CHICAGO - CITY COUNCIL HEARING
VETERAN PTSD & SUICIDE
FEBRUARY 19, 2014
VETERAN PTSD & SUICIDE
FEBRUARY 19, 2014
THESE MOST IMPORTANT HEARINGS WILL CERTAINLY DOCUMENT THE FACT THAT OUR VETERANS ARE TAKING THEIR OWN LIVES AT AN ALARMING RATE AND IT SEEM LIKELY THAT THIS TREND WILL CONTINUE AND PERHAPS ACCELERATE IN THE YEARS AHEAD AS THOUSANDS OF OUR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN - TRAUMATIZED BY THEIR BRUTAL EXPERIENCES ON THE FRONT LINES OF IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN RETURN TO CIVILIAN LIFE.
FOR SOME OF THEM, THE TRANSITION WILL BECOME UNBEARABLE AND MAY RESULT IN SUICIDAL THOUGHTS LEADING UP TO THE ULTIMATE ACT ITSELF. WE SHALL LEAVE IT TO THE PSYCHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, AND PSYCHIATRISTS TO EXPLAIN WHY THIS REINTEGRATION CAN BE SO DIFFICULT.
TODAY, WE SHALL FOCUS PRIMARILY ON VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED DURING THE PAST DECADE OR THEREABOUTS BUT WE SHOULD KEEP IN MIND THAT OTHER GENERATIONS OF VETERANS ARE FACING SIMILAR PRESSURES AS WELL - ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE VIETNAM ERA. LET US NOT FORGET ABOUT THEM.
MOREOVER, I MIGHT ALSO NOTE THAT ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL ARE ALSO VULNERABLE TO SUICIDE AND THEIR FAMILIES OFTEN RESIDE IN OUR OWN CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOODS. WE SHOULD KEEP THEM IN MIND TOO FOR MANY OF THEM HAVE LIVED AMIDST DEATH AND DESTRUCTION FOR MONTHS AND YEARS. THIS EXPERIENCE TAKES ITS TOLL THE LONGER ONE IS SUBJECTED TO SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT.
WHEN A VETERAN OR ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIER, SAILOR, MARINE, OR AIRMAN KILLS THEM SELF, IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT SUCH A TRAGEDY HAS WIDESPREAD IMPACT ON MANY PEOPLE WHICH IS LONG LASTING, ESPECIALLY UPON SPOUSES, PARENTS, CHILDREN, SISTERS, BROTHERS, GRANDPARENTS,UNCLES, AUNTS, COUSINS, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS.
A SINGLE SUICIDE IT COMPARABLE TO DROPPING A BOMB ON A VILLAGE OR NEIGHBORHOOD - A FORM OF COLLATERAL DAMAGE THAT WE SHOULD DO OUR UTMOST TO AVOID.
YES, THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION DOES A GREAT JOB TREATING SUICIDAL VETS THAT COME FORTH OR WHO ARE PRESENTED FOR TREATMENT THE TROUBLE IS, AS OTHERS WILL MENTION, IS THAT RELATIVELY FEW VETERANS WILL REVEAL THEIR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES OR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS TO THE VA PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN ALLEVIATE THEIR "PAIN". IN FACT, WHEN ASKED, THEY ARE LIKELY TO CONCEAL HOW THEY REALLY FEEL WHICH THEY MIGHT CONSIDER AN ADMISSION OF WEAKNESS OR FAILURE.
THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION OFFERS AN EXCELLENT HELPLINE TO ASSIST VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES AS WELL IN DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND SPECIFICALLY SUICIDE. BUT HOW MANY KNOW ABOUT THIS SERVICE? HOW MANY MAKE THAT CALL? NOT ENOUGH OR WE WOULD NOT HAVE ALL THOSE VETS KILLING THEMSELVES. AND HOW MANY TRY TO TAKE THEIR OWN LIVES AND FAIL?
