and accuracy in thinking about the causes of problems to improve problem solving. Put It In Perspective: Stop worst case scenario thinking, reduce anxiety, and improve problem solving by identifying the Worst, Best, and Most Likely outcomes of a situation. Energy Management: Build emotion regulation, increase positive emotions and mental fitness. Avoid Thinking Traps: Identify and correct recurrent counter-productive patterns in thinking through the use of Critical Questions. Detect Icebergs: Identify and evaluate deep beliefs and core values that fuel out-of-proportion emotion and evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of these beliefs. ABC: Identify your Beliefs about an Activating Event and the Consequences of those Beliefs. (Copyright  2009 The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved). It has been shown in numerous studies that these skills can be taught, and that people who routinely use them are more optimistic, less depression, show less anxiety, and we will determine if the are more successful in the Army. 20

Strength and Relationship Skills
Identifying Strengths in Self and Others: Use the VIA Strength Survey to identify one’s top strengths and learn how to identify strengths in others. Strengths in Challenges: Learn how to use one’s strengths to meet a challenge or overcome an adversity, both as an individual and as part of a team. Active Constructive Responding: Learn a system of responding to others that builds positive relationships and strengthen bonds. Praise: Learn how to praise effectively to build mastery and “winning streaks”. Assertive Communication: Learn how to communicate clearly and with respect focusing on the 4 C’s: Calm, Confident, Clear, Controlled. (Copyright  2009 The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved). 21

4. Master Resilience Training Master Resilience Trainer
Increase core competencies such as optimism, mental agility, and self-regulation “Soldiers helping Soldiers” and “Families helping Families” Modify University of Pennsylvania materials to Soldier, Family member, and DA Civilian populations Level I 10 day course Master Resilience Trainer The fourth and last pillar of the CSF program is the Army is training subject matter experts (Master Resilience Trainers) in both the operating and generating forces to oversee resiliency training within their units. These MRTs are primarily Non Commissioned Officers, who will have consistent and direct contact with Soldiers. Master Resilience Training leads to better individual counseling; when the leader doing the counseling has a wider variety of skills to impart. Beginning in late 2010, MRTs will be placed at the installation level to teach family members and DA civilians. Level II Level 1 trained; additional 2 weeks training 25 AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 22 22

CSF Roll Out Timeline TRADOC IOC of MRT Course 1st MRT Course
GAT for Army Civilians Online Roll Out Objectives: GAT – All non-deployed Soldiers complete by March 2010 SD – Fielded concurrent to GAT and cohort specific MRT – 1800 trained in first year TRADOC IOC of MRT Course 1st MRT Course OCT O9 NOV 09 DEC 09 JAN 10 FEB 10 MAR 10 APR 10 GAT for Families Online GAT for Soldiers Online Initial GAT Review 1st MRT-Facilitator Course Legend: GAT – Global Assessment Tool SD – Self Development Module MRT – Master Resilience Trainer IOC – Initial Operating Capability

Will it Work? Does it Matter?
Establishment of the CSF program recognized the tremendous stress that Soldiers, Family members and DA civilians face during this time of persistent conflict. It seeks to educate Soldiers to overcome hardships and adverse events, bounce back, and grow stronger in the process. The endstate of CSF is a fit, resilient, and ready Army comprised of individuals with “Strong Minds and Strong Bodies”. I will be happy to entertain any questions you might have. AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 24 24

Navy Resilience Study (1/2)
Recruits Assessment (Depression, Perceived Stress, Loneliness, Coping Style) Upper 75% Normal Training ? Lower 25% Additional 45 min/ week of Group Resilience Training Day 1 Day 3 Day 4 9 Week Basic Training Results? From GoArmy.com Personal Growth: Is the Army a good option for my young adult? By becoming a Soldier, your son or daughter can realize his or her potential and develop into a true leader. A leader with the discipline and strength to achieve more than you ever thought possible. Williams, 2004 AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 25 25

