Strengthening Behavioral Health Resources for Veterans
40% of veterans will find their way to civilian primary care and behavioral health professionals after leaving the service.
To address this, the Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center hosted a Mental Health Symposium at its Grace facility in Mashpee. The purpose of the symposium was to broaden the behavioral health resources available to veterans on the Cape by expanding awareness among civilian providers of the unique nature of the military experience and its impact on the behavioral health of veterans. The training event achieved an important part of the Center’s mission which is to familiarize the community at large with the uniqueness of the veteran experience and was facilitated by: Jack Bonino, Counselor; Dr. William Ellis, Private Practice Psychologist; Dr. Robert Fournier, Private Practice Psychologist; Rob Harrington, SAVE Team; Dr. Jocelyn Howard, Hyannis Vet Center; Professor Ralph Negron, Cape Cod Community College; and David Stone, licensed social worker and counselor at the Fairhaven Vet Center.  Sergeant Barry Horton of the Brewster Police Department commented that he and other first responders including police, fire and medical personnel, needed the psychological and emotional âtoolsâ which would be effective when working with veterans.  For more information, contact Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center and Grace Veterans Program, 569 Main Street Hyannis, MA. 02601, CIVOC (508) 778-1590, (GVC) 774 470 4971.
