Psychosocial Support for Veterans Living with PTSD

Dear Friends,

One of the more exceptionally frustrating aspects of attempting to coordinate veteran and servicepeople outreach programs with state politicians can be a lack of responsiveness on critically important issues.  In Connecticut, where the need is particularly profound, we've held multiple meetings both onsite and via teleconference with staffers for Congressman Himes and Senator Blumenthal.  In both cases, while tremendous enthusiasm for IMCRA programs was shown and multiple promises of support and interaction were made, it's been the proverbial blood-from-a-stone in attempting to get any traction on promises or proactive collaboration.

Most recently, we were told by senatorial staffers that after we provided them with detailed explications of current program components, and an overview of in-process grant applications, they would suggest additional funding sources.  In fact, nothing was forthcoming for several weeks after the requested materials were sent, and subsequent attempts to elicit the promised materials were met with the equivalent of blank stares.  It's been essentially the same story with the congressman's staffers

While the proffered statements of support for psychosocial and PTSD work with veterans, police and other dedicated servicepeople can be useful, more important is the perception of a proactive attitude in coordinating our medical efforts with existing programs, persons and funding sources known to both Blumenthal and Himes.  Our faculty are ready to begin their outreach efforts via the IMCRA system, but we cannot engage them in good faith without even a minimal honorarium.  Thus, your support for our efforts would be greatly appreciated.  In addition to donations, political pressure can also be brought to bear at either:

Ellen_Graham@blumenthal.senate.gov  or Amy.lappos@mail.house.gov