SEEKING CARE: RESOURCES FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Returning Veterans have a number of different health options available to them. This page is designed to help Veterans and their families choose the most helpful resources.
Some Veterans may experience subtle changes in how they relate to family, work, and friends after returning home. Some may have trouble sleeping. Others may experience more severe stress symptoms that prevent them from working or interacting with loved ones. Some may feel tremendous sadness and despair. A wide range of choices are available for all degrees of experience. We hope Veterans will take advantage of these resources, and resist the urge to judge themselves as “weak” or “sick” because they feel the need for help. Veterans’ difficulties in returning to civilian life are well-documented, and counselors, families, friends, clergy, scientists, and fellow Veterans have been working to make the transition easier for you.
VA Health Care
www.oefoif.va.gov
This website serves as an excellent introduction to getting health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This link is specifically designed for returning OEF / OIF veterans.
Real Warriors
www.realwarriors.net/
Promoting the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery, and supporting reintegration of returning service members, Veterans and their families.
Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury
www.dcoe.health.mil/
Whether you are an active duty, National Guard or Reserve warrior, or one of our nation’s Veterans, DCoE can assist you in finding the answers to your questions about psychological health and traumatic brain injury.
National Center for PTSD
www.ptsd.va.gov/
Advancing the clinical care and social welfare of America's Veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders.
Military One Source
www.militaryonesource.com/
A 24/7 resource for military members, spouses and families
Vet Centers
www.vetcenter.va.gov/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all Veterans who have served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues. All services are provided at no cost to the Veteran or the family.
For Women Veterans
www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth/about.asp
Information on health care services available to women Veterans, including comprehensive primary care as well as specialty care such as reproductive services, rehabilitation, mental health, and treatment for military sexual trauma. You can also find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about women Veterans health care.
Uniformed Services Justice & Advocacy Group (USJAG)
www.usjag.org
For veterans and soldiers with OTH and BCD discharges linked to combat stress, USJAG offers advocacy and direct services.
Homeless Veterans
VA is committed to ending homelessness among Veterans. Our focus is threefold: Conducting coordinated outreach to proactively seek out Veterans in need of assistance.
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Connecting homeless and at-risk Veterans with housing solutions, health care, community employment services and other required supports.
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Collaborating with federal, state and local agencies; employers; housing providers, faith-based and community nonprofits; and others to expand employment and affordable housing options for Veterans exiting homelessness.
National: www.va.gov/homeless
Hines: www.hines.va.gov/services/homeless
Lovell: www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/services/homeless
Madison: www.madison.va.gov/services/homeless
LGBT Veterans
Each VA facility has a local LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) who is appointed by their facility leadership. The VCC is responsible for promoting best practices for serving LGBT Veterans and connecting LGBT Veterans to services.
Hines: www.hines.va.gov/services/LGBT
Lovell: www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/services/lgbt
Madison: www.madison.va.gov/services/lgbt
Caregiver Support Services
VA offers a number of services that can provide you with the support that's right for you. Whether you and the Veteran you care for could use some help at home or you just need someone to listen, we're here to support you. Follow the link to learn more about the variety of services available to Family Caregivers.
Hines: www.hines.va.gov/services/caregiver
Lovell: www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/services/caregiver
Madison: www.madison.va.gov/services/caregiver
National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health website provides current information and resources relating to many aspects of health and disease.
www.nih.gov