Veterans Health Care
You have already demonstrated your unyielding support for your country; now it is time for your country to support you. We have searched the Internet for some very helpful resources, and if you take advantage of them, you will likely experience health improvements. There are so many ways to ensure that your health is treated with the utmost importance. After all, the health of heroes should be. Read on to find more about health care for veterans like you.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Government sites to visit - Nongovernmental sites to visit
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- HelpGuide.org - This webpage, titled "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Help," provides a plethora of resources for those dealing with PTSD. It also teaches vets where to get help and find a therapist, and explains how your family members can help you overcome this condition.
- National Center for PTSD - The center's mission is to help U.S. veterans and others through research, training, and education on trauma and PTSD. There are several locations across the United States, and even though it doesn't provide treatment for PTSD, it is committed to increasing the understanding of PTSD among American veterans.
- National Institute of Mental Health - NIMH provides this resource to explain the signs and symptoms of PTSD and the treatments available. Most importantly, the website offers information about where you can get help at a center close to you.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - This web resource is provided by those at the National Institute of Mental Health. It provides links to many studies that have focused on PTSD, so you'll be able to read up on the latest findings and learn how to most effectively manage the disorder.
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Alliance - PTSD Alliance consists of professionals and advocacy groups that have joined forces. In doing so, they are able to provide educational materials and resources to those diagnosed with PTSD and their loved ones, those at risk for developing PTSD, and health care professionals.
- The Vietnam Conflict - This website has an interesting take on PTSD. For example, it provides a nurse's experience of living with PTSD and also tips for how to identify it. Additionally, the website gives links for how to treat PTSD and to a PTSD online chat/support group.
Government Sites
- Health Care for Veterans - This website, provided by USA.gov provides a number of helpful resources, such as health programs tailored to vets, information on vaccinations, and how to obtain your full VA benefits. By linking to all these incredibly informative sites, this website certainly makes the government more manageable like it says it does.
- National Service Directory - The aim of this organization is to connect wounded warriors, service members, veterans, and their families with those who support them. Here, you'll be able to find numerous resources that address your physical, mental, and emotional health.
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs - This website is multi-dimensional in that it provides information about a number of health issues pertinent to American veterans. Find out what VA health benefits you can take advantage of to increase the quality of your life.
- Veterans and Military Health - This website, provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, delves into just about any issues veterans can face concerning their health care. For example, this website tells you where to go if you're struggling with financial issues and gives you a tutorial on how to effectively deal with depression.
- Women Veterans Health Care - This is a helpful resource to females who have served their country. Visit here to find out how to apply for VA healthcare online. Just to assure you, there is a Women Veterans Program Manager available at each VA Medical Center nationwide that can coordinate all the services you need, from primary care to specialized care for chronic conditions or reproductive health.
Nongovernmental Sites
- Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America - This article gives information about bills that would strongly impact the health of veterans: the "Improve VA Outreach Act" and the "Veterans' Health and Radiation Safety Act". Read more and watch the testimony to understand how the poltical environment is treating the health of veterans in 2010.
- Military and Veterans' Health Care - Kaiser gives this valuable resource, which includes information about TRICARE, Veterans Affairs, and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read this article to develop the best strategies to approach your health.
- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans - Because of a number of reasons, many veterans struggle financially once they return from active duty, causing them to become homeless. This, however does not mean that all hope is lost. Check out this website to find what support is available to homeless veterans.
- Veterans Health Council - The VHC strives to inform veterans and their famillies about relevant health issues and benefits; educate communities about the health issues of military service; develop VA health-focused educational materials for medical schools, nursing schools, teaching hospitals, and other outlets; and to support VA healthcare initiatives. No matter where or when you served, you'll be able to find help here.
- Veterans Health Information Clearing House - Here you, your families, and your providers will be able to find a list of resources concerning VA health care. New York State's Department of Health provides links and phone numbers so that you can access many federal, state, and other helpful resources.