Page 58 - LIN M-J-J-2023 web-low

HELP

for
OUR

TROOPS

who battle the war within

by Scott Burgess,
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health,
President and CEO
ach May, we celebrate Memorial In recent years, David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral
Day. It is usually a time spent Health (DLC) has formed strategic partnerships with private
Ewith family and friends, having funders and other nonprofits to address the mental health needs
a barbecue, or celebrating the start of of Veterans. In collaboration with Wounded Warriors of Collier
summer. But as we enjoy the day off, County, DLC launched a Veterans Services Program designed to
we must pause and reflect on the true build meaningful partnerships with Veterans and their families to
meaning of this special observance. help them function better at home, in the community, on the job,
Memorial Day honors the millions in educational settings and throughout life.
of Americans who tragically lost their lives while serving our “Southwest Florida Veterans are struggling from very serious
country. Without the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, social and emotional problems resulting from their military
America would not stand. Our ideals of freedom and democracy service that don't get enough attention locally,” said US Army
are only possible due to their service. One of the ways we can Vietnam Veteran and David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral
honor their memory is to be there for those who serve when they Health (DLC) Board Chairman Robert P. Magrann. “As a Board
return home and transition to civilian life – many who struggle Member, one of my top priorities is to see that DLC is doing its
with survivors guilt and invisible wounds. part to save and improve the lives of our Veterans struggling with
With more than 108,000 Veterans, their families, as well depression, PTSD, substance use and homelessness.”
active-duty service men and women residing in Southwest Through DLC’s program, a Peer Veterans Case Manager helps
Florida, many are lacking access to needed behavioral health Veterans access evidence-informed, trauma-specific treatments
services. We must do more than thank them for their service and such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma Incident
sacrifice. This national observation is an opportunity to highlight Reduction (TIR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT),
the local resources available to Veterans. Veterans Treatment Court, mindfulness and much more.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 Veterans returns home with an In addition to helping Veterans access treatment, the case
invisible wound of service such as traumatic brain injury and management program assists with transitional and long-term
PTSD. If untreated, these can lead to an increased risk of suicide housing, connecting with community resources, applying for
and substance use. The suicide rate per 100,000 population of benefits as well as linking with the VA medical, optical, and dental
Veterans far exceeds that of the US adult population. care.
Improving access to evidenced-based services for Veterans is “My favorite part of the job is seeing the positive impact that
outlined as a special consideration in Collier County's first-ever, I can make in the lives of my fellow Veterans in Collier County,"
five-year strategic plan for mental health and addiction services. said Geidy Lopez, US Army Veteran and DLC Veterans Case
The Board of County Commissioners approved plan serves Manager. "Seeing them achieve their goals, avoid homelessness,
as a road map for community partners, donors and government have their basic needs met and their quality of life improved gives
leaders as they mobilize responses to address associated current me tremendous joy.”
and future challenges. In 2021, Home Base Florida and DLC formed a clinical
58 Life in Naples | May/June/July 2023