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RETIRED JUSTICE EVELYN LUNDBERG STRATTON'S VETERANS'

CRIMINAL JUSTICE & MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES NEWS

08 FEBRUARY 2015

Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, Retired Veterans in the Courts Initiative

Evelyn Lundberg Stratton retired from the Ohio Supreme Court at the end of 2012 so as to pursue more fully criminal justice reforms with a particular emphasis on veterans who become involved with the justice system. She established the Veterans in the Courts Initiative in 2009. Video http://bit.ly/1glCXZ0

Total Number of Direct Professional Readers: 1,761

Fast Links: Featured Stories, Funding Opportunities, VA/DOD, Ohio, Veterans Courts, PTS/TBI/MST, Suicide, General News, Events, Jobs & Training, Veterans-In-Justice, LinkedIn, Legal Assistance, Resources, Join Newsletter/Disclaimer, Contact, Newsletter Achieve

FEATURED STORIES

Update: Senate Passes Historic Clay Hunt SAV Act (IAVA) http://bit.ly/1zbzgPv Washington D.C. (February 3, 2015)

– Today, 03 FEB 2015, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for

American Veterans (SAV) Act, critical legislation that increases access to quality mental health care and combats veteran suicide. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), who spearheaded the bill, applauds members of the 114th Congress for the legislation’s swift, bipartisan passage and calls on President Obama to honor our nation’s commitment to our veterans with an urgent signing ceremony at the White House. The historic legislation is named after Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Clay Hunt, a Marine sniper who died by suicide in 2011. More than 20 veteran service organizations and partners such as the American Psychiatric Association support the legislation. Developed by IAVA and its allies on Capitol Hill, and driven by qualitative and qualitative data from IAVA’s annual member survey, the Clay Hunt SAV Act will:

• Increase Access to Mental Health Care and Capacity at VA to Meet Demand ● Requires the VA to create a one-stop, interactive website to serve as a centralized source of information regarding all VA mental health services for veterans. ● Addresses the shortage of mental health care professionals by authorizing the VA to conduct a student loan repayment pilot program aimed at recruiting and retaining psychiatrists. ● Extends Combat-Eligibility for mental health care services at VA for one-year, providing for increased access for veterans that may be suffering from conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

• Improve the Quality of Care and Boosting Accountability at VA

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● Requires evaluations of all mental health care and suicide prevention practices and programs at the VA to find out what’s working and what’s not working and make recommendations to improve care.

• Develop a Community Support System for Veterans ● Establishes a peer support and community outreach pilot program to assist transitioning servicemembers with accessing VA mental health care services.

• Luke Russert (NBC News): "Passage of the Clay Hunt veterans suicide bill is a big win for IAVA. They lobbied aggressively and effectively."

Healing Our Soldiers - NatGeo's February Cover Story http://bit.ly/1zAm4CR

National Geographic has put our servicemembers front and center on their February 2015 magazine cover, with their latest feature, “Healing Our Soldiers“ – a two part article on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and how it affects the lives of veterans. Writer Caroline Alexander’s piece The Invisible War on the Brain takes a close look at the signature injury of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars—traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by the shock waves from explosions. TBIs have left hundreds of thousands of U.S. veterans with life-altering and sometimes debilitating conditions, the treatment of which can be extremely complicated.

NEW: 5th Annual Traumatic Brain Injury Conference - April 15, 16, 2015 Washington, DC http://bit.ly/1DGC5HO

US Government Agencies to Outline Future Directions in Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD Research, Funding at 2015 TBI Conference WASHINGTON, DC, February 05, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- More than thirty phase III clinical trial failures in traumatic brain injury (TBI) over the years underlines the critical need for a strategic re-working at the national and international level of how TBI and brain health medical research is funded, directed and conducted. These failures, however painful, provide clues and vital new directions to focus future research aimed at finding solutions. At the 5th Annual 2015 TBI Conference, thought leaders from major US government agencies will update attendees on the latest updates on TBI and brain health research and funding trends. Anyone involved in or monitoring neurotrauma research will not want to miss these presentations.

BIAA Advocacy Message http://bit.ly/16EECb5 Amidst the continuing partisan divide in Washington, the Brain Injury Association of America will pursue an ambitious policy agenda. Our goals are to: - Strengthen federal and state TBI Programs - Increase access to medically-necessary care, including rehabilitation - Keep individuals with brain injury financially solvent and family caregivers strong - Advance and accelerate brain injury research - Expand the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force

SENATOR JOHN McCAIN URGES VA SECRETARY McDONALD TO EXAMINE ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT AND WHISTLEBLOWER RETALIATION AT PHOENIX VA (mccain.senate.gov) http://1.usa.gov/1KDhZ3V

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today wrote the following letter urging Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to examine recent allegations made by an employee at the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS) that he

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was subjected to harassment and intimidation by superiors and later placed on administrative leave after raising concerns over the PVAHCS’s mismanaged care of patients at risk of suicide: The signed letter is here. Editor's note: See more stories in this subject

in the VA/DOD section of this newsletter.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Up to $18.6 Million Available To Enhance and Support the National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline and the Disaster Distress Helpline SAMHSA is accepting applications for a cooperative agreement of up to $18.6 million to manage, enhance, and strengthen the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as well as the Disaster Distress Helpline (Helpline) over 3 years.

Cooperative Agreements to Benefit Homeless Individuals for States

01/29/2015 11:38 AM EST Application Due Date: Thursday, April 9, 2015 Anticipated Award Amount: Up to $3,000,000 per year The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) are accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2015 Cooperative Agreements to Benefit Homeless Individuals for States (CABHI-States) grants. The purpose of this jointly funded program is to enhance or develop the infrastructure of states and their treatment service systems to increase capacity and provide accessible, effective,... Up to $163.2 Million Available in Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration Grants The purpose of this program is to provide coordinated and integrated services by co-locating primary and specialty care medical services in community-based mental and behavioral health settings. Up to $140 Million Available in Strategic Prevention Framework Grants The program is designed to address two of the nation’s top substance abuse prevention priorities: 1) underage drinking among people aged 12 to 20; and 2) prescription drug misuse and abuse among people aged 12 to 25. Up to $1.4 Million Available in Statewide Family Network Program Grants The purpose of this program is to enhance state capacity and infrastructure to be more oriented to the needs of children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances and their families. Nearly $2 Million Available in Statewide Consumer Network Grants

The purpose of this program is to improve mental health service delivery to people with serious mental illnesses by enhancing statewide mental health consumer-run and controlled organizations. SAMHSA and the MacArthur Foundation Hold Policy Academy To Improve Response to Youth with Behavioral Needs Up to four states will be selected to participate in 2015-16 Improving Diversion Policies and Programs for Justice-Involved Youth with Behavioral Health Disorders: An Integrated Policy

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Academy-Action Network Initiative.

Cooperative Agreements for State Adolescent and Transitional Aged Youth Treatment Enhancement and Dissemination Planning 01/28/2015 05:14 PM EST Application Due Date: Monday, April 6, 2015 Anticipated Award Amount: Up to $250,000 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2015 Cooperative Agreements for State Adolescent and Transitional Aged Youth Treatment Enhancement and Dissemination Planning [State Youth Treatment - Planning (SYT-P)]. The purpose of SYT-P is to provide funding to states/territories/tribes (hereafter known as “states”) to develop a comprehensive strategic plan in order to improve... Cooperative Agreements for State Adolescent and Transitional Aged Youth

Treatment Enhancement and Dissemination Implementation 01/28/2015 12:12 PM EST Application Due Date: Thursday, April 2, 2015 Anticipated Award Amount: Up to $800,000 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2015 Cooperative Agreements for State Adolescent and Transitional Aged Youth Treatment Enhancement and Dissemination Implementation [State Youth Treatment - Implementation (SYT-I)]. The purpose of this program is to provide funding to states/territories/tribes (hereafter known as states) to improve treatment for adolescents and/or... View All SAMHSA Grant Opportunities

VA/DOD

A Huge Victory for Homeless Veterans http://nyti.ms/1DmwO80 Much credit goes to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald, barely six months on the job, for recognizing that the Los Angeles debacle could and should be remedied quickly. He listened to the plaintiffs’ lawyer Ron Olson and to Bobby Shriver, the former mayor of Santa Monica, who has pressed this issue for years, and embraced the once radical-sounding idea that the sickest and most troubled veterans need “housing first” to receive services they deserve but cannot get without a roof and a bed. Credit Mr. McDonald, too, for agreeing to appoint a “homeless czar” to report directly to him, so this urgent mission does not get swallowed by the agency’s dead-end bureaucracy. The ambitious agreement commits the V.A. to having, by mid-February, an “action plan” on ending homelessness in Los Angeles, and to completing, by October, a new master plan for the site. Mr. McDonald’s predecessor committed the V.A. to an ambitious plan to end veterans’ homelessness by the end of this year. That won’t happen unless the V.A. solves Los Angeles. Mr. McDonald has just given his department a swift kick in the right direction.

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DoD: Supporting Wounded, Ill and Injured Troops a DoD Priority http://1.usa.gov/1xoQIuy

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2015 – It is a Defense Department top priority to provide support to wounded, ill and injured service members, their families and caregivers with support for recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration into society, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for warrior care policy told a House panel today.

Lawmaker upset over no firings in Atlanta VA investigation http://bit.ly/1yuC4DF

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A local lawmaker tells Channel 2 Action News he is livid no hospital leaders have been fired after a series of Channel 2 investigations exposed federal reports that linked mismanagement to patient deaths at the Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Channel 2's Aaron Diamant obtained a letter from Rep. Phil Gingrey that the representative sent to the Atlanta VA's brand new boss Thursday. The letter demands details of all the steps she and other hospital leaders have taken so far to fix all the problems federal inspectors found and that those at fault need to go, fast.

Legion: Privatizing VA is ‘shortsighted’ concept http://bit.ly/1EB0anq

The American Legion testified to Congress at a Jan. 28 hearing that health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs is more cost-effective than outsourcing it to the private sector. The Legion’s stance was in response to a December 2014 report by the Congressional Budget Office that compared VA health-care costs with those of private practitioners.

Continued from FEATURED STORIES above . . . Senator McCain Intercedes in new Phoenix VA suicide-related issue, as two additional VA employees speak out. The latest media reports are below:

Phoenix VA whistleblower claims retaliation after being placed on leave http://bit.ly/16ECvUp

PHOENIX (CBS5) - Brandon Coleman spoke up for veterans at risk of suicide. He wanted to break the cycle of broken promises at the VA. Now, the Phoenix VA employee has been put on leave and GOP Sen. John McCain is backing him up. He said he brought his concerns to VA management and was told not to talk about them publicly, despite his whistleblower protection status. "I've been told everything from if I come forward, I would be terminated," Coleman said. "That's a common statement. I didn't believe any of it, until I was put on administrative leave for allegedly threatening other employees." On Friday, McCain came to Coleman's defense, sending a letter to VA Secretary Robert McDonald, urging him to investigate how the Phoenix VA manages care of patients at risk of suicide:

"I write you today to discuss my concerns about recent allegations regarding

the mishandling of veterans' suicides at Phoenix VA Health Care System

(PVAHCS) and the way that those allegations have been apparently handled.

