Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction CampaignArmy Health Promotion and Risk Reduction CampaignArmy Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign
Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign Overview
Brigadier General Colleen McGuireDirector, Army Suicide Prevention Task Force
6 October 2009
Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction CampaignArmy Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign
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"
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Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign
•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
3
0
5
10
15
20
25
Rat
e (p
er 1
00,0
00)
Civilian Rate AD Army Rate
22.3:100K (156/700K)
20.2:100K
19.5:100K
Projected Active Duty Army RateAdjusted US Population RateHistoric Active Duty Army Rate 10:100K
Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign
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
Mission
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Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign
Moderate Risk
High Risk
No / Low Risk
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 CounselingInpatient Counseling HospitalizationUnit 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 ManagementPostvention Investigation
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Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction CampaignArmy Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign
Individual Soldier, Unit and Family ResiliencyCSF
Institutional Programs (Physical / Behavioral / Spiritual / Social…)ACPHP
Initi
al E
ntry
Tng
Le
gacy
Pro
gram
s
Tran
sfor
med
Car
eSo
ldie
r Life
-Cyc
le
Low Resilience
High Intervention / Treatment
High Resilience
Reduced Intervention / Treatment
Silo’ed programs“One size fits all”
General care
Integrated programs“Perfect fit”
Targeted care
Assessment Education / Training Interventions Treatment
Assessment Develop / Refine / Adjust / Divest Integrate
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Army Health Promotion and Risk Reduction CampaignArmy Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Campaign
Questions / Discussion
7
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\
COMPREHENSIVE SOLDIER FITNESS: STRONG MINDS, STRONG BODIES
BG Rhonda Cornum
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“… 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)
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“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.”
SMA Kenneth O. Preston – Sergeant Major of the Army(December 2006)
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CSF - What is it? CSF - What is it?
AS OF: 04/19/23 09:49
CSF is…
“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
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Comprehensive Soldier Fitness
AS OF: 04/19/23 09:49
AgendaArmy G-3/5/7Army G-3/5/7
AMERICA’S ARMY:THE STRENGTH OF THE NATION
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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
All our Soldiers, Family members, and Civilians are Important!
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Initial FocusInitial Focus
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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
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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
1. Global Assessment Tool (1/3)
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Global Assessment Tool (2/3)
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Global Assessment Tool (3/3)Global Assessment Tool (3/3)
Emotional Fitness Distribution
Emotional Results to date
As of 1200 24 SEP 09
Mean Min Max
All Army 3.72 1.1 5.0
E1-E4 3.56 1.1 5.0
E6-E9 3.78 1.6 5.0
O1-O3 3.85 2.1 4.9
O6-O10 3.98 1.8 4.8
Females 3.74 1.6 4.9
Males 3.68 1.1 5.0
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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
2. Resilience Training2. Resilience Training
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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
3. Self-Development 3. Self-Development
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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).
Resilient Mental Skills
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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).
Strength and Relationship Skills
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4. Master Resilience Training4. Master Resilience Training
AS OF: 04/19/23 09:49
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
10 day course
Level 1 trained; additional 2 weeks training
Level I
Level II
Master Resilience Trainer
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Initial GAT
Review
TRADOC IOC of MRT
Course
GAT for Army Civilians
Online
CSF Roll Out Timeline
1st MRT-Facilitator
Course
Roll Out Objectives:1.GAT – All non-deployed Soldiers complete by March 20102.SD – Fielded concurrent to GAT and cohort specific3.MRT – 1800 trained in first year
Legend:1.GAT – Global Assessment Tool2.SD – Self Development Module3.MRT – Master Resilience Trainer4.IOC – Initial Operating Capability
GAT for Soldiers Online
1st MRT Course
GAT for Families Online
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Will it Work?
Does it Matter?