Navy Resilience Study (2/2)
From GoArmy.com Personal Growth: Is the Army a good option for my young adult? By becoming a Soldier, your son or daughter can realize his or her potential and develop into a true leader. A leader with the discipline and strength to achieve more than you ever thought possible. Williams, 2004 AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 26 26

Treat Risk vs Enhance Strength Comprehensive Soldier Fitness
Navy Resilience Study Lower 25% Comprehensive Soldier Fitness AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 27

DISCUSSION AS OF: 4/20/2017 4:49 PM 28 28

Veterans Benefits Administration
Presentation for: AUSA Mike Carr Veterans Benefits Administration Office of Policy and Program Management October 2009

Compensation and Pension Education Loan Guaranty Insurance Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

VBA Regional Offices Manchester Seattle Togus White River Jct.
Ft. Harrison Fargo Portland St. Paul Boston Boise Sioux Falls Milwaukee Detroit Buffalo Providence Hartford Cheyenne Des Moines Pittsburgh New York Lincoln Cleveland Newark Reno Chicago Philadelphia Salt Lake City Indianapolis Huntington Wilmington Oakland Denver St. Louis Baltimore Wichita Louisville DC Los Angeles Roanoke Nashville Winston Salem Albuquerque Muskogee Little Rock Columbia Phoenix Atlanta San Diego Montgomery Waco Jackson New Orleans Honolulu Houston St. Petersburg San Juan Anchorage Regional Office (RO) RO & Education Regional Processing Center (RPO) RO & Regional Loan Center (RLC) RO, RPO & RLC RO & Insurance Center

In-Service VA Benefits
VA Benefits for those serving on active duty: Home Loan Guaranty Education Services Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Allowance for Adapting an Automobile Special Adaptive Housing Grant Services available 180 days prior to separation Pre-discharge Services Coming Home to Work Vocational and Educational Counseling Veterans Benefits Administration 32

Pre-Discharge Services
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Quick Start Disability Evaluation System (Pilot) Seriously Injured/Very Seriously Injured BDD and Quick Start Claims processing is available at all locations where VA excepts claims to include Veterans Online Application

VBA Outreach Programs Military Outreach Targeted Outreach
Transition Assistance Briefings Disability Transition Assistance Briefings Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Briefings Retirement and Family Day Events Coming Home to Work Targeted Outreach New Media Outreach Veterans Benefits Administration 34

Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility Criteria
Service Requirements (after 9/10/01 serve an aggregate of) % of Maximum Benefit Payable 36 months 100 30 continuous days (Must be discharged with a disability) 100 30 months, but less than 36 months 90 24 months, but less than 30 months 80 18 months, but less than 24 months 70 12 months, but less than 18 months 60 06 months, but less than 12 months 50 90 days, but less than 06 months 40 35

Post-9/11 GI Bill In general, individuals will remain eligible for benefits for 15 years from: Date of last discharge; or Release from active duty of at least 90 continuous days. Individuals will generally receive 36 months of benefits. Individuals are limited to 48 months of combined benefits under educational assistance programs administered by VA Active duty of 90 continuous days. 36

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit Payments
Tuition and Fees Charged Monthly Housing Allowance Stipend for Books and Supplies Note: All VA Regional Offices began issuing emergency payments effective October 2, 2009 37

Yellow Ribbon Program IHLs may voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to pay tuition and fees charged that are not covered under Post 9/11 Chapter 33. VA will match each additional dollar funded by the school. The combined amounts may not exceed the full cost of the school’s tuition and fees charged. Only individuals entitled to the 100% benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding. 38

Questions? Compensation & Pension: Loan Guaranty: Insurance: Vocational Rehabilitation: Education: Website Location:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration VA Medical Centers (VAMC), Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC), Vet Centers Veterans Benefits Administration Compensation, Pension, Vocational Rehabilitation, Home, Loan Guarantee, etc. Veterans Cemetery Administration Maintains national cemeteries across the country

VHA Map

VA System of Care 153 Hospitals
Over 900 Ambulatory Care and Community Based Outpatient Clinics 232 Vet Centers – Readjustment Counseling Centers – also treats family Women’s Health Program Spinal Cord Injury Rehab (SCI) Blind Rehab Centers (BRC) – VIST, BROS, etc. Residential/Inpatient/Outpatient PTSD Programs Polytrauma Rehab Centers (PRCs) Polytrauma Network Site (PNS) Polytrauma Support Clinical Teams (PSCT) In-Home Care Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Any many more….