According to those reports, Brandon Coleman, a whistleblower who reported

concerns about the way PVAHCS managed the care of patients at risk of

suicide, was subject to harassment and intimidation by his superiors. My office

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has since learned that Mr. Coleman has been placed on administrative leave.

Without prejudging the merits of Mr. Coleman's concerns but in light of recent

revelations regarding related misconduct at PVAHCS, I urge you to look into

and address this situation immediately.

As we have learned over the last few months, Mr. Coleman does not appear to

be alone. In a June 2014 report, the Office of Special Counsel (OSC)

investigated 37 claims of whistleblower retaliation at the VA. Furthermore, I

have heard from an increasing number of current and former VA employees

who have shared similar fears of retaliation for bringing serious allegations of

manipulated wait times, mismanagement, and neglect to the attention of their

superiors.

Those facts suggest that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to

face a systemic problem in its handling of whistleblower complaints, as well as

a culture that breeds intimidation and retaliation. If true, this would be

unacceptable. The VA must change its culture and accord all due protection to

whistleblowers within the agency, as required under law.

I look forward to your response to the concerns raised in this letter."

Phoenix VA scandal: Chief of Social Work responds to whistleblower claims http://bit.ly/1znvWB7

. . . ABC15 spoke with the chief of social work Thursday and he says there's room for improvement. Chief of social Work David Jacobson tells us in the past two months, two veterans affiliated with the VA committed suicide. He says the hospital does have suicide prevention plans in place at the VA, but they're looking into making some changes.

. . . The second VA employee to come forward has asked us to protect his identity. He says he deals with at-risk veterans every day. He claims not every worker is trained to deal with suicide prevention. “There is no general procedure in place for any employee,” he said. Jacobson acknowledged that to ABC15. “There is a ‘safe training’ that's available for all employees, however, all employees I don't believe have had that training,” Jacobson said. But he says all mental health workers are trained to do suicide risk assessments and come up with "safety plans" for suicidal vets. Jacobson says he wants to make training mandatory for all employees.

VA Whistle blower comes forward claiming VA mishandles suicidal vets http://bit.ly/1D64WY0

"Five suicidal veterans have walked out of the VA hospital deemed as suicidal, and they walked out of the clinic. We don't know what happened to them... I've had veterans that I've personally taken over there that were intoxicated, that could've been suicidal or homicidal," said Coleman.

VA whistleblower says he was put on admin. leave http://bit.ly/1xoG5rJ

PHOENIX - A whistleblower who has spoken out against the Phoenix Veteran Affairs hospital says he has been placed on administrative leave. According to a letter provided to Brandon Coleman by the VA, the department is investigating alleged "threats" made to other employees.

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Coleman is an addiction therapist at the Phoenix VA, and a veteran himself, and claims staffers have been mishandling suicides. He even filed for whistleblower protection in Washington D.C. before speaking out. Coleman said the decision to put him on administrative leave is retaliation and said he has not threatened anyone. A spokesperson for the VA said it cannot comment on personnel matters.

Phoenix VA Hospital scandal: Second Phoenix VA employee says suicide prevention mishandled http://bit.ly/18SQ04t

PHOENIX - The veteran health care scandal continues to grow months after allegations of mismanagement and veteran appointment wait lists surfaced here in Phoenix. A second Phoenix VA employee is speaking exclusively to ABC15,alleging the hospital isn't doing enough to prevent suicides. This comes just a few weeks after VA employee Brandon Coleman came forward alleging the Phoenix VA doesn’t have enough safety checks in place to help prevent veteran suicide.

VA official: Identity breaches happening more than we’d like http://bit.ly/1xoMqU8

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A Department of Veterans Affairs’ employee took documents containing personal information of four veterans outside the Cleveland Federal Building last fall where they were left unattended for two to three days before being found by another employee, a VA security official tells I-Team 8.

Obama wants to strip funding from veterans' medical choice program http://washex.am/1xoYlBa

President Obama’s 2016 budget blueprint proposes rolling back a program that gives veterans the right to receive faster care outside of the long waitlists at the troubled Veterans Affairs medical system. Obama signed the Veterans Choice Program into law in August following months of partisan wrangling on Capitol Hill that finally led to a compromise measure to overhaul the agency. The Veterans Choice Program was a key GOP provision in the deal. Authored by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the measure provides “choice” cards to veterans that can be used to obtain medical care at designated facilities outside of the VA system. But Obama announced Monday he’ll send a legislative proposal to Congress that would allow the VA to raid the program's funding, now set at $10 billion. Obama, in his fiscal 2016 spending blueprint, said the money is needed “to support essential investments in VA system priorities in a fiscally responsible, budget-neutral manner.”

VA TOWN HALL MEETINGS & OTHER EVENTS

Erie VMAC Veteran Health Fair 24 FEB 2015 http://1.usa.gov/1z2e5zM Bay Pines VAHS 25 FEB 2015 http://1.usa.gov/1DnWfX4 Cleveland VMAC & VBA Town Hall 18 MAR 2015 http://bit.ly/1DR9fbd Dublin, Georgia VA Town Hall 26 MAR 2015

25 JUN 2015 24 SEP 2015

http://1.usa.gov/1wrf3Q1

VA 2014 Annual Reports

• St. Cloud VA HCS

VAOIG Reports

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• Combined Assessment Program Review of the VA Illliana Health Care System, Danville, Illinois

• OIG December 2014 Highlights

• Combined Assessment Program Summary Report - Evaluation of Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management at Veterans Health Administration Facilities

• Combined Assessment Program Review of the VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas

• Combined Assessment Program Review of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, Montrose, New York

• Combined Assessment Program Review of the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio National Salute to Veteran Patients Week Feb 8-14 http://1.usa.gov/1EKhjuU

The week of February 14 each year is your opportunity to say thank you to a special group of men and women, more than 98,000 Veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for every day in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes. During the National Salute, VA invites individuals, Veterans groups, military personnel, civic organizations, businesses, schools, local media, celebrities and sports stars to participate in a variety of activities at the VA medical centers. The activities and events include special ward visits and valentine distributions; photo opportunities; school essay contests; special recreation activities and Veteran recognition programs. The week also provides an opportunity for the community to become acquainted with the volunteer opportunities within the medical center.

New health care center to open October 2015 in Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) http://1.usa.gov/1KDkwe8

Construction of the new Health Care Center (HCC) in Montgomery, Alabama is on schedule for completion in June 2015. The 112,000 square foot site will serve as an annex to the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System’s Montgomery Campus. The HCC will consolidate primary and specialty care clinics. It will also include integrated mental health, dental, physical therapy and occupational therapy along with all necessary ancillary and diagnostic support services to enable CAVHCS to better serve the needs of veterans and their families. The new facility will be easily accessible and modern, promoting efficiencies in patient service and enhancing the overall quality of care. CAVHCS will begin seeing patients in the new HCC in October 2015.

VA Palo Alto Health Care System Central Valley Construction Funding Update http://1.usa.gov/1KDn4ZX

PALO ALTO, Calif. – VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) is pleased to announce the inclusion of funding for the future Stockton Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) as part of President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs. “The construction of this facility is part of a larger plan to realign services from our Livermore Division to locations that will better serve our nation’s Veterans in the East Bay and Central Valley,” said Lisa Freeman, director of VAPAHCS. “This is a critically important first step in receiving the major construction funds to allow all portions of this multiphase project to be completed.

OHIO

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NEW Stark County, Ohio 12th Honor Court Graduation, 09 FEB 2015, 3:00pm, Canton, OH

You are invited to the Stark County Court of Common Pleas 12th Honor Court Graduation, February 9, 2015, at 3:00 p.m., Courtroom 203, 2nd Floor Stark County Courthouse, 101 W. Tuscarawas Street, Canton, Ohio 44702. No need to RSVP- open to the public. Contact Lisa M. Williams, Program Coordinator of Stark County Honor Court Telephone: (330) 451.7708 or lmwilliams@starkcountyohio.gov with any questions or for directions!

Youngstown: UMCC helps Valley vets get back on their feet http://bit.ly/1Irt9Na Then he heard about the United Methodist Community Center’s Veterans Stand Down job fairs in Warren and Youngstown. The Youngstown UMCC is at 139 E. Boardman St., and the Warren UMCC is at 309 N. Park Ave. The Stand Down events are job fairs with benefits. “That is one of our success stories,” said Juanita Thompson, coordinator of UMCC’s veterans programs. Thompson, who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Youngstown State University and formerly worked as an employment specialist at Community Corrections Association, said the program assesses the veterans to find out their specific needs, such as housing and employment, and barriers to consistent housing and employment, such as addiction, mental-health problems, a criminal record, lack of education and the need for technical training. UMCC also offers classes on resume writing, job-interview skills and how to dress for interviews.

VA OIG Report for Cincinnati VAMC:

• Combined Assessment Program Review of the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a review to evaluate selected health care facility operations, focusing on patient care quality and the environment of care. During the review, OIG provided crime awareness briefings to 102 employees. This review focused on nine operational activities. The facility complied with selected standards in the following three activities: (1) magnetic resonance imaging safety, (2) acute ischemic stroke care, and (3) emergency airway management. The facility’s reported accomplishments were receipt of a 2014 Federal Service Excellence Award for the Hospital-In-Home program and local implementation of the national telemedicine intensive care unit program. OIG made recommendations for improvement in the following six activities: (1) quality management, (2) environment of care, (3) medication management, (4) coordination of care, (5) surgical complexity, and (6) Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program.

Columbus/Whitehall ChefVet: A Great Culinary Education for Veterans http://chefvet.net/ We are ChefVet a 501c3 entity that is being designed to support disabled veterans in a kitchen specifically designed to accommodate those with disabilities. Our goal to partner theory and academic training in a adaptive learning style in order to support veterans to gain access to the culinary industry without substantial program costs. After nearly 3 years of intense planning, creating alliances and thousands of hours of work behind the scenes, May 12th, 2014 was the official launch of ChefVet. This holistic and synergistic effort to reintegrate veterans with disabilities into America’s workforce through culinary training will be brought to the City of Whitehall and implemented in multiple phases. When completed, ChefVet and its non-profit board of directors will unveil a completely unique environment for disabled veterans.