THERE IS ALSO AN UNKNOWN PROPORTION OF OUR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO DO NOT LIKE OR TRUST THE MILITARY ITSELF, MIGHT EVEN BLAME THE ARMED FORCES FOR THEIR TROUBLES. THAT IS ANOTHER REASON WHY THOSE IN NEED FAIL TO COME FORWARD. IN TERMS OF TRUST, THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO OPEN UP TO A CIVILIAN ORGANIZATION OR A FAMILY MEMBER, FRIEND, OR NEIGHBOR. INDEED, THIS IS WHY WE ARE HERE TODAY. CAN'T WE FIND WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK AMONG US? THE PURPOSE OF THIS HEARING TODAY IN LARGE PART IS TO SUBMIT IDEAS FOR ACTIONS THAT THE CITY OF CHICAGO MIGHT TAKE TO SPARE ITS RESIDENTS FROM GOING THROUGH A SUICIDAL EPISODE RIGHT NEXT DOOR INVOLVING THOSE WITH WHOM THEY SHARE A CLOSE CONNECTION.
THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF VETERANS KILLING THEMSELVES, OUR COMMUNITIES WILL HAVE TO STEP FORWARD AND ACTIVELY ENGAGE THEIR MILITARY FAMILIES WHO TYPICALLY ARE INVISIBLE TO THEIR NEIGHBORS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS.
UNFORTUNATELY, AMERICANS ARE OFTEN MUCH MORE EFFICIENT WHEN IT COMES T ASSISTING PEOPLE, HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY THAN IN AIDING THOSE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET OR EVEN NEXT DOOR. THIS LOCAL FACTOR - SOME REFER TO IT AS "COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT" - IS WHY TODAY'S CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING IS SO IMPORTANT. AS A CITY, WHAT CAN WE DO THAT WILL INDEED MAKE A DIFFERENCE? THAT'S THE QUESTION.
ONE MIGHT DECLARE, "ASK NOT WHAT WASHINGTON OR SPRINGFIELD CAN DO FOR OUR VETERANS; ASK WHAT CHICAGO CAN DO FOR ITS OWN VETERANS. WE CAN DO IT BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE IF WE VOW TO DO SO.
OUR FEDERAL, STATE AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS CAN ALL PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR VETERANS AND OUR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS ARE WELL POSITIONED TO LOCATE THOSE VETERANS IN NEED AND DELIVER LIFE SURVIVING SUPPORT TO THEM. WHEN IT COMES TO SERVING MILITARY FAMILIES, INCLUDING VETERANS, THE PRIMARY CHALLENGE IS IDENTIFYING THE MILITARY FAMILY POINTS OF CONTACT.
ON ONE HAND - THE VETERAN'S CONTACT INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT BUT IT ALSO OF CRITICAL IMPORTANCE TO ESTABLISH POINTS OF CONTACTS SUCH AS SPOUSES, CHILDREN,PARENTS,OR OTHER RELATIVES WHO PLAY KEY ROLES IN THE VETERAN'S LIFE.
THE PRINCIPLE HERE IS "IF YOU CAN'T FIND THEM (OR A RELATIVE WHO CARES) YOU CANNOT PROVIDE THEM WITH ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT."
WE ARE NOT SUGGESTING THAT MILITARY FAMILY POINTS OF CONTACT DATA BE REQUIRED BUT WE ARE RECOMMENDING THAT THE DATA BE SUBMITTED VOLUNTARILY WITH APPROPRIATE RESTRICTIONS UPON ITS USE.
IN THE CASE OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, SUCH MILITARY CONNECTED DATA MIGHT BE REQUESTED BY AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PARK DISTRICT, AND LIBRARIES.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRED BY A RECENTLY ENACTED STATE LAW TO GATHER AND REPORT SUCH DATA TO THE ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION. IN OUR OPINION THE COVERAGE OF THE LAW IS TO NARROW AND SHOULD BE BROADENED IN ORDER TO EXPAND THE DEFINITION OF MILITARY CONNECT STUDENT.
