According to an article in today's Grand Junction (Colo.) Free Press, the local Veterans Affairs hospital is sponsoring a three-part series for veterans, their families, and the community on PTSD. The series apparently started yesterday (Wednesday) and will continue on the following two Wednesdays, July 16 and July 23. According to the article, session was led by social workers Gerry Mitchell and Austin Sorensen and "educated the group on the symptoms, perceptions and impacts of PTSD on the soldier and his or her family." Next session will discuss "veterans’ family members coping with PTSD." (Hey, I hope they see our blog entry from yesterday on that exact subject -- "Home Sweet Home -- After Deployment, What? Support for Returning Veterans and Families," -- linked here!) The third week's session will let veterans discuss their own experiences with PTSD. (My buddy, Kathie Costos, over at "Wounded Times," mentioned this upcoming series with great excitement the other day. As she knows, veterans are often not that eager to seek help, but this series looks like a very positive development.)
Editor's Note: The article, by Marija B. Vader, called "PTSD attracts crowd at VA hospital," is linked here. The main website of the VA Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, is linked here. (That site also includes driving directions.) The hospital is located at 2121 North Avenue, in Grand Junction, CO 81501, and the phone number is (local) (970) 241-0731 and Toll Free:(866) 206-6415. The sessions apparently start on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Building 6 on North Avenue.