Care Management and Social Work Service
October 2007 VHA established Care Management and Social Work Service (CM/SWS) Addressing the needs of wounded and ill service members and Veterans as well as Expanding the role of Social Work programs within VHA CM/SWS is part of the Office of Patient Care Services and has responsibility for five national programs: VA Liaison Program OEF/OIF Care Management Program National Social Work Program Caregiver Support Program Family Hospitality Program (Temporary Lodging & Fisher Houses)

VA Liaisons for Healthcare
VA & DoD partnership began in August 2003 31 social workers and nurses working as VA Liaisons in 17 Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) Integrated with staff at the MTF to coordinate health care and provide onsite consultation/collaboration about VA resources and treatment options

VA Liaisons for Health Care Assigned to Military Treatment Facilities
Ft. Lewis Ft. Lewis 1 VA Liaison 3 VA Liaisons 1 VA Liaison Ft. Drum 1 VA Liaison 1 VA Liaison 5 VA Liaisons NNMC 1 VA Liaison Ft. Carson Ft. Carson WRAMC Ft. Riley Ft. Knox 1 VA Liaison Ft. Eustis Ft. Campbell (RECRUITING) Camp Pendleton Ft. Bragg Ft. Bragg 2 VA Liaisons 2 VA Liaisons 1 VA Liaison Ft. Gordon Ft. Gordon 2 VA Liaisons Brooke Army Medical Center Ft. Sam Houston, Texas Darnall Army Medical Center Ft. Hood, Texas Eisenhower Army Medical Center Ft. Gordon, Georgia Evans Army Community Hospital Ft. Carson, Colorado Madigan Army Medical Center Ft. Lewis, Washington Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Camp Pendleton, CA National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA* Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC Womack Army Medical Center, Ft. Bragg, NC* Balboa Ft. Benning Ft. Bliss Ft. Hood Ft. Hood Ft. Stewart 1 VA Liaison 2 VA Liaisons Ft. Sam Houston Ft. Sam Houston 2 VA Liaisons 1 VA Liaison 1 VA Liaison 4 VA Liaisons **Newly established sites due to expansion of program 46

VA OEF/OIF Care Management Teams
OEF/OIF Program Manager Serves as POC for referrals from MTF; coordinates clinical care and oversees transition and care for OEF/OIF service members and veterans; assigns case managers and Transition Patient Advocates OEF/OIF Case Manager Provides case management services to Severely Ill/Injured patients and to those identified in need of case management Transition Patient Advocate (TPA) Serves as an advocate across episodes and sites of care for patients who are severely ill/injured

Family Hospitality Program (Temporary Lodging and Fisher Houses)
Provide temporary lodging to Veterans who are receiving treatment at VAMCs and their families 13 Operational Fisher Houses: Albany, NY Bay Pines, FL Cincinnati, OH Dallas, TX Denver, CO Greater Los Angeles Houston, TX Proffered and under construction-completion 2010: Boston, MA Chicago, IL St. Louis, MO Minneapolis, MN Washington, DC Augusta, GA Miami, FL Next Recommended Sites: Birmingham, AL Long Beach, CA West Haven, CT Lexington, KY Brooklyn, NY Cleveland, OH Pittsburgh, PA Murfreesboro, TN San Antonio, TX Salt Lake City, UT Milwaukee, WI

Outreach www.oefoif.va.gov Call Center Annual Welcome Home events
PDHRA, Yellow Ribbon VA developed a special website for attracting OEF/OIF Veterans at The website highlights benefits specifically for returning Service members and our newest Veterans. The website also introduces new media outreach to VA’s web presence with featured videos, a weekly OEF/OIF blog, and links to VA social media sites on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Second Life. The goal is to put the information our nation’s newest Veterans need in a convenient, attractive, and cutting edge website.