MOREOVER, THE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAY ACT ON THIS IDENTIFICATION ASPECT ON THEIR OWN AND EXPAND ITS SCOPE WHILE IMPLEMENTING SPECIFIC EFFORTS TO REACH OUT TO AND SUPPORT MILITARY KIDS AND THEIR PARENTS AS WELL. THIS TYPE OF SUPPORT WILL IN ITSELF TEND TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VETERAN WHOSE FAMILY IS INCLUDED IN SUCH SUPPORT WILL COMMIT SUICIDE.
THE REASON SUCH AN IDENTIFIER PROCEDURE IS VITAL IN THE BROAD CONTEXT IS THAT IT CAN BE USED TO GATHER INFORMATION AND SURVEYS; PROMOTE MILITARY FAMILY CONNECTED EVENTS; AND GENERALLY TO FACILITATE THE CONNECTIONS OF MILITARY FAMILY STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WITH ONE ANOTHER.
WHEN IT COMES TO FACILITATING THE WELL BEING OF MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS - "BUILDING CONNECTIONS" IS THE NAME OF THE GAME.
ONE ASPECT OF THE SUICIDE EQUATION MAY BE A FEELING ON THE PART OF THE VETERAN THAT "NOBODY UNDERSTAND OR CARES" WHICH REFLECTS A SENSE OF "NOT BELONGING." THAT IS WHY "CONNECTIONS" ARE CRITICAL WHEN IT COMES TO SUPPORTING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. NEVER FORGET."FAMILIES ALSO SERVE."
FLOWING FROM THE CONCEPT OF LOCATING VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS AND CONNECTING THEM IS A RECOMMENDATION THAT "MILITARY FAMILIES UNITED" GROUPS BE ESTABLISHED ON A WARD OR NEIGHBORHOOD BASIS WITH A VETERANS COMPONENT INCLUDED. THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY AND THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT ARE IDEALLY SUITED TO SERVE AS GATHERING PLACES FOR SUCH GROUPS DRAWING UPON THEIR EXISTING PATRONS AT THE OUTSET.
ANOTHER PRACTICAL SERVICE THAT MIGHT BE CONSIDERED WOULD BE A CHICAGO VETERANS/MILITARY FAMILIES HELPLINE THAT WOULD COMPLEMENT THE EXISTING VA HELPLINE AND WORK CLOSELY WITH THE VA WHICH WOULD BE A MAJOR REFERRAL ENTITY FOR THE LOCAL CALLERS.
THE ADVANTAGE OF THIS TYPE OF LOCAL CIVILIAN HELPLINE IS THAT IT WOULD BE VIEWED AS A NEIGHBORHOOD CIVILIAN SERVICE AND PROMOTED VIGOROUSLY TO THE EXTENT EVERYBODY KNOWS ABOUT IT AND MIGHT VERY WELL BE ALIGNED WITH THE PROXIMATE ALDERMAN AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES. "THE PERSONAL TOUCH PROVIDED BY NEIGHBORS WHO CARE ABOUT OUR MILITARY FAMILIES."
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A CHICAGO CENTERED EVENT THAT MIGHT BE EDUCATIONAL FOR BOTH THE CIVILIAN SECTOR AND MILITARY FAMILY SECTORS AS WELL WOULD BE HAVING CITY INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS LIBRARIES, PARK DISTRICTS, AND SCHOOLS STAGE THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES THAT WILL PORTRAY THE LIVES OF MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS AND THEIR SERVICE MEMBER LOVED ONES.
SUCH PERFORMANCES COULD BE MODIFIED IN TERMS OF STORY CONTENT AND AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT OVER TIME TO MAKE SURE THE STORY IS AN ONGOING ONE WITH FRESH THEMES PRESENTED.
JUST RECENTLY, THE CHICAGO ART INSTITUTE AND A THEATER COMPANY COLLABORATED IN STAGING PERFORMANCES OF "ERASING THE DIFFERENCE" HIGHLIGHTING "VETERANS' VOICES." THESE SHOWINGS AT THE CHICAGO VETERANS ART MUSEUM" HAD A POWERFUL IMPACT ON ALL OF THOSE WHO ATTENDED.
