Posted on 02/23/2009 6:31:49 PM PST by SandRat
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Feb. 23, 2009 Servicemembers in Afghanistan now have a place to turn to cope with the toughest aspects of deployment when they need it most.
We are tapping into things that [servicemembers] possibly already know, or offering them new skills and techniques they can use at the forward operating base or combat outpost, or after they separate from the military, said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mirabel Meekins, the clinics operations noncommissioned officer in charge. The clinic hosts a three- to five-day structured program covering many topics, including anger management, common task training, post-traumatic stress disorder awareness and warrior resiliency. The program has a standard outline for all enrolled servicemembers, but also can be tailored to the specific needs of individuals. The skills and information the servicemember receives from the clinic helps throughout the deployment, but can last long past that, officials said. The centers focus on quickly returning a servicemember to duty is one of the key aspects of the program. Prior to the clinics opening, servicemembers in Afghanistan had only two options to address mental health issues. One was to spend a few days of rest and relaxation or light duty at their respective base, and then return to duty. The other was to be evaluated, and if further treatment was needed, the servicemember was sent to Germany or the United States for additional care. This fills that in-between gap of people that need a little bit more, but they dont need the whole enchilada, Air Force Col. (Dr.) David Geyer, Task Force Med commander, said. The program takes many of the components of similar programs in Iraq, and tailors them to the Afghanistan area of responsibility. A mixture of Air Force and Army mental health and occupational therapy professionals makes up the clinic staff. Its staffed 24 hours a day, and all members of the staff are involved in helping the servicemember get back to duty. Were really pleased to have this center, Geyer said. Were looking forward to the ability to provide the same kind of service that other servicemembers have had the benefit of in the Iraqi theater. (Army Spc. Boris Shiloff serves in the 40th Public Affairs Detachment.) |
Related Sites: U.S. Forces Afghanistan |
||||
|
Ah. So the 17,000 troops Present Obamalamadingdong is sending to Afghanistan are shrinks.
Why don’t they open a “mental health” clinic for the Dim Dhims in Wash. DC?
That’s where they really, really need it.
Why don’t they open a “mental health” clinic for the Dim Dhims in Wash. DC?
That’s where they really, really need it.
So good, smart and trenchant,....I just had to post it twice.
(Just kidding folks, my fault for a double send. Excuse please.)
I think we need a mental health clinic for Congress.
Cheers!
-
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.