BEYOND THE HEADLINES
August 1, 2010
Women Veterans
Hosted by ABC7's Cheryl Jennings
This week we're going to talk about a subject that's not often discussed... our women veterans and some of the difficult struggles they endure as a result of their service.
For vets serving overseas, it is one thing to dream of home. But when they get here -- the transition back to normal life is not always easy. Some have injuries -- others have post traumatic stress disorder. A good many do not have jobs waiting for them.
According to the Veterans Administration, the number of women veterans is growing rapidly.
- Women make up about 14 percent of active duty military,
- 18 percent of the National Guard and Reserves,
- This means an increasing demand for health care.
Unfortunately, reports of sexual assaults in the military are on the rise -- in Iraq and Afghanistan, they've more than tripled. In the past, victims have had little recourse. But now, there's more help.
Studio Guests:
June Moss
Retired Staff Sergeant, US Army
Program Support Assistant, Chaplain Service
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Ann Thrailkill
Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Center
Immediate Past VISN 21 Women's Veteran Program Manager
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
www.paloalto.va.gov
Rachel Kimerling, Ph.D.
Director for Monitoring, Military Sexual Trauma Support Team
Office of Mental Health Services
Research Psychologist, National Center for PTSD
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
www.paloalto.va.gov
National Center for PTSD
Starlyn Lara
Female Veteran Coordinator, Swords to Plowshares
www.stp-sf.org
Additional Resources:
Find the VA office near you:
www.va.gov
Swords to Plowshares is the only veterans service agency in the United States that provides a full continuum of care to low-income and homeless veterans. Each year Swords helps more than 2,000 local veterans in the following areas:
Web: www.stp-sf.org
Phone: 415-252-4788
E-mail: info@stp-sf.org
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
The Health and Social Services Department, known as the frontline drop-in center, provides homeless and low-income veterans with the counseling and emergency services they need.
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
Swords to Plowshares offers supportive housing, both permanent and transitional, to nearly 200 once-homeless veterans at any given time.
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SUPPORT
Swords to Plowshares helps veterans establish self-sufficiency by offering vocational counseling, job training, resume preparation and job referrals.
LEGAL SERVICES
Swords to Plowshares is one of the few organizations in the country that helps veterans access the disability benefits and healthcare they have earned.
SERVICES FOR IRAQ AND AFGHANISATN VETERANS
Direct services and policy outreach to ensure Iraq and Afghanistan veterans can access the support they deserve.
SERVICES FOR WOMEN VETERAN
Swords to Plowshares is working to address the issues facing female veterans, specifically the issues of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), the related statistics, aftermath, and solutions.
2-1-1 provides free and confidential information and referral. Dial 2-1-1 for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more.
