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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, May 11, 2006

Aid center at Schofield open to soldiers, families

 •  Returning troops may not be getting help they need

Advertiser Staff

TO GET HELP ...

  • The Soldier and Family Assistance Center triage line: 655-6600.

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov

  • National Center for PTSD: www.ncptsd.va.gov

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    The Army's 25th Infantry Division (Light), in partnership with Tripler Army Medical Center, established a Soldier and Family Assistance Center at Schofield Barracks.

    Counseling and treatment for posttraumatic stress syndrome is available there for combat veterans.

    Before Schofield soldiers deploy, they receive suicide prevention counseling and a mental health screening. The military's efforts to address psychological issues continue in a war zone and again after units return home.

    The issue has gotten the attention of U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affair Committee, who has worked to secure additional funding for Veterans Affairs medical centers that treat veterans who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder.

    Hawai'i operates two veteran centers on the Big Island, and one each on O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui and Guam. The Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center adjacent to Tripler Army Medical Center also provides one-on-one counseling and group therapy.