Readjustment Counseling Service
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise Readjustment Counseling Service... Alfonso R. Batres, Ph.D. Chief Officer Readjustment Counseling Service WWII American Theater Campaign Medal WWII Asian Pacific WWII European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal WWII Victory Medal Korea Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Service Medal SW Asia Service Medal Kosovo Service Medal GWOT Expeditionary Medal Afghanistan Campaign Medal Iraq Campaign Medal Navy Expeditionary Medal USMC Combat Action Ribbon USMC Expeditionary Medal

Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service... Mission Statement We are the people in VA who welcome home war Veterans with honor by providing readjustment counseling in a caring manner. Vet Centers understand and appreciate Veterans’ war experiences while assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-war adjustment in or near their community.

Readjustment Counseling Service... Vet Centers: Vet Center services do not require enrollment in the larger VA system. Eligibility is based on service in a combat theater of operations, sexual trauma while on active duty, or loss of a family member who was serving on active duty. Vet Centers have eligibility to see families for military related problems. Vet Centers are in Veteran and family friendly, easy to access locations outside of VA hospitals.

Readjustment Counseling Service... Vet Centers: Vet Centers are confidential and safe environments where services can be provided. Vet Centers have trained mental health providers, most of them Veterans themselves, who understand and respect military services and the role families play. Over 60% of Vet Center direct counseling staff are licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, or licensed psychiatric nurses.

Vet Centers: Over 42% of Vet Center staff are women.
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise Readjustment Counseling Service... Vet Centers: Over 42% of Vet Center staff are women. Over 18% of Vet Center staff are women Veterans, with over 10% having served in a combat theater of operations. Vet Centers currently have over 120 qualified family counselors on staff. All Vet Centers will have a qualified family counselor in the near future.

Readjustment Counseling Service... Vet Centers: 28 new Vet Centers have been authorized to be established in 2010 bringing the total to 299. Vet Centers are located in all 50 States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa (in 2010) and the American Virgin Islands.

Readjustment Counseling Service... Services: Readjustment counseling is a wide range of psycho social services offered to eligible Veterans and their families in the effort to make a successful transition from military to civilian life. Services offered at Vet Centers nationwide include: Counseling for Veterans and their families Marital & family counseling for military related issues Bereavement services. Military sexual trauma counseling and referral Demobilization outreach and services Substance abuse assessment and referral Employment assessment & referral VHA screening & referral VBA screening & referral Veterans community outreach and education

Readjustment Counseling Service... Vet Centers: Vet Centers have provided family services for military related issues since the program’s inception in 1979.

OEF/OIF Family Services
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise Readjustment Counseling Service... OEF/OIF Family Services

Readjustment Counseling Service... On August 5, 2003, the VA Secretary authorized Vet Centers to furnish bereavement counseling services to surviving parents, spouses, children and siblings of service members who have fallen while on active duty, to include federally activated Reserve and National Guard personnel.

Readjustment Counseling Service... The Vet Center bereavement program was developed and completely vetted through the Department of Defense. Vet Center referrals for bereavement counseling come directly from the Casualty Assistance Officers. Through August 2009, the Vet Centers have assisted the families of 1,656 fallen Service Members, 1,160 (70%) were in-theater casualties in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Of all the family members served: 36% are Mothers 22% are Spouses
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise Readjustment Counseling Service... Over 15,958 bereavement visits have been provided by Vet Center staff, many times in the family’s home. This is an average of 9.6 visits per family. Of all the family members served: 36% are Mothers 22% are Spouses 17% are Fathers 14% are Siblings 11% are Children

General Manager for Government Services, FranklinCovey
Wayne Boswell Quality of Life Chief, HQ EUCOM J1 & Shawn Moon General Manager for Government Services, FranklinCovey 6 October 2009 62

