Contact: Danielle Lamson
Communications Manager
610 Campus Drive
Abingdon, VA 24210
276.619.5315
www.highlandscsb.org
December 6, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ABINGDON, VA (December 6, 2011) – In response to the growing need to improve and expand services to veterans in Southwest Virginia, Highlands Center for Behavioral Health announces its partnership with the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program. Highlands Center for Behavioral Health now provides specific services to the residents of Bristol and Washington County, VA who are:
• Veterans of any era, regardless of discharge status
• Members of the Virginia National Guard not in active federal service
• Armed Forces Reserves not in active federal service
• Family members of veterans and members of Guard and Reserve not in active federal service
Services provided help veterans and their families overcome the challenges of stress-related injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury.
As of September 2010, the number of veterans residing in Virginia exceeded 800,000, ranking it 4th among states in the percentage of veterans residing within its borders. Over 100,000 of these veterans reside right here in Southwest Virginia, and the numbers are rising. Access to specialists in the Southwestern portion of the Commonwealth is particularly limited with many veterans and families traveling 50+ miles to reach the nearest service provider. Many times, because of this distance, veterans do not seek services until they reach crisis mode. Lana Frye, Veterans Resource Specialist with Highlands Center for Behavioral Health says that, “It’s critical for families and those who are connected with veterans who need our services to spread the word. Many of our veterans are isolated and suffering in silence. When coupled with PTSD and other challenges like substance abuse, this isolation is devastating to them and their families.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from Virginia Wounded Warrior Services, contact Highlands Center for Behavioral Health at 276.525.1550.
Highlands Center for Behavioral Health is a multi-faceted Community Service Board providing Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Intellectual Disability services to the residents of Bristol and Washington County, VA. To learn more log onto www.highlandscsb.org.
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