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The ChefVet center will include a 5 acre campus inclusive of two facilities designed for success. The existing on-site structure will be retooled to provide corporate oversight, research and design kitchen, fitness facility, training center and medical wing. The new LEED certified platinum facility will be built to feature a café, bakeshop, catering arm, organic roof-top garden, and an instructional/educational teaching kitchen, with a full-scale training facility to teach disabled veterans culinary and food service skills. Click here for a complete program overview http://bit.ly/1CIf1vv

VETERANS TREATMENT COURTS MN: MINNEAPOLIS, MN DEFENSE ATTORNEYS BROCKTON HUNTER AND JOSHUA LONDON ADDRESS SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE ATTORNEY-VETERAN CLIENT RELATIONSHIP http://bit.ly/1KDlYgP

The winter issue of The Challenger, the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Attorney's quarterly periodical, features an article by Minneapolis criminal defense attorneys from the Law Office of Brockton D. Hunter, P.A. entitled Special Considerations in the Attorney-Veteran Client Relationship. Editor's Note: Brockton D. Hunter, Esq. is co-author of The Attorney's Guide to Defending Veterans in Criminal Court which is available at

http://www.veteransdefenseproject.org/

MI: Veterans Court, Redford mentors reach out to those who served http://bit.ly/1D573M3

Michigan now has some 22 such veterans courts, said Badeen, describing them as a grassroots effort of municipal and district judges in the United States. Redford's Judge Karen Khalil was instrumental in bringing the Veterans Court to the 17th District. "A lot of great things are happening," he said. "So great to be a part of it.

MI: Veterans group raises funds for local programs http://bit.ly/1EAU2LZ

Student Veterans of Michigan was founded in 2007 by Derek Blumke, then a 26-year-old Air Force veteran, during his first year at the University. Blumke created the organization because he said he initially felt disconnected from his civilian peers and realized that other student veterans may have felt the same way. He later went on to found the national organization, Student Veterans of America, in 2008.

TX: Lubbock County offering veterans alternative to justice system http://bit.ly/1D57x4N

Lubbock County is beginning to implement a new legal service for veterans, and it is the first of its kind in Texas. With a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission, the county is offering victim-criminal mediation services in Lubbock for qualifying veterans. While this isn’t technically a specialty court for veterans — as it does not have regular court intervention — the leaders getting it started are hoping it has similar outcomes.

TX: Veteran misdemeanor court starting in Harris County http://bit.ly/1DGFjLA

Instead, he became one of the first graduates of Harris County's Felony Veterans Court, an alternate path for crimes related to a veteran's mental health or substance abuse issues. That was five years ago. Today Davis mentors folks going through the program. About 150 veterans have gone through the felony program so far. "Post-traumatic stress disorder, or TBI, loss of limb, loss of life with their brothers. It's not easy," said Davis. Now a new opportunity is starting February 25th, in Judge Mike Fields' court, for honorably

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discharged veterans who commit misdemeanors and qualify with a background check and psychological assessment. The idea is to catch the veterans before they ever go through the normal court system. Instead, they'll have a year of court supervision, plus any psychological, or drug and alcohol counseling they need, through the VA.

TN: 3 graduate from Nashville’s expanding veterans court http://tnne.ws/1DGDCO4

The graduations are the first under Judge Melissa Blackburn’s tenure and come following a period of change and growth. Davidson County has had a veterans court for about five years, but last fall the program got its first slice of federal funding. The U.S. Department of Justice committed $140,000 annually for the next three years. With that money, Blackburn has hired four staff members. They now serve 47 veterans. The graduation ceremony — and cake reception — on Wednesday was also a way to mark the successes of the program and the organizations that have given support. Those include Metro police, Operation Stand Down Tennessee, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and others.

SC: Fifth Judicial Circuit Veterans Court program a success http://bit.ly/1IrrVl4

This past week I had the honor and privilege of attending the Veterans Court Program’s graduation. In the ceremony, six deserving veterans graduated and were able to start their lives anew. Witnessing this ceremony put into perspective the true meaning of assisting veterans. The program was created in November of 2011 and was the first of its kind in South Carolina. There is another benefit of the program: the skills and tools the veteran learns in the midst of completing the program. These skills and tools ensure that once the veteran has completed the program, he/she has a support structure in place to face the challenges that will surely come. One of these major tools in the program is the use of Volunteer Veteran Mentors. These are people that volunteer on a one-on-one basis with one of the participants of the program. The mentors ensure the participants receive the assistance and services needed. The mentor is an ally, advocate, and friend to the participant of the program. The success of this program can be directly attributable to Volunteer Veteran Mentor aspect of the program. It is easy to imagine participants of this program would struggle to successfully complete the program without the assistance from their mentor.

Maine: First woman admitted to Kennebec County Veterans Treatment Court http://bit.ly/1DGEnGX

Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty, who knows Montgomery well, said Wednesday that he is pleased she is in the program. Liberty launched the first veterans block at Kennebec County jail, the only such jail block in the state. He emphasized that it is important to recognize the impact the sexual trauma has had on Montgomery and says people have a duty to invest resources and time to help veterans on their return from service. He and others want to see Montgomery recover and thrive, he said. “She’s a wonderful lady, and she has a big heart and we really care about her,” he

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said.

WI: Mental Health Court Starting in Brown County http://bit.ly/1DGGjz8

This month marks the start of a new way to help people with mental health issues stay out of prison. Brown County is starting a mental health treatment court. A new heroin court will also start soon, in addition to the existing veterans and drug courts.

WA: Veterans Court Board sponsors concert to benefit community garden for veterans http://bit.ly/1DGHkXV

A variety of musical stylings will be represented in a Valentine’s Day concert. The "Sweetheart Desserts & Valentine Concert" will begin Saturday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m., with Art Miller, performing ragtime and blues, at the Gaiser Student Center, on the Clark College campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. The event is a fundraiser for the Clark County Veterans Community Garden, located at 8101 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver. The garden is expected to promote self-reliance, physical activity and social interaction, and contribute to the health and well-being of veterans. It will include raised beds for veterans with mobility issues. The event is co-sponsored by the Clark County Veterans Court Board and the Clark College Veterans Resource Center. Washougal Mayor Sean Guard and Camas Police Chief Mitch Lackey are founding members of the Veterans Court Board, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.

GA: State’s top judge: Rural areas lack legal options; more than 5,100 Georgians went through specialty courts in 2014 http://bit.ly/1DGJ2Zs

Six counties have no practicing attorneys, and another 64 have fewer than 15, according to the State Bar of Georgia. Thompson also pointed out some things that are going well, such as so-called specialty courts like DUI court, veterans court or mental health court. Those courts provide certain offenders, usually nonviolent first-timers, with a chance to erase their criminal record in exchange for intense supervision and any treatment. Last year, more than 5,100 Georgians went through specialty courts, Thompson said, which saves taxpayers money by avoiding jailing people. “Georgia’s specialty courts are yet another bargain for Georgia,” he said.

NY: With a legal assist, traumatized veterans seek status upgrade http://bit.ly/16EAaJp

For soldiers who are honorably discharged, the G.I. Bill provides not only tuition assistance, but also a monthly housing stipend and up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies. Soldiers with an honorable discharge also have full access to V.A. health benefits that are denied some lesser discharges, meaning that a veteran now suffering PTSD is often not eligible for the very health services that could help treat their condition. In New York, Goldsmith’s case prompted a new pilot program to connect veterans with local attorneys who could help them navigate the appeals process. When volunteer attorneys enter the pilot, the Urban Justice Center trains them in military procedures and provides background on the need for their services. Over the past year, the pilot has connected 13 veterans with attorneys.

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The New York County Lawyers' Association plans to partner with the Urban Justice Center and Fordham Law’s Feerick Center for Social Justice to expand the program, and Lessard said he hopes it will serve as a model for other bar associations around the country looking to help veterans.

IN: Hamilton County establishing Veterans Court http://bit.ly/1Irr3Nq

After a year of work and research, plans to establish a Veterans Court moved forward after receiving funding from the Hamilton County Council on Feb. 4. “We have the second highest number of veterans in Indiana living within the boundaries of Hamilton County,” Hamilton County Judge William Hughes said. “We also know we have one of the higher rates of services. ”Hughes said maybe as much as 35 to 40 percent of the people who are going through the jail are veterans. “That’s 400 a year. That’s somewhere between 75 to 100 people a year may qualify for Veterans Court,” he said.

Canada: Feds spend $700,000 on vets court case http://bit.ly/1D58NEW

OTTAWA - The federal government has so far spent nearly $700,000 fighting a disgruntled group of wounded Afghan veterans in court— a revelation that on Wednesday rekindled a political controversy the Conservatives had hoped was behind them.

Canadian Veterans Shouldn't Have To Scramble To Find Lawyers, Says Ombudsperson http://huff.to/1IruKCD

OTTAWA - The country's veterans ombudsman is disappointed the federal government has not extended legal assistance to ex-soldiers who find themselves battling for benefits in front of the Federal Court.

MILITARY VETERANS LEGAL ASSITANCE

Editor's Note: We are going to try to list all of the civilian military and veterans legal assistance and

law clinic resources in the U.S. by state, and as appropriate for veterans of other nations. We will

need your help. Please email info on resources that our not on our list to cruzzen@gmail.com.

Thank you!

MILITARY & VETERANS LEGAL ASSISTANCE STATE NAME LOCATION CONTACT

California Veterans Legal Institute

UC-Davis Smedley Butler Veterans Justice Project Thomas Jefferson School of Law Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic

Fountain Valley, CA Davis, CA San Diego, CA

www.vetslegal.com http://bit.ly/1B5irGw http://bit.ly/1DQZZUF http://bit.ly/1DQYLZw

Illinois The John Marshall Law School

Veterans Legal Support Center

and Clinic

The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL 60604

http://bit.ly/14le7Wo

Michigan Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC MI-based national law firm http://bit.ly/1Df2RHf Missouri Mid-Missouri Legal Services

Legal Aid to Veterans Program

Harry S. Truman V.A. Hospital in Columbia, MO

http://bit.ly/1B5mgvy

New York

Veterans Legal Clinic

Urban Justice Center

Syracuse University New York City

http://bit.ly/14le0Ku http://bit.ly/16EBDz9

Ohio Operation Legal Help Ohio Ohio State Captain Jonathan D.

Columbus, Ohio Lubbock Coiunty, TX

www.mvlap.org http://bit.ly/1aWIlAy

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Grassbaugh Veterans Project Texas Texas Veterans Legal Assistance

Project

Lubbock County victim-criminal mediation services

Texas Legal Services Center Lubbock Couinty Texas

http://bit.ly/14kWpCF http://bit.ly/1D57x4N

National ABA Military Pro Bono Project National www.militaryprobono.org National Military Law Task Force of The

National Lawyers Guild

National http://bit.ly/1zqqLAJ

Regional List of College & University law

schools offering pro bono/free

legal services to Veterans

Regional by law school http://bit.ly/1CnGBOF

PTS/TBI/MST

Florida Veterans center offers mental health counseling for veterans http://fcnews.tv/1znzgMC

Jacksonville: The Five Star Veterans Center knows there are many veterans fighting the same battle and that's why the organization has launched a new counseling initiative."This is the strongest battle, the hardest battle they will ever have to face; the one they're carrying inside of them," said Trish Barton. Barton, a licensed mental health counselor, was hired by the Five Star Veterans Center to help veterans in need. She plans individual and group therapy sessions. "What I'd like to anticipate is that their baggage gets left here when they leave and they go out and have successful lives," she said. Five Star CEO Colonel Len Loving said the Delores Barr-Weaver Foundation donated $352,000 to fund the new mental health initiative. "There are 22 suicides a day in the veteran community," said Loving. "Something has to be done." He said the center received $200,000 to get the program started and the foundation will deliver the remaining $152,000 on the condition that they raise a matching amount. Loving said the center is now funded for 25 residents, but the door is always open to any veteran in need.