INDEED, THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT IS ALREADY HOLDING VETERANS RESOURCE FAIRS AND OTHER SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES INCLUDING FITNESS PROGRAMS.
ILLINOIS JOINING FORCES, THROUGH ITS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WORKING GROUP HAS JUST ANNOUNCED A COLLABORATION WITH THE ILLINOIS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION AIMED AT MAKING LIBRARIES "WELCOMING PLACES" FOR MILITARY FAMILIES. CERTAINLY, THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER EMBRACING THIS INITIATIVE ESPECIALLY SINCE THE CITY IS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF ILLINOIS JOINING FORCES (IJF).
ANOTHER SERVICE THE CITY OF CHICAGO MIGHT VERY WELL FACILITATE THAT IS A PROVEN "WINNER" AND TIES IN QUITE CLOSELY WITH SUICIDE PREVENTION IS SIMPLY BECOMING PRO ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN PLACING "SERVICE DOGS" WITH VETERANS WHO ARE DEEMED TO BE QUALIFIED WITH RESPECT TO BENEFITING FROM HAVING THESE SPECIAL PARTNERS AT THEIR SIDE ON AN AROUND THE CLOCK BASIS.
THERE HAS BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF EXPERIENCE WITH THIS TYPE OF PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND THOSE VETS WHO ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE SUCH A DOG WILL TESTIFY THAT THE MATCH UP HAS LITERALLY SAVED THEIR LIVES. THESE ARE NOT ORDINARY PETS. THEIR TRAINING FOR THE TYPE OF ROLE THEY PLAY, COSTS SOMETHING LIKE $25,000.
NEVERTHELESS, SUCH A SUICIDE PREVENTION VENTURE IS A PROVEN ONE AND THE CITY CAN CERTAINLY TAKE STEPS TO MAKE SUCH LIFE SAVERS AVAILABLE TO THOSE VETS WHO WOULD BE DESIGNATED AS ELIGIBLE.
MOST OF THESE COURSES OF ACTION THAT ARE OPTIONS FOR THE CITY TO ADOPT ARE NOT ANTI SUICIDE PROGRAMS AS SUCH BUT EACH OF THEM MIGHT VERY WELL PLAY A ROLE IN DETERRING VETERAN SUICIDES BECAUSE, AS SOME WILL NO DOUBT EXPLAIN, THE REASONS FOR SUCH SUICIDES ARE MANY AND COMPLEX AND LIKEWISE THE SOLUTION TO THE SUICIDE PROBLEM WILL REQUIRE A HOST OF COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS, SERVICES, AND PROGRAMS WITH CONSIDERABLE EMPHASIS PERHAPS ON WELLNESS ACTIVITIES.
THESE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF WHAT ACTIONS CHICAGO CAN TAKE TO MAKE OUR CITY A WELCOME PLACE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO LIVE AND WORK.
OTHERS WILL BE DESCRIBING THEIR OWN INSIGHTS REGARDING MEETING THE SUICIDE THREAT HEAD ON RIGHT HERE WITHIN OUR OWN BORDERS. SURELY, CHICAGO WILL EMBRACE SOME OF THESE IDEAS AND PROPOSALS AND THEREBY SHOW THE WAY FOR OUR OTHER AMERICAN CITIES AND VILLAGES THROUGHOUT OUR GREAT NATION.
YOURS FAITHFULLY,
RUSSELL G. HOPKINS
NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ASSOCIATION - ILLINOIS
FOR SOME OF THEM, THE TRANSITION WILL BECOME UNBEARABLE AND MAY RESULT IN SUICIDAL THOUGHTS LEADING UP TO THE ULTIMATE ACT ITSELF. WE SHALL LEAVE IT TO THE PSYCHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, AND PSYCHIATRISTS TO EXPLAIN WHY THIS REINTEGRATION CAN BE SO DIFFICULT.
