SERVICEMEN AND VETERANS
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Supporting Our Returning Servicemen and Veterans A community program including significate others. The Iraq and Afghanistan wars are leaving servicemen with disturbingly high rates of combat-related disabilities. In addition to physical injuries, up to 30% of returning soldiers report post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders. Since soldiers may withhold information about mental symptoms because of concern about stigma, actual rate may be even higher. Experience indicates that these soldiers suffer not only in their bodies and minds, but also emotions and human spirit. Providing care in all four of these areas helps servicemen learn new skills that enable them to recover more fully. | |
Integrative Health Network, a 501(c)(3) public charity, in parternership with Midvale City
 | Integrative Health Network, a 501(c)(3) public charity, in partnership with Midvale City, is implementing a group education program for returning servicemen, veterans and their significant others. Participants from all military services are welcome. The program offers participants a new, integrative approach to healing from the effects of war. 
IHN_BROCHURE_2006.pdf |
The Need
| | Returning guard and reservist servicemen completing their tour of duty are eligible for 2 years of free health care at the SLC Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and regional Clinics. However, only a portion are enrolling for care in the VA. As a result, families trying to return to a healthy life are being let to their own resources. Incidences of emotional and even physical abuse of women and children,as well as alchohol and drug abuse, joblessness, and homelessness, have increased n this population. These events have a ripple effect in the community. 
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If you are a veteran or a family member of a servicemen returning from the war in Iraq or Afghanistan, you are encouraged to sign up for the program today.
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| The Program The program begins with weekly group conversations in which participants can share their concerns and obtain helpful information in a safe and supportive environment in a Midvale City Facility. Ongoing groups will be formed to provide support of continuing self-empowerment and self-healing, and the creation of more optimal healing environment in the home and community. People in need will be connected with resources through partnerships with key stakeholders in the community. Midvale City and the Integrative Health Network have established referral sources for medical, mental health, social service care, and financial services for veterans and their families. Guided by the needs of participants, the program can be expanded to offer additional group education including relaxation response classes, and a 2-hour per week 8-week Choosing to Heal course that includes wisdom from several traditions about healing. "IF OUR VETERANS ARE IN HARM'S WAY,THOSE WHO HAVE THE ABILITY TO TAKE ACTION HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ACT" ( POPPING SMOKE FOR VETERANS ) SSG Ted Garcia |     |