WORKSHOP FOR CLERGY WHO SUPPORT VETERANS
Tennessee Valley Healthcare System chaplains will host a “Helping Our Veterans Heal” workshop 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 20 at the New Vision Baptist Church, 1750 North Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Members of the clergy are a critical point of contact for veterans. The goal of this workshop is to equip clergy to meet the spiritual needs of veterans in their houses of worship and their communities.
“Local clergy may not always have the resources and insight they need to effectively engage with veterans,” said TVHS Chaplain Jeff Fisher. “This workshop will give them tools to better support veterans.”
Workshop topics will include identifying potential conflicts between civilian and military cultures, identifying actions clergy can take to assist military personnel and their Families with a healthy adjustment to a civilian culture, and the importance of personal narratives and past, present and future stories.
To register, visit http://bit.ly/TVHSChaplains. Registration must be completed by Monday.
TVHS WILL HOST WOMEN VETERANS WELLNESS EVENT
Recognizing women as the fastest-growing group within the Veteran population, the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is hosting its second annual Women Veterans Wellness Event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Murfreesboro Army National Guard Post, 2350 on Armory Drive, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
This year TVHS will focus on its new Whole Health approach to care. TVHS is one of the VA’s 18 flagship sites for that program, which takes a holistic look at the many areas of life that can affect a veteran’s health such as relationships, diet and sleep patterns. Suicide prevention and intimate partner violence awareness also will be emphasized.
“Our goal is to build relationships with women veterans and partnerships with community agencies that support women veterans in Rutherford County,” said Carolyn Smith, licensed clinical social worker. “We’re building on the success of last year’s event, and we hope to have more women veterans, their Families and community stakeholders attend to help us continue to improve our services.”
This event is free and open to all veterans and their Families, regardless of VA enrollment status. There will be refreshments and entertainment. For more information, call Meguel Wade at 615-225-5585 or Connie Gallon at 615-289-6791.
SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
To mark Suicide Prevention Month this September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is shining a light on effective ways to prevent veteran suicide with its Be There campaign.
The campaign highlights the risk factors and warning signs for suicide, provides information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources and helps individuals and organizations start the conversation around veteran mental health in their communities.
“In our various communities, everyone is in a position to make a difference for a veteran who may be at risk for suicide,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “A common misconception is that you need special training to talk safely about suicide risk or show concern for someone who is in distress. One simple act of kindness could help save a life. I encourage everyone this September, and beyond, to take the first step in acting as that support system.”
Talking with a veteran about mental health or suicide risk may be challenging, but VA encourages community leaders, colleagues, Family and friends to simply “Be There” by sharing messages of support that can help show a veteran you care. VA also has collaborated with community partners and is asking individuals across the country this month to share resources with veterans in their lives via the BeThereForVeterans.com webpage.
Veterans in crisis or having thoughts of suicide – and those who know a veteran in crisis – can call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support at any time. Call 800-273-8255 and press 1. To chat online, visit VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. To text message the Veterans Crisis Line, send messages to 838255.