VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day
June 27, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Amy Rohlfs, Public Affairs Officer
June 27, 2020
June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day
HONOLULU – Do you, or someone you know suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. It's normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. The good news is there are effective treatments.
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) offers a comprehensive approach to PTSD treatment through our Traumatic Stress Disorders Program. Teams of trained psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, peer specialists, readjustment counselors, and support staff are dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and other co-occurring Mental Health diagnoses.
VAPIHCS’ PTSD Residential Recovery Program (PRRP) has been converted temporarily to a virtual format in response to COVID-19. It is an intensive 8, or 9-week program for the treatment of military-related PTSD (e.g., combat, military sexual trauma). Our current virtual program (PTSD Virtual Recovery Program-PVRP) accepts Veterans, Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard service members of all genders. All appointments are provided through telemental health. Participants must have internet access and devices capable of supporting video-based care (provided into their home). In addition to formal trauma-focused PTSD treatment, PVRP provides wellness education, social skills building, and relaxation classes.
“Past participants have commented that the knowledge, experiences, and, skills gained, and friendships they made in our PTSD Virtual Recovery Program are life-changing,” said Dr. Donald Banik, VAPIHCS, Manager, Traumatic Stress Disorders Program.
The outpatient Traumatic Stress Recovery Program (TSRP) is housed within VAPIHCS’ Ambulatory Care Clinic and is part of our Mental Health Services offered. Patients are traditionally seen in-person, but more recently have converted appointments to telemental health services. Groups are also available via telemental health until we begin our return to in-person appointments as guidance allows in our response to COVID-19.
Finally, the Veterans Integration To Academic Leadership (VITAL) is VA’s approach to reaching out to student Veterans to help facilitate the transition from service member to student. The VITAL Initiative is a partnership between VAPIHCS and local colleges and universities including Honolulu Community College, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Kapiolani Community College, Leeward Community College, and Hawaii Pacific University. The VITAL team psychologists assist student veterans to navigate their needs and concerns allowing them to maximize their unique set of strengths, skills, and life experiences as they develop and translate their interests and talents into the academic setting.
If you need help, call for an appointment 1 800-214-1306.
