RAND Resources on PTSD

Combat veterans and survivors of violence, natural disasters, and terrorism have often experienced disturbing events that may lead to psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The RAND Corporation performs a lot of  research evaluating the delivery of post-deployment mental health care to combat veterans, examined the treatment capacity of health care systems in response to PTSD, and estimated the costs of providing quality mental health care to all affected individuals - and much of this is free for you to read at  http://www.rand.org/topics/ptsd.html.
A few of the more recent examples include:

• Out of the Shadows, Into the Light: Why Americans Should Care About the Health of Contractors Deploying to Conflict Environments— Jan 21, 2014
  In contrast to the numerous mental health resources available to members of the U.S. military, very few (if any) resources are available to help private contractors struggling with mental health problems. It is in the best interest of all involved to ensure that contractors receive the support and treatment they need.
• Lasting Consequences of World War II Means More Illness, Lower Education, and Fewer Chances to Marry for Survivors — Jan 21, 2014
  Experiencing World War II is associated with a greater chance of suffering from diabetes, depression, and heart disease as adults. And because so many men died during the war, fewer women married and many children were left to grow up without fathers.
• They Also Serve: Understanding the Needs of Military Caregivers — Nov 18, 2013Military families play a critical role in supporting U.S. servicemembers during deployment and afterwards. Equally vital but often less visible is the role played by those who care for the servicemembers who return with disabling injuries or illnesses and require long-term support beyond what the formal health care system provides.

This is just a sample of the highly authoritative information waiting for you at http://www.rand.org/topics/ptsd.html

Farewell, Airman Booker

Airman William L. Booker

William L. Booker was one of the last of the Tuskegee Airmen living in our state. He was a very active and involved man, an engineer contributing to our nation's defense systems and a family man. You can learn more about him at this obituary and hear his community talk about him at his memorial service.
In the past year, Mr. Booker and his family sought treatment from VA Puget Sound Health Care System. The staff at the Hospital in Seattle gave both him and his family top quality help in a difficult time, and the family has asked that we give them well-deserved recognition. Mr. Booker's final illness was this December; he and his family came to the hospital for his last hours.
Many staff members contributed to making his inevitable passing more peaceful; it is not possible to mention all of them, but they include the nurses Lomi and Rene, Doctors Murphy-Rose and Kimbley Kenebel, and the chaplain who ministered to Mr. Booker and his families throughout the dark of the night.
Veterans and Friends of Puget Sound were honored to work with the Booker family and the VA in the last year of his life. His family tells us they are very pleased with the care he received, and want to ensure that we all recognize the staff's good work. Farewell, Airman!

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