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thedrifter
01-07-09, 08:40 AM
For Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Large numbers of vets need assistance


DEKALB – The Department of Defense Mental Health Task Force found that 38 percent of soldiers and 31 percent of Marines report psychological concerns like traumatic brain injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after returning home.

Ben Gordon Center President Michael Flora says PTSD has characteristic symptoms after exposure to an extremely traumatic experience. The experience may include direct personal injury; actual or threatened death or serious injury; or witnessing an event that involves death, serious harm to another person; or learning about death or injury experienced by a family member or other close associate.

To help, Ben Gordon Center offers free support groups for veterans on a bi-weekly basis to assist them in returning to the community. Ben Gordon can also offer an opportunity for vets who need additional mental health or substance abuse support, Flora said. Assistance is also available to families dealing with the return or absence of a member.

"According to a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the Pentagon refers only about one in five veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who screen positive for combat-related stress disorders for mental health treatment," Flora said. "The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration reports about 7 percent of veterans 18 and older experienced Serious Psychological Distress (SPD) in the past year.

"We know that those who have fought in Afghanistan and Iraq differ from those who have fought in previous wars," he added. "Also,16 percent of the troops are women, who have fought in nearly all military occupations. National Guard members or reservists are not eligible for some of the benefits of enlisted soldiers.

"When our veterans don't get care, they run the risk of arrest or jail, homelessness, depression, anxiety or suicide. The veterans support group is run by veterans for veterans. It offers a safe place for them and family members to ask questions.

Ben Gordon also has staff that work with vets and their families.

"We offer free information on our Web site about Operation Return Home, a guide for employers and families of returning vets."

The vets' support group is free. For other services, the center takes insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and CHAMPAS. There is also a sliding scale for those who qualify.

For more information, call Ben Gordon Center, 815-756-4875 on go online at www.bengordoncenter.org.

Ellie