News and Updates from SAMHSA:
Among deployed and non-deployed active duty veterans who served during the Iraq or Afghanistan wars between 2001 and 2007, the rate of suicide was greatest the first 3 years after leaving service, according to a recent study. Compared to the U.S. population, both deployed and non-deployed veterans had a higher risk of suicide, but a lower risk of death from other causes combined. Deployed veterans also had a lower risk of suicide compared to non-deployed veterans.
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Virginia Governor McAuliffe Announces Veterans and Military Families Legislation
Governor Terry McAuliffe announced a series of legislative proposals aimed at enhancing employment and educational opportunities for Virginia veterans as part of his ongoing effort to build a new Virginia economy. The Governor’s agenda would also strengthen Virginia’s support to military families and defense installations across the Commonwealth.
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New Mexico Veterans’ Services and Military Affairs to Honor Military Spouses and Families
The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services and the New Mexico Department of Military Affairs invite residents to attend and be a part of Military and Veterans Day at the state Legislature on February 25 at the State Capitol in Santa Fe. There will be a special noon ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda for this annual day during the Legislature, which honors military veterans, retirees, active-duty, and guard/reserve members.
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What's at California 0800? Help for Veterans
Zero 800 is military talk for 8:00 a.m., the time when most suit- and tie-wearing workers arrive at the office. It’s also the name of a new effort to help military veterans settle into civilian life in San Diego County.
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Hagel Initiatives Enable Veteran, Military Support Organizations
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has set policy emphasizing the importance of relationships with veteran and military service organizations, as well as military support nonprofits, through initiatives to give the groups access to service members and their families.
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Dogs of War: Exclusive Interview with Lindsey Stanek
On Veterans Day, A&E launched Dogs of War, a new docu-series that shines a much-needed light on the record number of military vets struggling with emotional complications brought back from the battlefield. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction are two of the biggest issues veterans face once home.
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Program Aims to Reduce Homelessness Among Missouri Veterans
They served their nation and in many cases put their own lives on the line, but a large number of Missouri veterans are now homeless, which is why one nonprofit is reaching out to help connect them with the resources and skills they need to get back on their feet.
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Louisville Battle Cry: No More Homeless Veterans
Back home from a difficult Army tour in Iraq, it didn't take long for Kyle O'Hair's life to unravel. There were nightmares, anxiety, and memories of death. He got hooked on drugs. He divorced. He spent time in jail. And he found himself homeless, haunting soup kitchens and shelters.
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In a U.S. First, New Orleans Finds Homes for All Its Homeless Veterans
Most people celebrate the New Year by making resolutions. The city of New Orleans rang in 2015 by keeping one. At 6:00 p.m. on January 2, social workers in New Orleans moved the city’s last known homeless veteran into his new apartment – becoming the first U.S. city to effectively eliminate veteran homelessness.
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Anchorage Behavioral Health Center to Offer Military Care
Military service members in Anchorage will soon have inpatient behavioral health services from a facility program now providing services for youth. KTUU reports that North Star Behavioral Health plans to turn its Bragaw Street facility into a 36-bed acute unit for adults.
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