A gift to heal injured brains: Family transformed by TBI gives to aid U-M Health System care and research http://bit.ly/1yMWc3T

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A tragic accident 32 years ago forever altered the lives of an entire prominent Michigan auto industry family, as a beloved wife and mother suffered a devastating traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Now, the Massey family has invested in the hope that University of Michigan medical and scientific teams can spare other families what they endured. With a significant gift from the Joyce and Don Massey Family Foundation, the U-M Health System has launched a major initiative to find new ways to treat TBI, and to care for and support those affected by it.

9 Things NOT to Say to Someone with a Brain Injury (brainline.org) http://bit.ly/1DnUZ6b

1. You seem fine to me. 2. Maybe you’re just not trying hard enough (you’re lazy). 3. You’re such a grump! 4. How many times do I have to tell you? 5. Do you have any idea how much I do for you?

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6. Your problem is all the medications you take. 7. Let me do that for you. 8. Try to think positively. 9. You’re lucky to be alive.

Research: Study examines impact of service dogs on veterans with PTSD http://1.usa.gov/1EAYfiG

Doctors from the Department of Veterans Affairs say that the benefits of service dogs working with the physically disabled are well-documented. However, there is no scientific literature that supports the theory that they are equally beneficial to those with mental scars. An attempt to study the correlation in 2011 was suspended because of dog bites and later was canceled over concerns about the health and training of the dogs. The VA and several new groups, including Canine Companions, launched a second iteration of the study in December. This time around, the study is bigger, more comprehensive and more tightly controlled, VA officials said. They have vowed to answer the question: Can service dogs improve activity and quality of life in veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress? “This is a very large and complex study. We just can’t rush it,” the VA’s chief veterinary medical officer Michael Fallon told Stars and Stripes. “We’re going to do it right.”

Research: Spiritual Support for Veterans (Minneapolis VAHCS) http://1.usa.gov/1zbwOIX Over the past 6 years, Dr. Irene Harris and her research team at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System have developed a spiritually-integrated, 8-week support group for PTSD called "Building Spiritual Strength" (BSS). Preliminary research demonstrated it holds significant promise in reducing symptoms of PTSD. BSS can be disseminated and provided by trained community providers in faith-based settings Dr. Harris has received funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb to evaluate this new treatment, and would like your support in letting veterans know about this opportunity.

Research: MRI Detects Clinically Significant Microbleeds in Mild TBI http://bit.ly/16ZqNVb

A new study suggests that susceptibility-weighted imaging should be added to any MRI evaluation of a mild TBI patient.

Safe Place to Discuss Fears http://1.usa.gov/1DxHNw0

Women with a history of sexual violence are particularly vulnerable to reproductive health concerns, often due to anxiety and fear of gynecological and breast exams,” says Dr. Veronica Ades, a gynecologist with expertise in treating women with prior sexual trauma. Understanding and easing these fears is at the center of a new project led by Dr. Ades and Dr. Joanna Dognin, psychologist and Health Behavior Coordinator. The project, funded by the Office of Women’s Health Services, will begin with focus groups to better understand barriers to reproductive healthcare, such as pap exams, contraceptive care and mammograms. Based on what is learned, Drs. Ades, Dognin and an interdisciplinary team of medicine, psychology, women’s health, and military sexual trauma experts will devise a series of Group Educational sessions to educate, answer questions and allow for open and safe dialogue for women Veterans whose trauma histories often prevent them from accessing care.

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Oregon educator honored for work on traumatic brain injury http://bit.ly/1I7YNPH BEND, Ore. - The Oregon Association of Central Office Administrators has selected Central Oregon educator Sue Hayes as the recipient of the 2015 Achievement of Excellence Award. As program administrator for the High Desert Education Service District, Hayes was chosen in honor of her work to champion services for students and their families faced with Traumatic Brain Injury. “Sue has dedicated her career to helping students with special needs achieve academic success,” said HDESD Superintendent John Rexford. “Her work to coordinate services for Central Oregon students who have experienced from traumatic brain injury has become a model for other districts and ESDs throughout the state,” explained Rexford who added that Hayes was recently invited to present at a conference hosted by the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania.

Traumatic Brain Injury News & Information - BrainLine.org • NHL signs up for wearable concussion monitoring • Isolated Headache after Bump Poses Little Brain Injury Risk for Kids

NAMI FaithNet http://bit.ly/1I81wIY

NAMI FaithNet is a network of NAMI members and friends dedicated to promoting caring faith communities and promoting the role of faith in recovery for individuals and families affected by mental illness. This site is a reflection of a closer partnership between NAMI, NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliate leaders

NEW Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill, March 18th http://bit.ly/16EECb5 Please join the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, chaired by Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.) and Tom he Congressional Brain Injury Task Force (CBITF), co-chaired by Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.) and Rep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.), has set the date for Brain Injury Awareness Day for 2015. Awareness Day activities will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. The Brain Injury Association of America participates in the annual event by assisting with planning, exhibiting, and sponsoring the reception along with other stakeholders, the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators and the National Disability Rights Network. Plan to attend to network with other national and federal agencies and to visit with your Members of Congress regarding key issues affecting brain injury. The preliminary schedule for the day's events is as follows: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Awareness Fair in the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Briefing: Finding a "New Normal": Post Injury Supports and Services That Make A Difference in Cannon House Office Building, Room 121 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Reception in Rayburn House Office Building, Room B-339 Plan to attend to network with other national and federal agencies and to visit with your Members of Congress regarding key issues affecting brain injury. Please stay tuned to BIAA's website under the government affairs for more information.

NEW Progress in Rehabilitation Research (PIRR) Conference, 25-30 October 2015, Dallas, TX http://bit.ly/1DKbvOt

RESTON, Virginia – Basic science is fundamental to the advancement of rehabilitation medicine, just as translational research is essential to bridge the gap between the lab and

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clinical practice. ACRM strongly supports an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation and through its annual conference, Progress in Rehabilitation Research (PIRR), provides an effective platform for critical exchange between today’s top researchers and the clinicians, therapists, administrators, counselors, and other rehabilitation professionals who serve people with disabilities. “The ACRM Program Committee is excited to announce this year’s Opening Plenary Speakers, Dr. Marc Diamond and Dr. Christopher Giza,”said committee chair, Pamela Roberts, PhD, OTR/L, SCFES, FAOTA, CPHQ, FNAP. “Their work exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach that is important to ACRM and is an inspiration to us all.” Marc Diamond, MD is the founding director of the Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Southwestern Medical Center. His research is focused on neurodegenerative diseases linked to amyloid protein accumulation, with the goal of developing mechanism-based diagnosis and therapy. He will be joined by Christopher C. Giza, MD, who leads the Pediatric Traumatic

Brain Injury Program at Mattel Children’s Hospital – UCLA and established the UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT program which partners with local schools to provide prevention, outreach, research and treatment for sports concussions. The program gained national attention as the recipient of the single largest gift from an individual to a medical center for a concussion-related initiative when it received $10 million from philanthropist Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants and an Academy Award–winning film producer.

DCoE: Chaplains Set to Complete Psychological Health Training Pilot http://bit.ly/1IrnfM7

Thirty-six chaplains will complete the pilot year of a psychological health education program in May. The Mental Health Integration for Chaplain Services program, a one-year certification program, helps chaplains recognize and understand the psychological health concerns many service members and veterans of this generation face.

Wounded veterans get free wedding in Odessa, FL. http://on.wtsp.com/1IrxakW Odessa, Florida -- Two wounded military veterans, who met during rehabilitation, were treated to a free wedding on Friday at Old McMicky's Farm. Kathleen Evans and Gregory Edwards met while receiving rehabilitation for their injuries at the Veterans Affairs hospital in West Virginia. And both recently moved to Tampa Bay area to receive treatment at Bay Pines. Evans was serving in the Air Force attached to a Joint Special Operations Command unit in Iraq. In the fall of 2006, her convoy was attacked and the vehicle in front of hers was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade. She suffers from constant migraines, memory loss, and has been working on her speech. She has a traumatic brain injury, combat post-traumatic stress disorder, and military sexual trauma. Edwards was an Army combat medic who also suffers from combat PTSD and has knee and hearing injuries.

Research: Gist Reasoning Indicative of Daily Function in Traumatic Brain Injury http://bit.ly/1Iry6FJ

Results indicated that the TBI group performed significantly lower than the control group on gist reasoning, even after adjusting for executive functions and memory.

A Black Rose Campaign http://www.ablackrose.org/

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Editor's Note: One of our readers, Olga Ferrer, Director at A Black Rose Campaign, asked

that we share this with you.

My name is Olga Ferrer, I served in the USAF from 1988 to 1997. In 1991 while serving in the Gulf War I was assault by one of my brother in arms. As many victims of assult I suffer in silenced for many years, letting my invisible wound fester inside of me like a cancer. Punishing myself for something that I didn't have control over it. Because of my own experience I have started a campaign called A Black Rose: Campaign for Awareness. Our focus is to bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault, harassment, abuse, stalking, etc. faced by serving members of our armed forces. Our philosophy is that the men and women who serve our nation should not have to worry about being assaulted by their fellow servicemen and women. We invite service members and veterans to request a rose in their honor that represents their trauma and quest for recovery. We hope to put a story to every statistic and make this issue impossible to ignore. We know rape is rape and we believe that a person's right to be free of sexual assault does not end when he or she dons the uniform. To the contrary, we vest our military with great power and responsibility.

