The presentation below was made by Peter Brown, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter on 16 November, as part of its Veterans Day observance. The Red Cross’ presence in the valley dates back to 1917 when chapters were formed in Easton, Bethlehem, and Catasauqua in conjunction Read more…
Presented by Denise VanSickle, Head Trainer for Vet 2 Vet Service Dogs, Inc., on 21 September 2022 at its council meeting. The nonprofit is very new and a needed addition to the council’s network of service organizations. It was created out of an personal observations on the need to work Read more…
The new, easy to remember number to reach the Veterans Crisis Line starts Saturday, July 16. Just dial 988 and press 1. Please help spread the word to all military veterans and their friends and families. The number is new, but the support is the same. Part of the Read more…
With the sometimes venal political beat-ups over decisions made past and present in regard to the recent events in Afghanistan, compounded by local reporters trying to solicit comments from any current era veterans about their thoughts over the matter for the sake of a story and the blitz of media video and pictures, it is should be no surprise that a few veterans are in a funk; or, in extreme cases, experiencing a resurfacing of post-traumatic stress.
While for the majority, a listening ear from family, friends, and associates is all that might be necessary, it is also good to know bona fide resources for more serious situations. Many of these can be found through the Answers Desk section of this website, but are re-listed here for convenience. Our thanks to Jenna Jordan of Spectrum News, Cleveland, Ohio, who actually did something useful through contacting the VA. One or two of the resources might surprise you: (more…)
From the Lehigh County Director of Veterans Affairs: “See attached flyer [click on the image to the right] for the upcoming Mental Health First Aid training on April 6. You can register using the attached or visit the website listed on the flyer. There is no cost for the training … (more…)
Treatment can turn your life around. As others. Find out the latest treatment products and expert advice. Go to PTSD Treatment Works. (more…)
Click on image to enlarge ### As of 24 January 2018
As we reported in a 19 September blog, Bethany United Methodist Church located in the Macungie/Wescoville area, intended to conduct two workshops to promote a better understanding of PTSD with the ultimate intention of starting a peer-to-peer support group afterwards.
As a result of those meetings, we have learned that the church has started two of these types of support groups instead: one for male veterans and another for women, whether veterans or spouses or ‘significant others’ — which makes this group unique to the valley when looked at from a veteran’s context. (more…)
According to some, there is a growing body of empirical evidence that chess can help ease the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — helping with both cognitive functioning and mental health. In some parts of the country, chess clubs have actively worked with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and the VFW. And, chess brings people from all walks of life together more casually through the pleasure of a game — something often missing in our society. Its benefit can be manifold. (more…)
It is in the formative stage, but the Bethany Church located in the Macungie area, will be hosting two workshops to promote a better understanding PTSD — with the intention of starting a peer-to-peer support group afterwards, if successful. Led by Scotty Coyle, Pastor of Discipleship and also a current war, combat veteran, the approach is non-clinical, for he is not a clinical psychologist. However, he is an experienced counselor who has studied PTSD treatments.
It is unfortunate that some veterans (more…)