Governor Rell Reminds Military Families

of Available Recovery Services, 24/7 Call Line

In the wake of the Fort Hood tragedy, Governor M. Jodi Rell today reminded veterans and military personnel that state services are available to combat stress and address mental health issues. Connecticut’s response includes two first-of-their-kind efforts – the Connecticut Military Support Program (MSP) and the Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery Services for Veterans Initiative.

“The senseless killings at Fort Hood have left us all in a state of disbelief,” Governor Rell said.  “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families.  This was a brutal crime that this nation will not forget.  Here in Connecticut, we continue to be at the forefront in addressing our veterans’ mental health needs.”

Governor Rell noted that since 2001, 60 percent of the current Connecticut National Guard membership has been deployed, and several hundred members of the Guard will be deployed overseas starting in 2010.

“Clinicians are embedded within selected Guard units to provide Connecticut’s Citizen Soldiers additional support not available anywhere else in the country.  Connecticut is also unique in that no other state in the country provides free, statewide counseling services to its Citizen Soldiers and their families.”

Governor Rell said that the Connecticut National Guard recognizes the need to address psychological health issues associated with deployment.  Since 2007, MSP has provided outpatient counseling services to servicemembers and their families through a statewide network of 300 licensed clinicians whose services are accessed through a 24/7 Call Center.  In addition to outpatient counseling, MSP provides outreach; intensive case management; information, referral and advocacy; and transportation services (livery and gas cards) to reserve component service members and their families.  Twenty-four MSP clinicians accepted assignments as embedded clinicians within Guard Units affected by deployments in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.  Known as Behavioral Health Advocates, the embedded clinicians provide substantive psycho-education to service members and their families and serve as key points of contact for mental health and addictions services. 

Reserve and National Guard service members and their families can initiate counseling assistance through the Military Support Program’s 24/7 Call Line at 1-866-251-2913.  Additional help can be sought by calling (860) 418- 6979.

Statistics on usage of services are as follows:

MSP Services: March 2007 to September 2009

The Connecticut Diversion and Trauma Recovery Program for Veterans is a partnership among the Departments of Mental Health and Addiction Service (DMHAS), Veteran Affairs (DVA), Correction (DOC), Social Services (DSS), and the Judicial Branch, and the Veteran Connecticut Healthcare System. The grant funds were awarded by the federal Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS).  The state is using $2 million in federal funds to help veterans suffering from trauma-related disorders obtain treatment through a new community-based program.  The five-year program, administered by the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, diverts veterans who have committed minor crimes from jail to community services. The agency reports that the stresses of combat place some veterans at higher risk for involvement in the criminal justice system when they return home.

            “We must recognize that the sacrifices our veterans make every day to protect our freedoms can take their toll both physically and emotionally,” Governor Rell said. “As we honor them on this Veterans Day, it is important that these brave men and women can count on our support to help put their lives back together. This innovative program offers tremendous assistance.  As they recover, this program will help them improve their lives, enhance the quality of life for everyone in the community and reduce demand on the correctional system.” 

The program is being implemented at the Southeastern Mental Health Authority, a DMHAS-operated facility serving the Norwich area. Using the grant funds, SMHA will screen, divert whenever possible and treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Connecticut veterans can also receive general assistance, information and referrals by calling the “Vet Info Line” at 1-866-9CT-VETS (866 928-8387) operated by the State Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or visit www.ct.gov/ctva