Wounds of War Have Heavy Price

January 19, 2010

Anonymous The McCreary County Record Wed Jan 20, 2010, 02:02 PM EST

Dear Editor:

The wounds of war are not always easy to see.

In addition to the physical injuries sustained in conflict, countless servicemen and women have experienced psychological symptoms directly related to their deployment.

Recent studies estimate that 300,000 men and women have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan with severe depression or post-traumatic stress. And there are 18 suicides on average each day among America’s 25 million veterans. Here in Kentucky, Fort Campbell’s suicide rate is currently the highest in the Army. An average of one soldier per week committed suicide there between January and mid-March, 2009.

Given the military culture's emphasis on confidence, strength, and bravery, many service members are reluctant to expose personal vulnerabilities to professional counselors.

Recently, Kentucky Gov. Stephen Beshear announced that Kentucky joined the Give an Hour™ initiative, a nonpartisan, nonprofit national network of mental health professionals providing one hour of free counseling services each week to our returning troops and their families.

Give an Hour™ provides separate and personal services to service members who might otherwise fail to seek or receive appropriate care.

The number of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder jumped by almost 70 percent over the 12 months ending June 30, 2007, according to VA records. Give an Hour™ hopes to supplement the psychological services the military offers.

Kentucky’s goal is to enlist at least 400 clinicians, just 10 percent of our licensed mental health providers. For more information or to sign up to volunteer or receive services through Give an Hour™, please visit;:

www.kentuckysuicideprevention.org

Michael McFarland, LMFT

State Suicide Prevention Coordinator

Kentucky Department for Mental Health,

Developmental Disabilities,

and Addiction Services

100 Fair Oaks Lane 4E-D

Frankfort, KY 40621

502-564-4456 ext 4518

Text Only

Letters to the Editor

We couldn’t have done it without you
Dear Editor:
The McCreary County Public Library’s Relay for Life Team, known as the Limber Legged Librarians, wishes to thank all of the individuals who helped make its May

May 22, 2012
Appreciation for Clean Sweep and Community Cleanup
Dear Editor:
I want to thank the individuals and organizations that participated in the PRIDE Clean Sweep of US 27 (April 28) and the Free Community Cleanup (April 28 until

May 22, 2012
The Ascension
Dear Editor,
This coming Thursday, May 17, is Ascension Day, 40 days after the resurrection of Christ. To most it will be just another day, but for Christians it marks Jesus’ final

May 15, 2012
Who’s at fault?
Dear Editor,
I was relieved to see the article in the paper this past week regarding the amnesty program being offered by Scott Solid Waste. According to the article, Steve Hall,

May 8, 2012
Centennial a big success!
Dear Editor,
We would like congratulate and thank everyone who had a part, be it small or large, in making our county’s 100th birthday such a big success. Plans had been in

April 25, 2012
All kinds of churches
Dear Editor,
My friends, there are all kinds of churches in this land of ours. A lot of us went and served our country. Many never came back. Many times our God helped us. He helped us win that war. Just like he helps us win the war with the god of this world.

April 25, 2012
Be Car Care Aware
Dear Editor,
April is National Car Care Month and chances are if you own a car, it needs some work. Results of community car care events held throughout the country in 2011 show that many consumers are neglecting their cars, with more than eight out of

April 25, 2012
Hello to all you fine people
Dear Editor,
Birthday time for one of my daughters — I always give them The Record for a birthday gift.

April 17, 2012
National Car Care Month
Dear Editor,
With gasoline prices on the rise, it’s important to make sure your vehicle’s engine is running effectively and efficiently. April is National

April 17, 2012
Time is about up
Dear Editor,
My friends, let’s have a short bible study. But first, when you went to school you studied your books. That is what you do with God’s bible. First is God’s time

April 10, 2012
More Letters to the Editor Headlines

Letters to the Editor

Search Results

Wounds of War Have Heavy Price

Site Map

Contact Us