Public Safety Signals
A discussion of Public Safety issues and why they matter
Capella University study explores returning veterans’ mental health
2008 Jul 2 Posted by Charles
As a military veteran I was very pleased to learn that Capella University has just released the results of a study entitled Joining Forces America that explored post-combat mental health and reentry issues of returning service members. The military is a major component of our country’s public safety infrastructure and this is a very important area for discussion and action.
The controversially charged nature of our military deployments will be debated for some time. Yet, what I believe to be less debatable is that the entire country must rally around, and support, our returning soldiers to ensure a successful reintegration into society. Some of these young men and women have endured life-altering experiences during their deployment. I think that this study highlights these pressing, and in many ways unmet, needs of our returning service members.
Thank you in advance for sharing any thoughts on this issue and for visiting the study’s website at www.joiningforcesamerica.org.
Please have a safe and glorious July 4th!
Charles
5 Responses to “Capella University study explores returning veterans’ mental health”
Charles Says:
Cathy, I am interested in learning more about your comment about internships/practicums and to see how I might be able to help. Would you please email me so that we can discuss this further?
Thank you.
Charles
Joy Spicer Says:
I would be interested in hearing the outcome/discourse surrounding Cathy’s concerns. It is refreshing to see a University that will publically discuss its possible shortcomings instead of hiding behind a veil…
john hosey Says:
As the clergy mental health coordinator for a relief agency in Biloxi, MS, I know the VA is attempting for the first time to involve community agencies for issues surrounding veteran’s needs. We recently held a Mental Health Summit here in Biloxi regarding issues related to Katrina mental health issues. The VA was one of our sponsors and set up an exhibitors table. My direct contact with the Biloxi VA is working with me now on establishing collaborative efforts regarding veteran’s needs. The VA is trying to lose its image as a closed facility and is beginning to realize the benefits of faith based and community organizations in the mission
Charles Says:
Great initiative going on there John with the Summit, thanks for your comment.
Charles
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Public Safety Signals provides a venue for those working or interested in the public safety field to join in a conversation about the latest news, trends and important issues related to public safety. The authors are experienced professionals and educators in the field of public safety, but your topic suggestions and insightful comments are needed to keep this site relevant and engaging.
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Cathy Durandgraves Says:
I was glad to see the study by Capella as well but feel it is a bit hypocritical due to the fact that those of us who started our journey so we could become employed helping veterans at the VA are now hitting a brick wall. It seems that Capella has not developed a memorandum of understanding or any other sort of networking relationship with the VA that would facilitate our learners being able to establish internships and practicums with VA facilities. I have spent the last seven months working on finding a connection at the VA for a master’s level learning in mental health counseling to work at a VA facility, for no pay. Wow. A qualified, caring professional can’t even find a clinical way to help veterans for free. Capella is falling way short of other universities when it comes to establishing relationships with organizations that can support learner internships and practicums.
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:57 am