By Ann Drabick | Outreach Intern - IMCRA
Our last report on this project detailed frustrations dealing with political figures who claim to support programs offering help for veterans. Since then, we've made substantial efforts to reach out to other organizations working with those who suffer in silence. One thing we've found repeatedly is that veteran's PTSD issues are much more difficult than imagined for all organizations involved. For example, many who need help are reluctant to admit that they have a problem, even less that their problem requires professional help. A smokescreen is thrown up by way of denial and misplaced self-reliance and often help is not sought until the problem becomes acute. Then the first stop is often frustration for the patient and family trying to access the VA system.
One collaborator encountering these problems is the Wild Horses Rescue Foundation which provides veterans with free dining and lodging in a tranquil and peaceful setting and in harmony with nature. While the idea is highly therapeutic and well-received, it also requires participants to take specific actions which acknowledge that there is a problem...and that is where difficulties emerge.
The IMCRA approach benefits both our sister organizations and the veterans themselves because it enables anonymity at all levels of interaction - as well as private interactive advice. While using the IMCRA system a veteran can either elect to take advantage of any one of these programs, query them further, or seek different levels of direct help.
Some of the other organizations we are currently in collaborating with are Veterati, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Wounded Warriors Project and Mentors for Military. Your continued support of both our outreach and our efforts to ensure that a 100% confidential platform exists for support, advice and encouragement will work wonders.
Thank you.
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