DHCC Deployment Health News Prolonged Exposure: A first-line treatment for PTSD VAntage Point, 27 January 2015 “In 2006, VA began a national training initiative to help VA clinicians learn two of the most effective types of psychotherapy for treating PTSD, Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Today over 6,000 VA therapists have been trained in these treatments. These therapies are recommended as first-line treatments in all PTSD practice guidelines around the world, including the guideline jointly issued by VA and the Department of Defense. VA requires that all Veterans have access to these treatments, and for good reason. They are effective for Veterans and non-Veterans alike.” PTSD Therapies Safe, Effective for Patients with Comorbid Psychosis

Neurology Advisor, 22 January 2015 “Patients with psychotic disorders and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder benefit from prolonged exposure (PE) therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, according to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry. David P.G. van den Berg, from the Parnassia Psychiatric Institute in Den Haag, Netherlands, and colleagues examined the safety and efficacy of PE therapy and EMDR therapy in patients with psychotic disorders and comorbid PTSD. Participants were randomized to receive eight weekly 90-minute sessions of PE therapy (53 patients), EMDR therapy (55 patients); and waiting list (WL; 47 patients) control.” Mentorship, a story like no others

Offutt Air Force Base, 23 January 2015 “The lights were dim and the atmosphere was relaxed at the Patriot Club on Dec. 16 as four Airmen shared their personal story in the inaugural story telling mentoring event called 'The Long and Short of it.' This was Offutt's first story tellers event and the subjects included seeking mental health assistance and the effects it has on the Air Force career, the life impact of special duties, overcoming depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the effects it has on the family.” Studies: Even brief exposure to animals may be good for you Raleigh News & Observer, 26 January 2015 “When final exams were bearing down on them in December, nearly 1,000 students at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond turned out for ‘Paws for Stress’ – a chance to

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pet and play with therapy dogs. Pets were once considered a leisure interest, one best kept at home. But there’s a growing recognition that in addition to companionship, animals may offer humans a tangible health boost." Report faults Army’s ability to predict violence “The Army’s tools for identifying troubled soldiers would not have flagged the man who shot to three people to death and wounded 16 others before killing himself at Fort Hood last year, despite previous signs of instability, an Army report said Friday. Officials found no single factor that prompted Specialist Ivan Lopez to go on a shooting rampage April 2, but the Army’s investigation found instances where he faced ‘significant and increasing stress in the days, weeks, and months leading up to the shooting.’” SUICIDE IS NOT CHOSEN

National Council for Behavioral Health Blog, 14 January 2015 “We can implement effective strategies to prevent suicide and its devastating aftermath. Everyone has a role to play. The National Council’s 2,200+ member organizations can transform health care delivery for individuals at highest risk for suicide and we can adopt a ‘Zero Suicide’ approach to suicide care. We’re starting with education, launching a six-part webinar series in collaboration with the Action Alliance and National Institute for Mental Health featuring the Prioritized Research Agenda for Suicide Prevention.” CHRIS KYLE CONTINUES TO SUPPORT VETERANS, EVEN IN DEATH Breitbart, 22 January 2015 “While American Sniper is shattering box office records, the story of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle is also assisting servicemembers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Kyle, who also suffered from the devastating disorder, was passionate in sharing his struggles with fellow veterans in his life. His legacy of service continues today, nearly two years after his death, through his story.” For more deployment health-related information, click here to go to the DoD Deployment Health Clinical Center's PDHealth.mil website.

Research: Onabotulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Headache in Service Members With a History of mTBI http://bit.ly/1KDgZg1

OBJECTIVE: Post-traumatic headache (PTH) of the migraine type is a common complication of mild traumatic brain injury (including blast injuries) in active duty service members. Persistent and near-daily headache occur. Usual preventive medications may have unacceptable side effects. Anecdotal reports suggest that onabotulinum toxin A (OBA) might be an effective treatment in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that active duty military patients with headaches related to concussions may benefit from treatment with OBA. Further studies are indicated.

Humanity Moves http://humanitymoves.org/ We set up programs for homeless youth, parenting adolescent mothers, veterans with PTSD and their spouses by entering into respectful partnerships with organizations that are committed to the long-term healing of these at-risk populations. We teach, coach and practice mindfulness and movement education in the most appropriate manner and through a variety of means that include, but not limited to: yoga, expressive movement, dance, insight meditation and mindfulness principles. These populations typically have experienced emotional or physical trauma through homelessness, incarceration, addiction or acts of war and violence and therefore require a gentle, compassionate approach to healing the mind-

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body connection.

Judge orders further revisions in NFL concussion lawsuit settlement http://wapo.st/1DAxZ4i

The proposed settlement agreement in the concussion litigation between former football players and the NFL will need to undergo further changesbefore U.S. District Judge Anita Brody will sign off on it. Brody issued an order Monday asking the two sides to amend and expand some of the settlement terms, giving lawyers until Feb. 13 to hammer out the details. Attorney Christopher Seeger, co-lead counsel for the former players, and the NFL both expressed confidence Monday that the settlement would receive final approval.

SUICIDE

New Bill Seeks to Curb Suicide by Military Veterans (Clay-Hunt) http://to.pbs.org/1DGL1wT

Next week, President Barack Obama is expected to sign a bill to improve VA assistance to veterans in need of mental health care and at risk for suicide. The legislation, named for Hunt, passed unanimously in Congress — it cleared the Senate on Tuesday — in a rare moment of bipartisanship. “It sends a message to our veterans that our country’s finally serious about tackling suicide,” said Paul Rieckhoff, the chief executive and founder of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, (IAVA), a nonprofit advocacy group that helped develop the legislation.

Vet Groups: More Suicide Prevention Tools Needed after Clay Hunt Bill http://mil-com.me/1yMRYt8

Veterans' advocates said the Senate's passage of the Clay Hunt Veteran Suicide bill will not end their push for improving mental health services for veterans. VFW National Commander John W. Stroud said the bill, which is awaiting the signature of President Obama, "does strengthen and expand the mental health programs and services currently available to service members and veterans ... [but what it] doesn't do is go far enough."

After Georgia ex-Marine kills her children, then herself, VA suicide programs to be reviewed (Clay-Hunt) http://nydn.us/1Df2KxG

A former Georgia Marine who killed her three children, and then herself, had been flagged as a suicide risk by the Veterans Administration, according to a local report. Kisha Holmes, 35, had been tagged as being at a high risk for suicide and had missed two mental health appointments in December before last Wednesday's quadruple homicide involving Holmes' 10-year-son, 4-year-old son and 9-month-old daughter, as well as herself, WSB-TV reported. U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) said Tuesday he had been briefed by the Atlanta VA's staff on Holmes' case and supported medical center director Leslie Wiggins, who called the senator after the bodies were found. Legislation authored by Isakson that calls for a third-party review of the department's suicide prevention programs passed the U.S. Senate on Tuesday and is now headed for the

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President's desk. Atlanta VA flagged mother who killed 3 children as 'suicide risk' http://bit.ly/1yuBrdg

Atlanta - There's now a local and federal investigation into how Atlanta's VA medical center handled the case of a Cobb County Marine veteran who killed her three children and then herself.

The missing context behind the widely cited statistic that there are 22 veteran suicides a day (WP) http://wapo.st/1KDnqja

This statistic comes from the VA’s 2012 Suicide Data Report, which analyzed death certificates from 21 states, from 1999 to 2011. The report calculated a percentage of suicides identified with veterans out of all suicides in death certificates from the 21 states during the project period, which turned out to be 22 percent. (By point of reference, about 13 percent of U.S. adults are veterans, according to a 2012 Gallup poll.) Then the report applied that percentage against the number of suicides in the U.S. in a given year (approximately 38,000). Divided by number of days in a year, the report came up with 22 veteran suicides a day. . . . The actual number of veteran suicides a day might be higher than 22 for a given population of veterans facing certain risk factors, and lower for another group. The repeated use of this number has been magnified by the lack of comprehensive research, but that does not make it acceptable to repeat an alarming figure with no context or caveats — especially one that researchers cautioned against repeatedly in the study. The more important issue is whether the rate of suicides among veterans is higher than among the general population–and if so, by how much. That would be a better statistic to use than a raw number with little context or meaning.

The Weekly Spark, 06 FEB 2015 http://bit.ly/1Ir6oZV

Announcements o SAMHSA seeks feedback on certifying community behavioral health clinics o Registration open for 48th annual conference of the American Association of

Suicidology o National Behavioral Health Barometer

News o More pastors embrace talk of mental ills o NEW JERSEY: N.J.-funded experts get the call when tragedy strikes o UNITED KINGDOM: New strategy to cut suicides “achievable,” says Clegg

GENERAL NEWS

Update: Call for Abstracts: NCHV Seeks Presenters for 2015 NCHV Annual Conference, May 27-29, 2015 in Washington, D.C. mholzer@nchv.org

Mary Ellen Salzano: Do you want to share what your community is doing to end veteran homelessness? Do you have a service structure in your community that has had a profound impact and is scalable to other communities? Apply to be a presenter at this year’s Annual conference! We are looking for innovative, impactful models grounded in research and experience.

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Suggested session topics include: Affordable Housing Development, Permanent Housing Access, Transitional/Emergency Housing, Supportive Housing, Data and Tracking Tools, Rapid Re-Housing, Special Populations, Income Supports, Employment Services, Local Coordination, Coordinated Intake/Assessment, Legal Services, Mental Health Services, and Prevention. Other topics will also be considered. In order to be considered, all abstract submissions must be completed by March 1, 2015. To submit your session abstract online, complete this form. You may also download this form to complete and submit via email to mholzer@nchv.org.

Nebraska, Iowa veterans will get a day to bend ears of state lawmakers http://bit.ly/1D4Utw7

Veterans in Iowa and Nebraska will have the opportunity to speak with legislators on matters that affect them during legislative days at each state’s Capitol. In Nebraska, Veterans’ Legislative Day at the Capitol is planned for Feb. 6. The schedule has not been finalized, but typically the governor and state senators sponsoring veteran-specific legislation speak to veterans in the Warner Legislative Chamber in the Capitol, said Dave Salak, the department adjutant for the American Legion in Nebraska.

VA: Women's Heart Health http://1.usa.gov/1EATiX6

VA is committed to empowering women Veterans to live a heart healthy lifestyle. In coordination with the AHA, VA is Going Red for Women in February to highlight the importance of women’s heart health.

VA: National Salute To Veterans on Valentine's Day http://1.usa.gov/1EATIg8

The National Salute is observed annually during the week of Valentine’s Day as an expression of honor and appreciation to inpatient and outpatient Veterans. The nationally syndicated column started by Ann Landers historically devoted a column to the National Salute, asking readers to send Valentine cards and letters to hospitalized Veterans at VA medical centers. More than a million cards and letters are sent to VA patients each year during the National Salute.

DoD Releases Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Proposal http://1.usa.gov/1EAV0I4

. . . The budget also resubmits a number of critical reforms proposed in the FY 2015 budget, including improvements to DoD business operations, force structure modifications, streamlining our base infrastructure, strengthening sexual assault prevention and response programs, and providing for service members and their families. The budget maintains a prudent balance among Joint force capacities, capabilities, and readiness, and continues to keep faith with service members and their families. . . . Modest annual fees are recommended for TRICARE-for-Life coverage for retirees age 65

or older. Consolidation of TRICARE healthcare plans is also recommended with altered

deductibles and co-pays to encourage greater efficiency. Additional changes are sought for

the pharmacy co-pay structure to encourage use of mail order and generic drugs. These DoD

proposals are similar to those submitted in the president’s FY 2015 budget proposal.

Obama budget’s boost for military spending points to brewing national security debate (WP) http://wapo.st/1D5wFZ7

The president will ask Congress to break through its own spending caps — commonly referred to as “sequestration” — and allocate about $561 billion for Pentagon expenditures, about $38 billion more than is currently allowed under the law.

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There’s broad consensus in both parties that the military needs more money to modernize its forces and meet its responsibilities in a world that seems to have grown more chaotic and dangerous in the past 12 months. It’s unclear, however, how Congress and the White House can come to an agreement on where to find the additional funds.