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Navy Resilience Study (1/2)
AS OF: 04/19/23 09:49Williams, 2004
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Navy Resilience Study (2/2)
AS OF: 04/19/23 09:49Williams, 2004
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Comprehensive Soldier Fitness
AS OF: 04/19/23 09:49
Navy Resilience Study
Lower 25%
Treat Risk vs Enhance Strength
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DISCUSSION
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 2929
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration
Presentation for:Presentation for:AUSA AUSA
Mike CarrMike CarrVeterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration
Office of Policy and Program ManagementOffice of Policy and Program Management
October 2009 October 2009
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 3030
Veterans Benefits Administration
Compensation and Pension Education Loan Guaranty Insurance Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 3131
San Juan
Seattle
Portland
Togus
Buffalo
White River Jct.
Manchester
Boston
ProvidenceHartford
Roanoke
Winston Salem
St. Petersburg
Wilmington
New York
PhiladelphiaNewark
Baltimore
RenoSalt Lake City
Albuquerque
Phoenix
Denver
Boise
Ft. Harrison
Cheyenne
Sioux Falls
Fargo
Lincoln
Columbia
St. Paul
Waco
Muskogee
Wichita
MilwaukeeDetroit
Houston
New Orleans
Jackson
LittleRock
St. Louis
Des Moines
San Diego
Nashville
AtlantaMontgomery
Indianapolis
Chicago
Louisville
Pittsburgh
Oakland
Cleveland
Los Angeles
Huntington
DC
Regional Office (RO) RO & Education Regional Processing Center (RPO) RO & Regional Loan Center (RLC)RO, RPO & RLCRO & Insurance Center
Honolulu
Anchorage
VBA Regional OfficesVBA Regional Offices
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 3232
In-Service VA BenefitsIn-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
3232Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 3333
Pre-Discharge Services 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
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 3434
VBA Outreach ProgramsVBA Outreach Programs
3434Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration
Military 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 AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 35353535
Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility CriteriaPost-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)
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
100
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 36363636
Post-9/11 GI BillPost-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
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 37373737
Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit PaymentsPost-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
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 38383838
Yellow Ribbon ProgramYellow 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.
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration 3939
Veterans Benefits AdministrationVeterans Benefits Administration
Questions?
Compensation & Pension: 800.827.1000
Loan Guaranty: 800.244.6711Insurance: 800.669.8477Vocational Rehabilitation: 800.827.1000Education: 888.442.4551
Website Location: www.va.gov
Department of Veterans AffairsCare Management and Social
Work Service
Department of Veterans AffairsCare Management and Social
Work Service
Jennifer Perez, LICSW, Acting Chief Consultant
Care Management and Social Work Service,Office of Patient Care Services,
Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office
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
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
Ft. LewisFt. Lewis
Camp PendletonCamp Pendleton
Ft. CarsonFt. Carson
Ft. HoodFt. Hood
Ft. Sam HoustonFt. Sam Houston
BalboaBalboaFt. GordonFt. Gordon
Ft. BraggFt. Bragg
VA Liaisons for Health Care Assigned to Military Treatment
Facilities
4 VA Liaisons
2 VA Liaisons
3 VA Liaisons
5 VA Liaisons1 VA Liaison
2 VA Liaisons2 VA Liaisons
2 VA Liaisons
2 VA Liaisons
1 VA Liaison
Ft. BenningFt. Benning
1 VA Liaison
Ft. StewartFt. Stewart 1 VA Liaison
1 VA Liaison
Ft. KnoxFt. Knox
Ft. Drum
1 VA Liaison
1 VA Liaison
1 VA Liaison
1 VA Liaison
1 VA LiaisonFt. RileyFt. Eustis
NNMC
WRAMC
Ft. CampbellFt. Campbell(RECRUITING)(RECRUITING)
Ft. Bliss
**Newly established sites due to expansion of program
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
Outreach
www.oefoif.va.gov Call Center Annual Welcome Home events PDHRA, Yellow Ribbon
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...Readjustment Counseling Service...
WWII American TheaterCampaign Medal
WWII Asian PacificCampaign Medal
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 MedalUSMC Combat Action Ribbon USMC Expeditionary Medal
Alfonso R. Batres, Ph.D.Alfonso R. Batres, Ph.D.Chief OfficerChief OfficerReadjustment Counseling ServiceReadjustment Counseling Service
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...Readjustment Counseling Service...
