One Voice Challenge to Raise Awareness of PTSD
One voice can make a difference. Use yours to raise awareness that with treatment, recovery from PTSD is possible.
This June, the Trauma Recovery Program at the VA Maryland Health Care System is challenging Veterans to help spread awareness of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by talking to at least one person – a friend, family member, battle buddy, etc. – and educating them about PTSD.
PTSD can result from a variety of life-threatening events including combat, sexual assault, or motor vehicle accidents. As many as 1 in 5 combat Veterans have experienced PTSD, with the numbers varying by service eras. Approximately 11-20% of OIF/OEF, 12% of Gulf War and 15% of Vietnam War Veterans suffer from PTSD in a given year.
The “One Voice” Challenge takes place during PTSD Awareness Month, when the VA Maryland Health Care System aims to underscore the importance of education, awareness and advocacy for individuals living with PTSD. In years past, our mental health experts have hosted various events and activities toward raising awareness of PTSD. While the national pandemic prevents us from holding face-to-face events this year, our Trauma Recovery Program has planned some virtual activities, including the “One Voice” Challenge, and they’ve compiled a list of helpful resources that can be used to learn more about PTSD.
The goal: To help every Veteran in need get engaged in treatment. The Trauma Recovery Program at the VA Maryland Health Care System wants everyone to know that they are here to serve Maryland’s Veterans, and that recovery from PTSD is possible.
While outpatient clinics remain closed during the pandemic, and until the time when we can safely reopen and resume all services, the VA Maryland Health Care System continues to offer Veteran patients services for PTSD and other mental health conditions through a virtual care model. (See “Getting Connected” below for details on accessing care and click here to learn more about virtual care.) When it comes to treating Veterans, VA providers are the mental health experts and our PTSD specialists are here for you!
Are you ready to meet the challenge?
Learn about PTSD Basics: Symptoms and Treatment
See the One Voice Campaign flyer for suggestions on how you can help spread the word about PTSD. For a list of virtual events and helpful resources, click here.
Thank you for helping us to raise awareness of PTSD and the availability of effective treatments!
Getting Connected
How to access mental health services at the VA Maryland Health Care System
If you are new to mental health services:
Veteran patients new to mental health services at the VA Maryland Health Care System can access mental health services through the Mental Health Triage Clinic and Veterans can contact their VA primary care team by phone or Secure Messaging through My HealtheVet at www.myhealth.va.gov. The Mental Health Triage Clinic continues to see patients with scheduled appointments virtually via phone or video. Veterans can call 410-605-7000, extension 57417 to schedule a virtual appointment. Due to COVID-19 precautions that limit the number of people entering VA facilities throughout the health care system, appointments are strongly encouraged.
If you are a current mental health patient:
Veterans who are active mental health patients within the VA Maryland Health Care System, or if the Mental Health Triage Clinic recommends trauma treatment, can be referred to the Trauma Recovery Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are also offering phone or video assessment and therapy appointments in this program. Veterans do not need to leave the comfort of their home to attend appointments. The Trauma Recovery Program focusses on providing short-term treatments based on evidence, with the goal of helping Veterans return to valued activities. For more information about the VA Maryland Health Care System’s Trauma Recovery Program, call 410-637-1222.