Virginia lawmakers must weigh budget demands with new needs for mental health services http://wapo.st/1DAzS0V

Finances were one of the barriers to Alison Hymes’ release from Western State Hospital — not hers, but the state’s. Her placement at an assisted living facility in Charlottesville depended on whether her social workers could secure extra funds from the Discharge Assistance Program. DAP is designed to support individuals leaving state hospitals resume their lives in the community. Her hospital records which she shared with Post show that there was no more DAP funding available at the local level and her social workers had to appeal to the state for extra money, which eventually came through.

Alzheimer’s costs could soar to $1 trillion a year by 2050, report says http://wapo.st/18SPHqk

A report issued Thursday on the financial impact of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States warns that it could soar to more than $1 trillion a year by 2050, with much of it borne by the federal government, unless action is taken to shift current trends. The Alzheimer’s Association report, “Changing the Trajectory of Alzheimer’s Disease, urges the federal government to meet its own goals for research funding in a bid to find a cure or effective treatments by 2025. The U.S. could save $220 billion within the first five years if such treatments were found, the nonprofit’s report says. Even with an interim treatment that slowed onset by five years, the costs would immediately drop as much as $535 billion over a 10-year period.

Virginia Values Veterans V3 Approved as SHRM “Preferred Provider” of Training http://bit.ly/1DGNvvf

The V3 Program is extraordinarily pleased to report that the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has approved the V3 Program to join their Preferred Provider network. V3 may now award SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for Human resource professionals seeking to recertify for SHRM-CPSM and SHRM-SCPSM certificates. In November 2014, the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) also authorized the V3 Program as an Approved Provider for HRCI continuing education credits toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertification. The V3 Core Curriculum educates employers on why hiring Veterans is a good business decision and how to build a business case for hiring veterans; trains employers on current best practices in Veteran recruiting, hiring, and retention; and provides resources to employers to help them connect with the Veteran talent pool. The V3 Supplemental Curriculum educates employers on a variety of subjects, including the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA); Veteran On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Programs; the value of employing members of the National Guard and Reserve; using the Virginia Workforce Connection Database; and dispelling myths of PTSD.

NEW USASOC offers Soldiers, Families financial training, 24 FEB 2015, Pope Air Field,

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NC http://bit.ly/1FfoNDF POPE AIR FIELD, N.C. - The U.S. Army Special Operations Command Family Advocacy Program is sponsoring a financial counseling as part of the National Military Saves Week campaign. Syble Solomon, a money personality expert, will present a workshop at the Family Readiness Group Center on Pope Air Field, Feb. 24, from 1-3 p.m. "We know that financial stress is something so many people are dealing with and we want to help," said Frank E. Eng, USASOC Family Advocacy Specialist. "By participating (in the workshop), people are dealing with and we want to help." Solomon will also offer training for installation and counseling professionals, Feb. 24, from 9-12 p.m. Military Saves Week (Feb. 23-28) is an annual opportunity for installations and organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for service members and their Families to assess their own saving status. For more information, contact the USASOC Family Specialist at 910-432-7155.

Ending Homelessness in Ontario: Addressing the Mental Health and Functional Needs of the Most Vulnerable Amongst Us http://bit.ly/1DGMCmo

Today (28 JAN 2015) is #BellLetsTalk – a day where thousands of Canadians speak up in support of mental health and come together to address the issues associated with stigma. It’s a day when, as a society, we say no one should feel guilty or shameful when asking for help. It’s a day to imagine an Ontario in which mental healthcare is readily available to everyone when needed. We are not there yet. We are still living in a reality in which the most vulnerable amongst us, arguably the homeless, are not able to access timely mental health services, sometimes with tragic consequences.

California: Rancho Mirage woman's lawsuit could help protect seniors (Veterans scam) http://desert.sn/1IrvR5o

A Rancho Mirage woman's civil lawsuit citing fraud and elder abuse could be a "huge" step toward protecting senior citizens from potential financial scams, a consumer advocacy group says. In a complaint filed in Riverside County Superior Court last year, Lois Brown claims a Palm Desert insurance agent convinced her to buy annuities under the guise of a program benefiting low-income war veterans and their spouses, even though she wasn't qualified.

Obama's budget aims to eliminate for-profit colleges' GI Bill loophole http://for.tn/1upt6Ly

As it stands now, for-profit colleges must abide by the so-called 90-10 rule, which keeps them from getting more than 90% of their operating revenue from federal student aid money. But that rule doesn’t consider GI Bill benefits government funding. Meanwhile, veteran enrollment at for-profit colleges has soared. Thirty-one percent of veterans attended for-profit schools in 2013, up from 23% in 2009, giving such institutions access to $1.7 billion in post-9/11 GI Bill benefits in the 2012-2013 academic year, up from $640 million in 2009-2010. Obama’s budget proposal aims to curb that trend by counting veterans’ education benefits toward for-profit schools’ federal money cap. If the GI Bill loophole were closed, dozens of for-profit institutions would be in violation of the 90-10 rule,according to a Department of Education analysis, which found that 133 for-profit schools receive more than 90% of their revenue from a combination of Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and GI Bill funds.

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UPCOMING CONFERENCES, WEBINARS & OTHER EVENT Please send us notices about events in your area

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EVENTS FOR PROVIDERS Ohio Presentation: Brain Development and Children in Crisis, Columbus, OH, 10 FEB 2015 http://bit.ly/1wk4tdG

Franklin County Family and Children First Council in Partnership with Franklin County Juvenile Court Presents: Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., Internationally Recognized Authority on Brain Development and Children in Crisis, Please join us for an exciting opportunity to learn:

• HOW COMPLEX TRAUMA IS ASSOCIATED WITH DELINQUENCY & VIOLENCE • HOW TRAUMA INFORMED POLICIES & PRACTICES PROMOTE POSITIVE OUTCOMES &

MAXIMIZE RESOURCES DATE: Tuesday, February 10th TIME: 1:00 to 4:30pm LOCATION: Xenos, 1390 Community Park Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43229

NEW SAMHSA Upcoming Webinar: Principles of Effective Suicide Care: Evidence-Based Treatments, 10 FEB 2015 http://bit.ly/1yqqcCt

Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | 1–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Individuals at risk for suicide who seek help from a behavioral health professional should expect to receive care that is research informed, collaborative, and focused explicitly on suicide risk. Research suggests that practitioners who receive formal training in suicide care models have improved confidence, competence, and efficacy. In a comprehensive Zero Suicide approach, a skilled and savvy workforce with extensive training in suicide care and treatment is critical.

LA Veterans Collaborative Meeting, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 http://conta.cc/1JVNRCh

The Los Angeles Veterans Collaborative is a structured network of public, private, and government agencies guiding community practitioners; building responsive community networks; informing policy and identifying broadly applicable and effective solutions that rely on promising preventive strategies for veterans and their families.

DCoE Webinar: Stress and Anxiety Following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - February 12 http://bit.ly/1yqrBsW

Human behavior is a result of the constant interaction between the organism and its environment is a belief of the early 20th century psychologist Clark Hull (Freeman, Moore, & Freeman, 2009). Current research notes when injury or stress occurs, behavior reinforces the optimal biological conditions of survival. This is just as true today when a service member survives both the stress of injury from a brain insult and the effects of the concussion/TBI when either stress or TBI may be repetitive in highly paced or frequent deployment environments. When TBI occurs on a battlefield, both a TBI and a stress/fear response occur. If a threat or anxiety becomes overwhelming, the service member may revert to protective modes, including exacerbation of posttraumatic stress disorder, family conflict, alcohol or substance abuse, or other maladaptive reactions. Discussion will include a variety of evidence-based assessment and treatment strategies related to stress and anxiety following TBI.

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International Mental Health Conference Comes to U.S. For First Time; San Francisco to Host “Together Against Stigma” February 18-20, 2015 http://www.togetheragainststigma.org/

PR Newswire, January 7, 2015 “The international mental health community will gather at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco February 18-20, 2015, marking the first time the International Together Against Stigma Conference will be held in the United States since its inception in 2001. It is hosted collaboratively by The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), The California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association. The conference will serve as a platform for those working to advance mental health in the U.S. and around the globe to tackle challenges, share promising practices and spotlight innovation to promote mental health, prevent mental illness, and improve mental health care.”

Info Added RESEARCH Webinar Series - Suicide Prevention: An Action Plan to Save Lives, 24 FEB - 24 JUN 2015 http://1.usa.gov/1z2eEcM

In February 2014, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Research Prioritization Task Force (RPTF) released A Prioritized Research Agenda for Suicide Prevention: An Action Plan to Save Lives, which outlines the research areas that show the most promise in helping to reduce the rates of suicide attempts and deaths in the next 5-10 years. The Prioritized Research Agenda is organized around six key questions, each of which will be addressed in a series of webinars sponsored by the National Council for Behavioral Health in collaboration with the Action Alliance and the National Institute of Mental Health. • February 24 — How can we better detect/predict suicide risk? • April 2 — What interventions prevent suicidal behavior? • April 29 — What are the most effective services to treat and prevent suicidal behavior? • May 27 — What suicide interventions outside of health care settings reduce risk? • June 24 — What research infrastructure do we need to reduce suicidal behavior?

NEW USASOC offers Soldiers, Families financial training, 24 FEB 2015, Pope Air Field, NC http://bit.ly/1FfoNDF

POPE AIR FIELD, N.C. - The U.S. Army Special Operations Command Family Advocacy Program is sponsoring a financial counseling as part of the National Military Saves Week campaign. Syble Solomon, a money personality expert, will present a workshop at the Family Readiness Group Center on Pope Air Field, Feb. 24, from 1-3 p.m. "We know that financial stress is something so many people are dealing with and we want to help," said Frank E. Eng, USASOC Family Advocacy Specialist. "By participating (in the workshop), people are dealing with and we want to help." Solomon will also offer training for installation and counseling professionals, Feb. 24, from 9-12 p.m. Military Saves Week (Feb. 23-28) is an annual opportunity for installations and organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for service members and their Families to assess their own saving status. For more information, contact the USASOC Family Specialist at 910-432-7155.

NEW Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill, March 18th http://bit.ly/16EECb5

Please join the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, chaired by Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.) and Tom he Congressional Brain Injury Task Force (CBITF), co-chaired by Rep. Bill

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Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.) and Rep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.), has set the date for Brain Injury Awareness Day for 2015. Awareness Day activities will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. The Brain Injury Association of America participates in the annual event by assisting with planning, exhibiting, and sponsoring the reception along with other stakeholders, the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators and the National Disability Rights Network. Plan to attend to network with other national and federal agencies and to visit with your Members of Congress regarding key issues affecting brain injury. The preliminary schedule for the day's events is as follows: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Awareness Fair in the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Briefing: Finding a "New Normal": Post Injury Supports and Services That Make A Difference in Cannon House Office Building, Room 121 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Reception in Rayburn House Office Building, Room B-339 Plan to attend to network with other national and federal agencies and to visit with your Members of Congress regarding key issues affecting brain injury. Please stay tuned to BIAA's website under the government affairs for more information.

