The following isn't primarily an arts issue, but it is one that affects us all. Art and art therapy are playing a big part in mental health issues. The Cheyenne V.A. Hospital runs an annual arts competition and exhibition. The National Endowment for the Arts sponsors Operation Homecoming, a program that offers writing workshops for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. There are similar programs all over the U.S.
I've served on the Governor's Mental Health Planning Council. Writing poetry or painting a picture can't begin to address the many mental health challenges facing the state's citizens, in general, and returning combat veterans, in particular. But it can play a part. See the links on the right sidebar for arts resources in your community.
Larry D. Barttelbort, executive director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission, sent out this press release today:
A joint venture pilot program between the Wyoming Military Department, Wyoming Veterans Commission, and the Wyoming Department of Health will ensure Wyoming Veterans are connected with state and federal resources. This pilot program is based on a recommendation from Wyoming's Veterans Mental Health Task Force. We have combined end-of-biennium funds to hire two contract Veteran's Advocates. They will link our Wyoming Veterans, their families, and their employers directly with state and federal resources. We will use Wyoming Military Department federal resources to assist with scheduling, data collection and reporting.
This program will help Veterans overcome the stigma of seeking help and help them connect with these wonderful resources. The advocates will meet with the Veteran, the family, and the employer to ensure the Veteran is using all the resources available to them.
Wyoming is also blessed with two of the finest VA Medical Centers in the U.S., at Sheridan and Cheyenne. The VA's Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Casper, Gillette, Green River, Newcastle, Powell, Riverton and Rock Springs provide outstanding care. The Vet Centers in Cheyenne and Casper provide confidential mental health counseling and also provide contract services in some outlying areas.
If you are approached about a Wyoming Veteran experiencing problems with readjustment issues at home, with friends, or at work don't hesitate to call one of our advocates or the VA resources.
Veteran's Advocates:
Leon Chamberlain (307) 359-2430 (Northern Wyoming)
David Hall (307) 631-3736 (Southern Wyoming)
VA Health Information 1-877-222-8387
FMI: Larry D. Barttelbort, 307-772-5016