TODAY, WE SHALL FOCUS PRIMARILY ON VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED DURING THE PAST DECADE OR THEREABOUTS BUT WE SHOULD KEEP IN MIND THAT OTHER GENERATIONS OF VETERANS ARE FACING SIMILAR PRESSURES AS WELL - ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE VIETNAM ERA. LET US NOT FORGET ABOUT THEM.
MOREOVER, I MIGHT ALSO NOTE THAT ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL ARE ALSO VULNERABLE TO SUICIDE AND THEIR FAMILIES OFTEN RESIDE IN OUR OWN CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOODS. WE SHOULD KEEP THEM IN MIND TOO FOR MANY OF THEM HAVE LIVED AMIDST DEATH AND DESTRUCTION FOR MONTHS AND YEARS. THIS EXPERIENCE TAKES ITS TOLL THE LONGER ONE IS SUBJECTED TO SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT.
WHEN A VETERAN OR ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIER, SAILOR, MARINE, OR AIRMAN KILLS THEM SELF, IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT SUCH A TRAGEDY HAS WIDESPREAD IMPACT ON MANY PEOPLE WHICH IS LONG LASTING, ESPECIALLY UPON SPOUSES, PARENTS, CHILDREN, SISTERS, BROTHERS, GRANDPARENTS,UNCLES, AUNTS, COUSINS, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS.
A SINGLE SUICIDE IT COMPARABLE TO DROPPING A BOMB ON A VILLAGE OR NEIGHBORHOOD - A FORM OF COLLATERAL DAMAGE THAT WE SHOULD DO OUR UTMOST TO AVOID.
YES, THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION DOES A GREAT JOB TREATING SUICIDAL VETS THAT COME FORTH OR WHO ARE PRESENTED FOR TREATMENT THE TROUBLE IS, AS OTHERS WILL MENTION, IS THAT RELATIVELY FEW VETERANS WILL REVEAL THEIR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES OR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS TO THE VA PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN ALLEVIATE THEIR "PAIN". IN FACT, WHEN ASKED, THEY ARE LIKELY TO CONCEAL HOW THEY REALLY FEEL WHICH THEY MIGHT CONSIDER AN ADMISSION OF WEAKNESS OR FAILURE.
THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION OFFERS AN EXCELLENT HELPLINE TO ASSIST VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES AS WELL IN DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND SPECIFICALLY SUICIDE. BUT HOW MANY KNOW ABOUT THIS SERVICE? HOW MANY MAKE THAT CALL? NOT ENOUGH OR WE WOULD NOT HAVE ALL THOSE VETS KILLING THEMSELVES. AND HOW MANY TRY TO TAKE THEIR OWN LIVES AND FAIL?
THERE IS ALSO AN UNKNOWN PROPORTION OF OUR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO DO NOT LIKE OR TRUST THE MILITARY ITSELF, MIGHT EVEN BLAME THE ARMED FORCES FOR THEIR TROUBLES. THAT IS ANOTHER REASON WHY THOSE IN NEED FAIL TO COME FORWARD. IN TERMS OF TRUST, THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO OPEN UP TO A CIVILIAN ORGANIZATION OR A FAMILY MEMBER, FRIEND, OR NEIGHBOR. INDEED, THIS IS WHY WE ARE HERE TODAY. CAN'T WE FIND WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK AMONG US? THE PURPOSE OF THIS HEARING TODAY IN LARGE PART IS TO SUBMIT IDEAS FOR ACTIONS THAT THE CITY OF CHICAGO MIGHT TAKE TO SPARE ITS RESIDENTS FROM GOING THROUGH A SUICIDAL EPISODE RIGHT NEXT DOOR INVOLVING THOSE WITH WHOM THEY SHARE A CLOSE CONNECTION.
THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF VETERANS KILLING THEMSELVES, OUR COMMUNITIES WILL HAVE TO STEP FORWARD AND ACTIVELY ENGAGE THEIR MILITARY FAMILIES WHO TYPICALLY ARE INVISIBLE TO THEIR NEIGHBORS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS.
