Center for Life Resources offers peer-to-peer veteran mental health program
During the 82nd Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature designated March as “Women Veterans Month” to honor women Veterans from all branches of service. The resolution was sponsored by Senator Jane Nelson who wanted to dedicate the month of March to thank women veterans for their service, salute their families who support them, remember the women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and raise awareness of issues unique to women veterans.
Since the American Revolution, women have played an increasing role in the U.S. Armed Forces. The higher number of women serving translates to a higher number of women veterans coming home to Texas. The population of female veterans in Texas is expected to grow by over 26 percent by the end of 2013. Texas is home to more than 150,000 female veterans—the second highest in the nation.
The Legislature prioritized veterans and their families during the last session. Senator Nelson authored a measure giving special recognition to female members of our military, who face unique challenges. She fought to fund a position within the Texas Veterans Commission that, for the first time, works specifically to meet the needs of female veterans.
One of the most pressing issues facing veterans is access to mental health services. This session, the Legislature continued a peer-to-peer veteran mental health counseling program that Senator Nelson authored in 2009. The idea behind the groups is that only a veteran can truly understand the pain of a fellow veteran.
Brownwood provides two of these groups: Tuesday (8:00 AM) and Thursday (6:30 PM) at TSTC, Building I (Booker Street), Room 133. For more information, contact Jim Cox by phone at 325-642-3150 or by e-mail at jim.cox@cflr.us.
All Texas veterans have earned our respect and humble gratitude. This month we express our gratitude to the women of our armed forces.
