Gloucester MA Hidden Wounds of War study

Special veterans commission visits Gloucester on Sept. 3
Fri Aug 29, 2008, 04:32 PM EDT

Gloucester -
On Wednesday, Sept. 3, the Special Commission to Study and Investigate the Hidden Wounds of War on Massachusetts Service Members will meet at 11 a.m. at the Major Fred W. Ritvo Veterans’ Center, 12 Emerson Ave., Gloucester.

This is the third meeting of the Legislative Commission, which was established in April of this year. It is charged with examining the mental health effects of war on returning Massachusetts service members.

Findings and recommendations of the Commission will ensure that policy-makers are well informed of the extent to which our veterans are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and ensure that those afflicted by PTSD, as well as their families, receive the treatment and support they deserve.

In order to better understand and document the challenges that geographic location and access to transportation present in access to mental health care, the Commission will be conducting hearings in various parts of the Commonwealth beginning in Gloucester.

The meeting is open to the public.

The public will have opportunities to make oral statements and may submit written comments to the Commission. Service members, veterans, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and to share their experiences with the Commission.

Scheduled oral testimony will include presentations by:
Coleman Nee, Undersecretary, Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services

James Crosby, Director, Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment (SAVE)

Dr. Barbara Romberg, President, Give an Hour Program

Dr. Jaine Darwin, Co-Director, Strategic Outreach to Families of All Reservists (SOFAR)

Open Public Testimony for any service members, veterans & their families and stakeholders

Additional questions can be directed to the Commission at 617-722-2877.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/gloucester/news/lifestyle
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