UNFORTUNATELY, AMERICANS ARE OFTEN MUCH MORE EFFICIENT WHEN IT COMES T ASSISTING PEOPLE, HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY THAN IN AIDING THOSE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET OR EVEN NEXT DOOR. THIS LOCAL FACTOR - SOME REFER TO IT AS "COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT" - IS WHY TODAY'S CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING IS SO IMPORTANT. AS A CITY, WHAT CAN WE DO THAT WILL INDEED MAKE A DIFFERENCE? THAT'S THE QUESTION.
ONE MIGHT DECLARE, "ASK NOT WHAT WASHINGTON OR SPRINGFIELD CAN DO FOR OUR VETERANS; ASK WHAT CHICAGO CAN DO FOR ITS OWN VETERANS. WE CAN DO IT BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE IF WE VOW TO DO SO.
OUR FEDERAL, STATE AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS CAN ALL PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR VETERANS AND OUR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS ARE WELL POSITIONED TO LOCATE THOSE VETERANS IN NEED AND DELIVER LIFE SURVIVING SUPPORT TO THEM. WHEN IT COMES TO SERVING MILITARY FAMILIES, INCLUDING VETERANS, THE PRIMARY CHALLENGE IS IDENTIFYING THE MILITARY FAMILY POINTS OF CONTACT.
ON ONE HAND - THE VETERAN'S CONTACT INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT BUT IT ALSO OF CRITICAL IMPORTANCE TO ESTABLISH POINTS OF CONTACTS SUCH AS SPOUSES, CHILDREN,PARENTS,OR OTHER RELATIVES WHO PLAY KEY ROLES IN THE VETERAN'S LIFE.
THE PRINCIPLE HERE IS "IF YOU CAN'T FIND THEM (OR A RELATIVE WHO CARES) YOU CANNOT PROVIDE THEM WITH ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT."
WE ARE NOT SUGGESTING THAT MILITARY FAMILY POINTS OF CONTACT DATA BE REQUIRED BUT WE ARE RECOMMENDING THAT THE DATA BE SUBMITTED VOLUNTARILY WITH APPROPRIATE RESTRICTIONS UPON ITS USE.
IN THE CASE OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, SUCH MILITARY CONNECTED DATA MIGHT BE REQUESTED BY AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PARK DISTRICT, AND LIBRARIES.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRED BY A RECENTLY ENACTED STATE LAW TO GATHER AND REPORT SUCH DATA TO THE ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION. IN OUR OPINION THE COVERAGE OF THE LAW IS TO NARROW AND SHOULD BE BROADENED IN ORDER TO EXPAND THE DEFINITION OF MILITARY CONNECT STUDENT.
MOREOVER, THE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAY ACT ON THIS IDENTIFICATION ASPECT ON THEIR OWN AND EXPAND ITS SCOPE WHILE IMPLEMENTING SPECIFIC EFFORTS TO REACH OUT TO AND SUPPORT MILITARY KIDS AND THEIR PARENTS AS WELL. THIS TYPE OF SUPPORT WILL IN ITSELF TEND TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VETERAN WHOSE FAMILY IS INCLUDED IN SUCH SUPPORT WILL COMMIT SUICIDE.
THE REASON SUCH AN IDENTIFIER PROCEDURE IS VITAL IN THE BROAD CONTEXT IS THAT IT CAN BE USED TO GATHER INFORMATION AND SURVEYS; PROMOTE MILITARY FAMILY CONNECTED EVENTS; AND GENERALLY TO FACILITATE THE CONNECTIONS OF MILITARY FAMILY STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WITH ONE ANOTHER.
WHEN IT COMES TO FACILITATING THE WELL BEING OF MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS - "BUILDING CONNECTIONS" IS THE NAME OF THE GAME.
ONE ASPECT OF THE SUICIDE EQUATION MAY BE A FEELING ON THE PART OF THE VETERAN THAT "NOBODY UNDERSTAND OR CARES" WHICH REFLECTS A SENSE OF "NOT BELONGING." THAT IS WHY "CONNECTIONS" ARE CRITICAL WHEN IT COMES TO SUPPORTING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. NEVER FORGET."FAMILIES ALSO SERVE."