We are the people in VA who We are the people in VA who welcome home war Veterans welcome home war Veterans
with honor by providing with honor by providing readjustment counseling in a readjustment counseling in a caring manner. Vet Centers caring manner. Vet Centers understand and appreciate understand and appreciate
Veterans’ war experiences while Veterans’ war experiences while assisting them and their family assisting them and their family members toward a successful members toward a successful post-war adjustment in or near post-war adjustment in or near
their community.their community.
Mission StatementMission Statement
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...Readjustment Counseling Service...
Vet Centers:
• Vet Center services do not require enrollment in the Vet Center services do not require enrollment in the larger VA system. Eligibility is based on service larger VA system. Eligibility is based on service in in a combat theater of operations, sexual a combat theater of operations, sexual trauma while trauma while on active duty, or loss of a family on active duty, or loss of a family member who was member who was serving on active duty.serving on active duty.
• Vet Centers have eligibility to see families for military Vet Centers have eligibility to see families for military related problems.related problems.
•Vet Centers are in Veteran and family friendly, easy to Vet Centers are in Veteran and family friendly, easy to access locations outside of VA hospitals.access locations outside of VA hospitals.
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...Readjustment Counseling Service...
Vet Centers:
• Vet Centers are confidential and safe environments Vet Centers are confidential and safe environments where services can be provided.where services can be provided.
•Vet Centers have trained mental health providers, most Vet Centers have trained mental health providers, most of them Veterans themselves, who understand of them Veterans themselves, who understand
and respect military services and the role families and respect military services and the role families play. play.
• Over 60% Over 60% of Vet Center direct counseling staff are Vet Center direct counseling staff are licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, or or licensed psychiatric nurses.licensed psychiatric nurses.
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...Readjustment Counseling Service...
Vet Centers:
• Over 42% of Vet Center staff are women.Over 42% of Vet Center staff are women.
• Over 18% of Vet Center staff are women Veterans, Over 18% of Vet Center staff are women Veterans, with over 10% having served in a combat theater with over 10% having served in a combat theater of of operations.operations.
• Vet Centers currently have over 120 qualified Vet Centers currently have over 120 qualified family family counselors on staff. All Vet Centers will have a counselors on staff. All Vet Centers will have a qualified qualified family counselor in the near future.family counselor in the near future.
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...Readjustment Counseling Service...
Vet Centers:
• 28 new Vet Centers have been authorized to be 28 new Vet Centers have been authorized to be established in 2010 bringing the total to 299.established in 2010 bringing the total to 299.
• Vet Centers are located in all 50 States, District of Vet Centers are located in all 50 States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa American Samoa (in 2010) and the American Virgin Islands. (in 2010) and the American Virgin Islands.
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...Readjustment Counseling Service...
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
Services:
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...Readjustment Counseling Service...
Vet Centers:
• Vet Centers have provided family services for military related issues since the program’s inception in 1979.
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...Readjustment Counseling Service...
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
OEF/OIF Families 1,187 1,981 2,443 3,127
2005 2006 2007 2008
OEF/OIF Family Services
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...Readjustment Counseling Service...
On August 5, 2003, the VA Secretary authorized On August 5, 2003, the VA Secretary authorized Vet Centers to furnish bereavement counseling Vet Centers to furnish bereavement counseling services to surviving parents, spouses, children services to surviving parents, spouses, children
and siblings of service members who have and siblings of service members who have fallen while on active duty, to include federally fallen while on active duty, to include federally
activated Reserve and National Guard activated Reserve and National Guard personnel.personnel.
Celebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations VeteransCelebrating 30 Years in Service to our Nations Veterans …Keeping the Promise …Keeping the Promise
Readjustment Counseling Service...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.
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Of all the family members served:
36% are Mothers22% are Spouses17% are Fathers14% are Siblings11% are Children
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.
Wayne BoswellQuality of Life Chief,
HQ EUCOM J1 &
Shawn MoonGeneral Manager for
Government Services, FranklinCovey
6 October 2009
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
EUCOM’s 2007 Deployment & Community Counseling Support Conference
•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
POWER Program
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
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 E-mails, 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