NEW: 5th Annual Traumatic Brain Injury Conference - April 15, 16, 2015 Washington, DC http://bit.ly/1DGC5HO

US Government Agencies to Outline Future Directions in Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD Research, Funding at 2015 TBI Conference WASHINGTON, DC, February 05, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- More than thirty phase III clinical trial failures in traumatic brain injury (TBI) over the years underlines the critical need for a strategic re-working at the national and international level of how TBI and brain health medical research is funded, directed and conducted. These failures, however painful, provide clues and vital new directions to focus future research aimed at finding solutions. At the 5th Annual 2015 TBI Conference, thought leaders from major US government agencies will update attendees on the latest updates on TBI and brain health research and funding trends. Anyone involved in or monitoring neurotrauma research will not want to miss these presentations.

2015 NCHV Annual Conference, May 27-29, 2015 in Washington, D.C. http://on.fb.me/1EkQJs2

As we begin the final year of the Five-Year Plan to End Homelessness, it's time to mark your calendars for what promises to be one of the most anticipated NCHV Annual Conferences in our organization's history! Help us mark 25 years of NCHV with special events and tributes throughout the conference. This three-day training event will feature sessions covering a wide range of topics to support your community's efforts to end veteran homelessness by the end of 2015. You'll hear the latest updates and be able to give feedback to leaders from our partners at VA, DOL, HUD, and more. Mark your calendar for May 27-29, 2015 at the Grand Hyatt Washington! Registration will open with more details soon, stay tuned to the NCHV Annual Conference page on our website for the latest updates

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UTA Third Annual Military and Veteran Social Work Conference - Strengthening Military Families Through Effective Community Practices, September 16-18, 2015 Thompson Conference Center, The University of Texas at Austin

Conference participants will hear from leading clinicians and researchers in the field of mental health and family services to military personnel and veterans. Sessions will focus on clinical skill building with an emphasis on "best practices" and evidence-based treatment techniques in social work. Topics will cover core clinical issues relevant to working with this population. Click here for more information. Learn more: Download conference preliminary information (PDF) Submit a proposal: Download abstract submission form (Word) for skill-building presentation or poster presentation. Deadline coming soon: February 1, 2015!

NEW Progress in Rehabilitation Research (PIRR) Conference, 25-30 October 2015, Dallas, TX http://bit.ly/1DKbvOt

RESTON, Virginia – Basic science is fundamental to the advancement of rehabilitation medicine, just as translational research is essential to bridge the gap between the lab and clinical practice. ACRM strongly supports an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitation and through its annual conference, Progress in Rehabilitation Research (PIRR), provides an effective platform for critical exchange between today’s top researchers and the clinicians, therapists, administrators, counselors, and other rehabilitation professionals who serve people with disabilities. “The ACRM Program Committee is excited to announce this year’s Opening Plenary Speakers, Dr. Marc Diamond and Dr. Christopher Giza,”said committee chair, Pamela Roberts, PhD, OTR/L, SCFES, FAOTA, CPHQ, FNAP. “Their work exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach that is important to ACRM and is an inspiration to us all.” Marc Diamond, MD is the founding director of the Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Southwestern Medical Center. His research is focused on neurodegenerative diseases linked to amyloid protein accumulation, with the goal of developing mechanism-based diagnosis and therapy. He will be joined by Christopher C. Giza, MD, who leads the Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Program at Mattel Children’s Hospital – UCLA and established the UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT program which partners with local schools to provide prevention, outreach, research and treatment for sports concussions. The program gained national attention as the recipient of the single largest gift from an individual to a medical center for a concussion-related initiative when it received $10 million from philanthropist Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants and an Academy Award–winning film producer.

EVENTS FOR PROVIDERS, VETERANS & FAMILIES

NEW Stark County, Ohio 12th Honor Court Graduation, 09 FEB 2015, 3:00pm, Canton, OH

You are invited to the Stark County Court of Common Pleas 12th Honor Court Graduation, February 9, 2015, at 3:00 p.m., Courtroom 203, 2nd Floor Stark County Courthouse, 101 W. Tuscarawas Street, Canton, Ohio 44702. No need to RSVP- open to the public. Contact Lisa M. Williams, Program Coordinator of Stark County Honor Court Telephone: (330) 451.7708 or lmwilliams@starkcountyohio.gov with any questions or for directions!

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PGA TOUR: 2015 Northern Trust Open Military Appreciation - February 18-22, 2015, Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA http://nto.pn/1vQWuYo

Please pass this information along to any other Bases or Military organizations who may be interested. Veterans are welcome to participate. To register for a complimentary ticket and receive a voucher, please visit https://birdiesforthebrave.sheerid.com/NorthernTrust2015/ Veterans’ Appreciation Event Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Complimentary Military Tickets - General Admission to the Northern Trust Open Date: Wednesday, February 18 – Sunday, February 22, 2015 Birdies for the Brave® Patriots’ Outpost DATE: Thursday, February 19, 2015 – Sunday, February 22, 2015 Active Duty Military Caddie Program: Caddie for a PGA TOUR player for one hole! DATE: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Military Pin Flag Attendants DATE: Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, 2015 Military Tee Announcers DATE: Saturday, February 21, 2015 Military Appreciation Ceremony DATE: Saturday, February 21, 2015 Thank you very much for your consideration. If you would like to volunteer for any of the above-outlined military appreciation initiatives, please contact me at kristileefowlks@pgatourhq.com Jose Arevalo Volunteer at SFV Veterans Employment Committee Mission Hills Neighborhood Council - Outreach Member Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MissionHillsNeighborhoodCouncil Twitter https://twitter.com/MissionHillsNC Twitter https://twitter.com/jlapolo

State Bar of Georgia fundraiser to benefit Augusta Warrior Project, 28 Feb 2015

The Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia has announced the Augusta Warrior Project will receive the proceeds from its Signature Fundraiser event this year in Atlanta. “The mission of the AWP includes advocacy for our military veterans and connecting them to Veterans Administration-related benefits, which we have identified as one of the goals of our military support program for this year,” said Sharri Edenfield, president of the State Bar’s Young Lawyers Division. “We look forward to another successful Signature Fundraiser event to help provide the group with the resources it needs to assist our veterans.”

ODVS: Heroes Tribute Hunt, Saturday, March 21, 2015, Walhonding, Ohio http://1.usa.gov/1EkSiX0

The Heroes Tribute Hunt, which will take place on Sat., Mar. 21 in Walhonding, Ohio, will provide opportunity for disabled veterans and family to participate in several free outdoor activities, including modified clay pigeon shooting. Register now (registration will close January 30th).

NEW ODVS: Inaugural Veteran Women's 5K, 28 MAR 2015, Dublin, OH http://1.usa.gov/167jeuj

All are welcome to join us and honor the service and sacrifice of our Women Veterans from all branches of service. With over 70,000 women veterans in Ohio, this will be a great day of celebration.

OhioValleyVets.Org Events in Eastern Ohio http://www.ovvets.org/

We have a couple of events coming up in the first quarter of 2015 that may be of interest.

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The second will be our Vietnam Veterans Day 2015 program that is being planned for Saturday, March 28, 2015 at a venue to be determined in Steubenville.

B.R.A.I.N Think Tank 2015 Symposium On The Front Line of Brain Injury, 28 MAR 2015, Costa Masa, CA. http://bit.ly/1vdYw8u

B.R.A.I.N. is having its annual conference, Think Tank 2015 on March 28th and this year is going to be military-focused. The theme is "On the Front Line of Brain Injury," where we will have top speakers from the military and medical fields addressing the signature wound of war - brain injury - and the resulting issues our military personnel and veterans are facing today (i.e., PTS). It will be held at the Hilton Costa Mesa and we are expecting 500 attendees this year! Jana Rueb, Administrative Director, B.R.A.I.N.

The Service Member to Civilian National Summit (S2C), April 16-17, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. http://bit.ly/1AMxrFF

Join top researchers, national advocates, veterans and families to shape the future of transitional support for all veterans. The Service Member to Civilian National Summit (S2C) on April 16-17 will bring together service members, veterans, their families, and community stakeholders to meet with advocates, researchers, clinicians, educators and policy-makers from around the nation to better understand and explore ways that all stakeholders can improve the transition from military to civilian life.

Stand Up for Heroes, Bob Woodruff Foundation, 10 NOV 2015, NYC

Stand Up for Heroes, presented by the Bob Woodruff Foundation & the New York Comedy Festival, will return to the Theater at Madison Square Garden, Nov. 10, 2015. Sponsorship opportunities are available now. Contact Jasmin Guerra for more information

Veterans Job Listing Sources, Job Fair, Training Sessions, Benefits

NEW Corporate Gray Military Friendly Job Fair

11 FEB 2015 Virginia Beach, VA

http://linkd.in/18SOhMy

US Chamber of Commerce Foundation

12 FEB 2015 Virtual Job Fair http://bit.ly/1GgjJ6g

NEW Springfield VA Job Fair

19 FEB 2015 Springfield, VA http://bit.ly/1KDiXNo

US Chamber of Commerce Foundation

2015 Hiring Fairs Nationwide

http://bit.ly/1EAXG8p

Military.com 2015 Nationwide http://mil-com.me/1y4WaXB Metro Careers (California)

Current California http://www.metro.net/about/jobs/

Central Ohio Current Columbus Area raisbell@columbus.gov New York National Guard Job Zone

Current Primarily NY state

https://dmna.ny.gov/jobs/?id=nyng

Updated: JP Morgan Chase

Current Nationwide http://bit.ly/1KDlh7c

US Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Current, Job Fairs, Other Services

Nationwide http://bit.ly/1y4Vn9k

VetsJobs.org Current - category, state & city

Nationwide http://www.vetsjobs.org/

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VA & DOD Veterans Employment Center

Current Nationwide http://1.usa.gov/1L4exlS

HirePatriots Current Nationwide http://hirepatriots.com/

JSJ Staffing Current Nationwide www.jsjstaffing.com

Weekly Twitter 'Twitter Chats" one on Monday 10 pm ET #Jobhuntchat & #OMCchat on Fridays 12p ET

Current, Recruiters and HRPros are all involved!!

Nationwide https://twitter.com/

Military.com Veteran Employment Center

Employers looking for military experience

Nationwide http://mil-com.me/1H4YxQQ

Military Hire.com Veterans can save a search. They are notified when new jobs meeting their criteria are posted.

National & International Job board of vet-friendly companies

www.militaryhire,com

Digital Service at VA a new technical team within Veterans Affairs focused on serving veterans

DC & Boston www.va.gov/ds/.

Military-Civilian Connect military candidates & spouses with civilian employers to fill open positions worldwide.

Worldwide http://www.military-civilian.com/

Orange County (Cal) Veterans Employment Committee

All volunteer nonprofit organization serving transitioning military members of all branches of service and disadvantaged veterans by providing assistance to remove barriers that may prevent them from obtaining employment.

California http://www.ocvec.org/

NEW Military & Veteran Benefit Information

Free information: federal grants, private grants, scholarships, business assistances, veterans preference information to hire disabled veterans, VA benefits, local, state and federal programs.

Nationwide http://bit.ly/1I7VwA1

NEW iVetX Veteran Connecting Veterans to Nationwide http://www.ivetx.com/

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Job Matching the Right Opportunity

.