EUCOM’s 2007 Deployment & Community Counseling Support Conference
Issue To prevent caregiver burnout, EUCOM leadership needs to create and implement a comprehensive Compassion Fatigue Program (CFP) Description Caregivers (to include chaplains, medical providers, Family support staff, DoDDS-E counselors, FRG leaders, Rear Detachment CDRs, key volunteers…) are at high risk for burnout physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually Currently, there is insufficient dedicated funding for caregiver programs “Regular exposure to trauma and terrible knowledge about life can deeply affect staff's emotional, behavioral, and spiritual well-being in painful and unsettling ways. Although general work stress is frustrating, secondary traumatic stress can, over time, change people forever” Dr. Roger Friedman, Ph.D. U of M, School of Social Work Recommendation Create & implement a comprehensive Compassion Fatigue Program to prevent caregiver burnout 63

POWER Program Developed strategy with caregivers at EUCOM’s Deployment and Community Counseling Conference in Jun 08 EUCOM Beta Tested POWER Program in Sep 08 EUCOM and ERMC partnered to provide over $400K for facilitator and caregiver training and materials EUCOM conducted second Beta in Jul 09 Components hosted 3-day Train the Trainer certification course with 25 facilitators per session 26-28 August- Bamberg, Germany 1-3 September- Lakenheath, UK 9-11 September, Aviano, Italy 15-17 September, Naples, Italy 23-25 September, Kaiserslautern, Germany Late Winter FY2010, Location TBD Trainers/Facilitators provided materials to train 35 caregivers By the end of FY10, over 5K caregivers will have received the POWER program 64

POWER program objectives
Individuals will: Assess their personal level of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue and burnout via an online assessment Increase understanding of compassion fatigue Build a list of skills they can use to alleviate burnout Create an action plan to build self-care habits Learn skills to improve their professional quality of life through strengthening work-life balance Focus on taking care of themselves Develop a resiliency action plan Recognize other caregivers who need support Customize this to meet your/particpants needs on final day.

Certification Process for Trainers
Day 1 – (Same for Trainers & Caregivers) Introduction (What’s In It For Me and Common Definitions) Assess (Professional QoL Assessment & Compassion Fatigue Markers) Educate (Resiliency Skills for Self Care) Plan (Focus on Important Tasks and Resiliency Action Plan) DAY 2 (Trainers Only) Small Group Facilitation Review and Practice Exercises DAY 3 (Trainers Only) Practice Facilitation Enhance Facilitation Techniques Additional Facilitator Resources (Yearly Facilitator Enhancement Day, Monthly s, Blog, Facilitator Network Community)

Participant Feedback “POWER is liberating-- to know it’s ‘okay’ to take care of yourself.” – Airman and Family Readiness, Community Readiness Technician, Aviano, IT “I was really excited to attend this program where the approach was so much different. It made it something that not only fit into my life but promoted better care of the people who are important to me; my patients and my Family. It made me realize how much better a provider I would be if I did the things that I commit to, to take care of myself. It also provided me with very concrete ways to fit that into my schedule and some follow-up to ensure I do it.” – ASAP Counselor, Grafenwoehr “I will be taking this back to FRGs, and more importantly to our Rear Detachment personnel and Casualty Care Teams…The program is beneficial to Family members of Soldiers, Soldiers in the rear taking care of Families and Soldiers in leadership positions who are taking care of other Soldiers and it’s important that we focus on them taking care of themselves to be able provide that care giving and this course will help them do that.” – ACS, Mobilization & Deployment Specialist, Grafenwoehr “I’ve known for a long time about resiliency and the need to take care of myself and that’s what resiliency is all about. Knowing the pieces is one thing but putting it all together as a whole is another…it put it all together. You have a little piece of knowledge from here and there but until you put it all together it’s not as beneficial. It’s going to changed my attitude toward work and what I’m doing how I feel about what I’m doing.” – LCSW, LRMC

Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback