According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 800,000 military veterans in Virginia – a number that continues to gradually increase as operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan continue.

A recent study indicated that roughly 20 percent of service members returning from these countries are reporting symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. Unfortunately, only half of these men and women have sought treatment. The same study noted that an equal number of military personnel (19%) experienced possible traumatic brain injury.

These issues have helped spark the demand for improved and expanded services to the country’s veterans and service members. Last year, officials in our state launched the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VWWP) to support veterans and their families on their road to recovery from the effects of stress-related injuries or traumatic brain injuries.

The program is a cooperative effort between the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and the Department of Rehabilitative Services.

Grant funding through the Department of Veterans Services has helped establish the VWWP program throughout the state, help ensure that assessments, treatment, and support services are available on a timely basis.

Locally, VWWP is being facilitated through New River Valley Community Services, the area’s public provider of behavioral health services, in cooperation with regional brain injury services providers and other public and private service providers.

According to Lisa Robinson, Veterans Resource Specialist with the New River Valley program, services will be available in the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski, as well as the City of Radford.

Robinson explained that VWWP can include assessments, case management, outpatient treatment, rehabilitative services, family support, and linkage to benefits services, housing, employment and educational programs. Whenever possible, Robinson added, the services are provided at no cost to the veteran or his/her family.

“At this point, I’m really just trying to let people know that the program is available,” remarked Robinson. “…There’s been a gap in providing services to veterans over the years and even when there has been available services, lack of information and access has been an issue.”

Robinson, who recently earned her Master’s degree in criminal justice from Radford University, noted her family connection to the military as motivation for taking on her new position.

“My grandfather served and retired with the National Guard in North Carolina and my brother is currently serving in the Air Force,” Robinson stated. “So, this is a good fit for me. I really like the population I’m working with.”

Robinson acknowledged the number of recent news stories about the military’s efforts to encourage soldiers and veterans to seek help makes the Wounded Warrior Program especially important.

“Just think about all of those guys who came back from Korea and Vietnam and had no support for their emotional or mental well-being,” declared Robinson. “…The stigma associated with mental health issues is so engrained in that culture. Traditionally, seeking help for those issues has been viewed as a sign of weakness in the military.

“But we’ve learned over time that military combat can be just as detrimental to a person’s mind as it is their body,” added Robinson. “Service personnel give so selflessly of themselves in order to serve our country. We need to make sure we take care of them when they get back home.”

Robinson is currently promoting the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program to local veterans’ organizations with hopes of gradually adding to her caseload. Groups interested in hosting a presentation by Robinson can contact her by calling 540-443-7527 or via e-mail at lrobinson@nrvcs.org.

A local weekly support group for veterans and their families is currently being offered through VWWP and NRVCS on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Radford VFW Post (located at 102 Watts Street in Radford). Contact Robinson for directions or additional information
 

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