"Veterans in Justice" -- LinkedIn Professional Group (VIJ)

Please join us on LinkedIn for networking and discussions on the issues regarding veterans in the criminal justice system. This group's mission is to connect professionals and

advocates who work with and for justice-involved veterans and to share ideas and practices for assisting those veterans -- from the conditions that lead to justice involvement, through initial police contact, arret, criminal case processing, conviction, sentencing, incarceration, and release. Subgroups include Veterans Treatment Courts, Mental Health, Female Veterans, and Peer & Mentoring. Access our group at http://linkd.in/1947vfS Facebook: www.facebook.com/veteransinjustice

Join The National Discussion - 1,144 Professionals in VIJ

Active Topics:

• Should Veterans With PTSD Be Exempt From the Death Penalty? • VA a Whistleblower • The missing context behind the widely cited statistic that there are 22 veteran suicides a day • VA Official Identity breaches happening more than we'd like • VA flags mother who kills 3 children as suicide risk

• More . . .

LINKEDIN GROUPS

Military and Veteran Benefit Forum Veteran Mentor Network http://linkd.in/1fOlgOt 28,933 members Institute for Veteran Cultural Studies http://linkd.in/1cz3gq1 NAMI http://linkd.in/1cz3Gg7 BI-IFEA (Brain injury-Ideas for Education & Advocacy) http://linkd.in/1cz4e5V Military-Civilian: Hot Jobs and Careers for Veterans and Their Families http://linkd.in/1c59DkM VETERANS IN JUSTICE GROUP http://linkd.in/12APdMS

Four subgroups created: • Veterans Treatment Courts http://linkd.in/145DdHc • Mental Health http://linkd.in/12QFCjI • Female Veterans http://linkd.in/145CTbn • Peer Support & Mentoring http://linkd.in/145D32G

Cuyahoga County Ohio Veterans and Supporters (Bryan A. McGown "Gunny") http://linkd.in/Zxwx1f Veteran Employment Representatives http://linkd.in/ZxwUcc Midwest Military Outreach, Inc. http://linkd.in/1eiMTkJ Military Veteran Job Fairs & Hiring Conferences http://linkd.in/Zxx4jS Wounded Warrior Resources http://linkd.in/17TMNhJ The Value of a Veteran http://linkd.in/15vD7H4 MILITARY MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS POST DEPLOYMENT FOR PROVIDERS, COMBAT VETERANS & THEIR FAMILIES http://linkd.in/1fkQLA8 (Please email us other groups that you find and think would be informative and useful for our audience)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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NEW NAMI FaithNet http://bit.ly/1I81wIY

• Veteran Resources • Resource Guide on Military and Veteran DOMESTIC VIOLENCE for Program Staff • Neurology Today, An Official On-Line Publication of the American Academy of Neurology • ExploreVA.gov • California Statewide Collaborative for our Military and Families • Trauma-Informed Care for Women Veterans Experiencing Homelessness: A Guide for Service Providers (DOL) • VA PTSD Consultation Program (Search) and http://1.usa.gov/1vQNW3B • National Center for PTSD Website Map • VA Health Services Research & Development Upcoming Cyberseminars — Catalog • Guide to Veterans Legal Issues Second Edition (Benchmark Institute) http://bit.ly/1zxkFvW • List of Ohio Specialized Docket Courts http://1.usa.gov/1FgdpG3 • The VA's Pilots Database An Electronic Index to Traumatic Stress Literature • The Veterans Choice Program • NIMH Twitter Chats Listing • VA Caregiver Support Home • Resources for MST • Operation Legal Help Ohio • Department of Veterans Affairs www.mentalhealth.va.gov • Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline is a groundbreaking crisis support service for members of the DoD

community affected by sexual assault. Safe Helpline provides live, one-on-one support and information to the worldwide DoD community. The service is confidential, anonymous, secure, and available worldwide, 24/7 by click, call or text — providing victims with the help they need anytime, anywhere. www.safehelpline.org

• Make the Connection: Connecting veterans with information, resources and solutions to issues affecting their health, well-being and everyday lives. www.maketheconnection.org

• After Deployment: Wellness Resources for the Military Community www.afterdeployment.org • U.S. Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response www.sapr.mil • Advocating for men and women affected by Military Sexual Trauma. Information and resources for: potential clients

(active duty and veterans); friends and family members; the media; advocates; health care providers (civilian and military); academics (students and professors); and potential donor. www.vetwow.com

• Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Medical Providers Information Website • My HealtheVet is VA’s online personal health record • VA Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs • Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas • Anxiety - JAMA Psychiatry Collection • SAMHSA's Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach • SAMHSA Releases New Strategic Plan • Serious Mental Illness: A New Block Grant Priority • Projections of National Expenditures for Treatment of Mental and Substance Use Disorders, 2010-2020 • Addressing the Specific Behavioral Health Needs of Men • Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks • Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks • CEMM Virtual Library/TBI: Interactive Brain • Substance Use and Mental Health Estimates from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health-Overview of

Findings • Milhealth's Research http://bit.ly/1ouB2BN • Veterans Coalition of North Central Texas http://www.vcnct.org/ • Life-Changing Mobile Apps for People with Brain Injury (brainline.org) http://bit.ly/1mnn5pk • Defense & Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC): Understanding TBI http://bit.ly/1mnpMXY • DoD Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program http://1.usa.gov/1mnqnZD • VA’s Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) http://1.usa.gov/1mnrpoz • ARMY Suicide prevention resources http://bit.ly/1ldVWKp • The Veterans Defense Project http://www.veteransdefenseproject.org/ • CEMM: Traumatic Brain Injury Multimedia Library (USAFA) http://bit.ly/TQqWmD • CEMM Virtual Medical Library (USAFA) http://www.cemmlibrary.org/ • SAMHSA New Spanish Language Mental Health Resources • SAMHSA Suicide Prevention Resources • SAMHSA's Preventing Suicide: Everyone Plays a Role Webcast • National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline • Connecting Justice Communities (probono.net) http://www.connectingjusticecommunities.com/ • NCSC Veterans Courts Resource Guide http://bit.ly/Irrd5M • Justice For Vets http://www.justiceforvets.org/

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• Center for Brain Health - Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) http://bit.ly/1ricLWH • SAMHSA Programs for Military Families http://1.usa.gov/1ii97Tk • Military Mental Health Resources: Depression, TBI & PTSD http://bit.ly/1nlU5kO • Traumatic Brain Injury News (paper.li) http://bit.ly/1iNxKuW • VA: What are Peer Support Groups? http://1.usa.gov/1nIySAI • New Spanish-Language Mental Health Resources "Tool Kit" http://1.usa.gov/1qhtOYF • mentalhealth.gov in Spanish http://1.usa.gov/1qhu6P3 http://1.usa.gov/1qhu6P3 • International Hyperbaric Medical Association http://bit.ly/1ihcfT1 • ARMY OneSource http://www.aosresourcecenter.com/ • SAMHSA Publication: Helping Clinicians Address Suicidal Behavior Get the Quick Guide for Clinicians • SAMHSA Publication: Helping Administrators Implement Suicide Prevention Get the Quick Guide for Administrators • http://www.militaryconnection.com/ CAREERS FOR MILITARY VETERANS, VETERAN SCHOOLS, • NEW GI BILL RESOURCES AND MILITARY LOANS • SAMHSA Publication: TIP 57: Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services http://1.usa.gov/QKQ8Kx • SAMHSA Talking Points for Faith-Based Communities http://1.usa.gov/1imVuV3 • SAMHSA Everyone Can Play a Role in the Conversation about Mental Health - Faith-Based Organizations Fact Sheet • Brain Injury Book List http://bit.ly/1oAvPuK • U.S. Disability Statistics on the NIMH Website http://1.usa.gov/1gaPXm • SAMHSA's Mental Health & Substance Abuse Data Archive http://bit.ly/OcAPbT • California Brain Injury Attorney News http://bit.ly/1lNAJ8M • VA Strategic Plan Now available Online http://1.usa.gov/1cy2M9i • mTBI Pocket Guide http://bit.ly/1eRzvRf • The National Center for Telehealth & Technology http://www.t2.health.mil/ • ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel http://bit.ly/1etiug6 • BrainLineMilitary.org Resource Directory Search for local military brain injury resources near you.

http://bit.ly/1fmvnNy • A Structured Evidence Review to Identify Treatment Needs of Justice-Involved Veterans and Associated

Psychological Interventions http://bit.ly/1c3HH5l • Silenced No More http://www.silencednomoreasoldierscourage.com/#/ • Pennsylvania Mental Health and Justice Center of Excellence http://bit.ly/1jYYRjf • Defense And Veterans brain Injury Center http://bit.ly/1bVoZec • DVBIC Back to School Guide to Academic Success After Traumatic Brain Injury http://bit.ly/1bVoFMw • THE U.S. SERVICEMEMBER’S GUIDE TO ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND AID http://bit.ly/1bVo39q • Disaster, Disease and Distress: Resources to Promote Psychological Health and Resilience in Military and Civilian

Communities.” • The National Resource Directory, Connecting Wounded Warriors, Service Members, Veterans, Their Families and

Caregivers with Those Who Support Them www.nrd.gov • WAR- Sebastian Junger • What It Is Like to Go to War by Marlantes, Karl 1st (first) Edition Hardcover(2011)

Veterans and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (New York Times) http://nyti.ms/14kWDn1 • 365 Days, Broken Bodies, Shattered Minds: A Medical Odyssey from Vietnam to Afghanistan, Wounded: Vietnam to

Iraq, by Dr. Ronald J. Glasser, M.D. http://www.ronaldjglasser.com/ • List of Brain Injury Programs and Services http:/bit.ly/17w778S • NIC: Buffalo Veteran's Court and Veterans Mentor Handbook http://1.usa.gov/11bDRSr • Ohio Specialized Docket Certification Submission Guidelines http://1.usa.gov/13gaCgg

For daily news updates, please subscribe to our two Internet newspapers: Traumatic Brain Injury News Daily and Veterans Courts News Daily

TO JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

To join our newsletter, please contact Editor Pete Miller at cruzzen@gmail.com

1. Please send us a little info about yourselves as we like to introduce our new sign-ups to others for networking purposes. (See our transmittal email page for examples.) If you do NOT wish to be recognized, please let Pete know, otherwise we will list you. 2. We provide these news clips summaries as a way to share information of a general nature and it is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation and advice in a particular matter. The opinions and interpretations expressed within are those of the author of the individual news stories only and may not reflect those of other identified parties. 3. We do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of these news clips, nor do we endorse or make any representations about their content. We only pass them through to our readers and rely on you to check out their content. We don't intend to make any editorial judgment about their content or politics. 4. In no event will I, EStratton Consulting, or my Editor Pete Miller, be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of the

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EDITOR/CONTACT

Pete Miller, cruzzen@gmail.com, @OHCircuitRider

Ohio Attorney General's Task Force on Criminal Justice & Mental Illness

Ohio Veterans Treatment Courts

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