Workshop to Focus on Successful Transition
of Returning Military Personnel
News Release: May 8, 2006
Contact: Janice Osborne, director-Communications and Marketing; (610) 865-4400, ext. 262

A workshop to address issues relevant to the provision of healthcare, social services and support for military personnel and their families will be held on Wednesday, June 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 3400 Airport Road, Allentown.

Co-sponsors of the program are American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Department of Veterans Affairs, Lehigh County Mental Health, Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council, and Northampton County Mental Health. Funding is provided by Lehigh and Northampton counties Mental Health.

The program is geared toward local public and private human service providers (especially persons working in the mental health, substance use, and vocation/educational fields), organizations geared toward supporting military families, and members of the clergy.

“As the service personnel who have been engaged in combat return home to their communities, a successful transition back to family and work will be aided by the collaboration of many partners to help identify/develop early mental health prevention/intervention strategies and foster resiliency for the veterans and their families. This program will address issues relevant to the needs of military personnel and their families and examine the ways we can strengthen the support network for veterans and their families,” said John Weaver, Northampton County Mental Health.

Speakers will offer evidence-based information and approaches that can help veterans and their families build resiliency to prevent and to treat mental health disorders (including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, substance use disorders, suicide, depression, and/or co-occurring disorders).

Approaches to the identification and treatment of transition/readjustment issues (e.g., marital and family stress, higher education, and employment) will be discussed. Specialized services available in the state and the local VA will be highlighted with a primary focus on strengthening community coordination and collaboration. Attendees will be encouraged to share any special services their organizations can offer.

Registration and networking will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A complimentary continental breakfast and buffet picnic lunch will be provided. Registration is required for this free workshop. Deadline is June 1. The number of participants is limited by the size of the conference facility. All registrations will be confirmed by a return phone call or e-mail.

To register: mail, fax, or e-mail your name, the name and address of your agency/organization, your best contact telephone numbers, and your preferred e-mail address to: John Weaver, Northampton County Mental Health, 520 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018; phone: (610) 974-7508; fax: (610) 974-7596; or e-mail jweaver@northamptoncounty.org.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.