Rep. Garamendi Brings Together Dozens of Non-Profit and Faith-Based Groups to Discuss Best Practices to Treat PTSD among Veterans

The Congressman and panelists, from right to left: Keith Blayton of Swords to Plowshares; Jeffrey Jewell, Sacramento Vet Center Director; Pam Planthara, Psy. D of the Oakland Veterans Administration; Concord Vet Center Director Denver Mills

FAIRFIELD, CA – More than three dozen representatives from regional non-profit and faith-based groups joined Rep. John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA) for a discussion on best practices to treat and counsel veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and their families.

"As our men and women return from Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, PTSD is a growing problem. You see it in your communities and among your parishioners," Congressman Garamendi said. "We cannot turn our backs on our wounded warriors. We're here today to make sure that men and women who risked everything have everything they need to rebuild their lives. With your help, veterans in our community will not be left behind."

The event was convened by Congressman Garamendi at the urging of non-profit and faith-based groups. Linda Mahoney, Director of the Interfaith Council, and the Reverend David Isom served as hosts at the Reverend's church, St. Stephen's CME Church in Fairfield. Solano County Supervisor Mike Regan, Solano County Veterans' Service Officer Ted Puntilo, and a representative from Assemblymember Mariko Yamada's office were in attendance.

Keith Blayton of Swords to Plowshares, Sacramento Vet Center Director Jeffrey Jewell, Pam Planthara, Psy. D of the Oakland Veterans Administration, Concord Vet Center Director Denver Mills, and San Francisco Salvation Army Director Marcy Orosco served as panel speakers.

Panelists answered dozens of questions, touching on such diverse issues as:

• The latest treatments available for PTSD;

• The differences between Vet Center and VA services;

• Community outreach strategies;

• Strategies to reduce the unfair stigma associated with mental illness;

• Care and counseling available for veterans' families, including widows;

• Helpful online and phone-in resources;

• Varying services available for veterans of different conflicts;

• Dealing with sexual trauma and substance abuse;

• Eligibility for services among non-profit and public agencies;

One panelist relayed the story of a wounded Vietnam War veteran who remained active in the community after his service. When asked why he kept so busy, he responded, "Because when I slow down the nightmares return." Panelists and audience members discussed opportunities to keep veterans with PTSD engaged with the community.

Another panelist discussed how difficult it was for returning Vietnam veterans, facing minimal counseling services and sometimes ostracized in the community. A returning theme of the event was to reinforce among veterans that support is available and that there is no shame in seeking help.

According to a recent study by Stanford University, 35 percent of veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from PTSD. As detailed by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America in their policy report, "untreated mental health problems can and lead to substance abuse, homelessness, difficulties at home and suicide…. According to the VA, there is an average of 950 veteran suicide attempts every month." In 2010, 11.5 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans were unemployed.

By bringing dozens of community leaders together from Solano County and beyond, Rep. Garamendi and the participating groups are working to ensure that all regional veterans learn about and take advantage of the services available to them, and to also improve the quality of support they receive. The Congressman remains committed to fulfilling our country's solemn duty to care for our veterans.

For more information on veteran services in Solano County, please visit: https://www.co.solano.ca.us/depts/veterans/

For more information on PTSD, please visit: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/