Important Publications

This NYSHealth-supported study, conducted by the RAND Corporation, found that veterans returning to New York State from Iraq and Afghanistan have considerable unmet mental health needs. Nearly one-quarter (22%) of veterans surveyed have a probable diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or major depression, and many veterans face barriers to seeking and receiving adequate treatment. The study is the first-ever statewide assessment of the needs of returning veterans and their families.

Of all U.S. Army divisions, the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York, has been most affected by our country’s recent deployment cycle. A recent Veteran for America report—Trends in Treatment of America’s Wounded Warriors—revealed a military mental health treatment system that is under severe stress.

In order to identify the needs of returning veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. (VOC) conducted a series of summits in collaboration with the Center for Governmental Research Inc. (CGR). These summits engaged various stakeholders including veterans, family members and service providers in creating a roadmap for improving reintegration policies and services in the Greater Rochester/Finger Lakes region.

This NYSHealth-supported toolkit is designed to get both grantees and funders to consider sustainability from the onset of their grant projects. It provides resources and tools to help integrate sustainability strategies and practices into all stages of the grant process.

This white paper from the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Warrior and Family Support examines how governmental agencies, nonprofits, community-based organizations, and educational institutions can better assist with the reintegration needs of veterans and their families.

This report was prepared and released by the California Community Foundation (CCF) in November 2009 to summarize the actions of its initiative, the Iraq Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund (IADIF), in addressing various needs associated with soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.

View the full resource here.  

This Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America report focuses on reintegration issues faced by female active servicemembers and female veterans. The report sheds light on the disparities between male and female veterans, and the unique set of challenges female veterans face in several areas, including health care, family life, and career advancement.

In an effort to develop a knowledgeable and accessible system of care to meet the needs of veterans and returning military, a key informant survey and an assessment was undertaken in to identify available resources, document barriers to accessing care, and prepare a strategy to meet emerging needs. This information was requested by General Centracchio, the Adjutant General, Rhode Island National Guard.

The National Alliance to end Homelessness analyzed data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Census Bureau to examine homelessness and severe housing cost burden among veterans.

This study undertaken by RAND focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), not only because of current high-level policy interest but also because, unlike the physical wounds of war, these conditions are often invisible to the eye. All three conditions affect mood, thoughts, and behavior; yet these wounds often go unrecognized and unacknowledged.

Reunion is a big part of the military deployment cycle and can be filled with joy and stress for soldiers and their families. This tip sheet, produced by the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, has tips for soldiers, spouses, and for reuniting with children.

View full resource here.

This report, which was developed by Veterans For America (VFA), outlines three overarching trends: inadequate medical care, misapplication of military justice, and leadership deficiencies. The specific problems in medical care include the screening and treatment of traumatic brain injury; the delivery of care and continuity of treatment to those with psychological wounds; responses to alcohol and substance use; and the conduct of Medical Evaluation Boards and Physical Evaluation Boards.

View full resource here.

Former President Bush’s administration set up the President’s Commission On Care For America’s Returning Wounded Warriors. The Commission was led by former Senator Bob Dole and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala examined health care services provided to members of the military and returning veterans by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD).

The Iraq War Clinician Guide was developed by members of the VA National Center for post traumatic stress disorder and the Department of Defense. It was developed specifically for clinicians and addresses the unique needs of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans. It is essential that all health care professionals—civilian or military—who care for casualties from Operation Iraqi Freedom have at least rudimentary and relevant military knowledge.

This guide is for services members and their families. It contains information to help military family members understand what to expect during reintegration following time in a war zone, and to help them adapt back to home life with their loved one.