Division
of Veterans Programs
William J. Devereaux, Director
PTSD Taskforce Committee
Most of us have knowledge of or have
heard of someone having PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder). Reentry to civilian life is stressful
to soldiers and their families. As
Veterans return from war, there is an apparent need
for behavioral health services. The Division of Veterans
Programs has developed
the PTSD Taskforce which consists of VSOs (Veterans
Service Officers) that file claims and deal with
veterans needs, Health Care Professionals,
VA personnel that handle claims and schedule hearings,
Homeless Veteran Coordinators that see PTSD claimants
and their families
on a one to one basis as well as Hot Line Professionals
that field calls on a 24 hours seven days a week
basis. The returning Iraqi/Afghan
Veterans are experiencing PTSD at the same rate as
our Viet Nam Veterans. All indications point to possible
higher affected percentage
of troops when total numbers are taken into consideration.
The Goal of the PTSD Taskforce will be to establish
a united coalition to
help care for our veterans and their families by
providing the most updated and effective mode of
treatment for our existing and returning
veterans and their dependents.
Stand Down for New Jersey Veterans Update
The
Stand Down Committee of North Jersey’s
preparation is in progress. Stand Down is scheduled
for September 17, 2005, at Essex County College,
during the hours of 0800 hours
to 1700 hours. If you have any questions, if you
would like to donate or become a volunteer, please
call Chairperson Dorothea Lee at 973-926-6410.
Stand Down for South
Jersey scheduled for September 23, 2005,
at the Cherry Hill Armory, is taking on great shape.
We have participation from 20 organizations and
presently have 27 volunteers. We have
received a donation of 10 dozen socks and 100 pairs
of underwear from the American Legion Post 281,
as well as long sleeve shirts,
pots, pans and trays from the Yardville Correctional
Facility.
The Stand Down committee is always looking
for dedicated volunteers and donations. If you
are interested or know of someone who would
like to volunteer or would like to donate, please
contact Kim Castner at 609-530-6958.
Veterans Disability Compensation
Veterans who currently receive VA Disability
Compensation for over 10 years without a follow-up
Medical Examination should schedule one as soon
as possible. Your compensation is not
in jeopardy but you may qualify for additional monthly
benefits.
There are two phone numbers as well as
two websites you may contact/visit for veterans information.
Veterans Hotline 1-866-VETS-NJ-4 (1-866-838-7654)
- University Behavioral Healthcare
Veterans Information
1-888-8NJ-VETS (1-888-865-8387) - NJ Department of Military &
Veterans Affairs
www.njveteranshelpline.org |
www.nj.gov/military