FLOWING FROM THE CONCEPT OF LOCATING VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS AND CONNECTING THEM IS A RECOMMENDATION THAT "MILITARY FAMILIES UNITED" GROUPS BE ESTABLISHED ON A WARD OR NEIGHBORHOOD BASIS WITH A VETERANS COMPONENT INCLUDED. THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY AND THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT ARE IDEALLY SUITED TO SERVE AS GATHERING PLACES FOR SUCH GROUPS DRAWING UPON THEIR EXISTING PATRONS AT THE OUTSET.
ANOTHER PRACTICAL SERVICE THAT MIGHT BE CONSIDERED WOULD BE A CHICAGO VETERANS/MILITARY FAMILIES HELPLINE THAT WOULD COMPLEMENT THE EXISTING VA HELPLINE AND WORK CLOSELY WITH THE VA WHICH WOULD BE A MAJOR REFERRAL ENTITY FOR THE LOCAL CALLERS.
THE ADVANTAGE OF THIS TYPE OF LOCAL CIVILIAN HELPLINE IS THAT IT WOULD BE VIEWED AS A NEIGHBORHOOD CIVILIAN SERVICE AND PROMOTED VIGOROUSLY TO THE EXTENT EVERYBODY KNOWS ABOUT IT AND MIGHT VERY WELL BE ALIGNED WITH THE PROXIMATE ALDERMAN AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES. "THE PERSONAL TOUCH PROVIDED BY NEIGHBORS WHO CARE ABOUT OUR MILITARY FAMILIES."
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A CHICAGO CENTERED EVENT THAT MIGHT BE EDUCATIONAL FOR BOTH THE CIVILIAN SECTOR AND MILITARY FAMILY SECTORS AS WELL WOULD BE HAVING CITY INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS LIBRARIES, PARK DISTRICTS, AND SCHOOLS STAGE THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES THAT WILL PORTRAY THE LIVES OF MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS AND THEIR SERVICE MEMBER LOVED ONES.
SUCH PERFORMANCES COULD BE MODIFIED IN TERMS OF STORY CONTENT AND AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT OVER TIME TO MAKE SURE THE STORY IS AN ONGOING ONE WITH FRESH THEMES PRESENTED.
JUST RECENTLY, THE CHICAGO ART INSTITUTE AND A THEATER COMPANY COLLABORATED IN STAGING PERFORMANCES OF "ERASING THE DIFFERENCE" HIGHLIGHTING "VETERANS' VOICES." THESE SHOWINGS AT THE CHICAGO VETERANS ART MUSEUM" HAD A POWERFUL IMPACT ON ALL OF THOSE WHO ATTENDED.
INDEED, THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT IS ALREADY HOLDING VETERANS RESOURCE FAIRS AND OTHER SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES INCLUDING FITNESS PROGRAMS.
ILLINOIS JOINING FORCES, THROUGH ITS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WORKING GROUP HAS JUST ANNOUNCED A COLLABORATION WITH THE ILLINOIS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION AIMED AT MAKING LIBRARIES "WELCOMING PLACES" FOR MILITARY FAMILIES. CERTAINLY, THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER EMBRACING THIS INITIATIVE ESPECIALLY SINCE THE CITY IS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF ILLINOIS JOINING FORCES (IJF).
ANOTHER SERVICE THE CITY OF CHICAGO MIGHT VERY WELL FACILITATE THAT IS A PROVEN "WINNER" AND TIES IN QUITE CLOSELY WITH SUICIDE PREVENTION IS SIMPLY BECOMING PRO ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN PLACING "SERVICE DOGS" WITH VETERANS WHO ARE DEEMED TO BE QUALIFIED WITH RESPECT TO BENEFITING FROM HAVING THESE SPECIAL PARTNERS AT THEIR SIDE ON AN AROUND THE CLOCK BASIS.
THERE HAS BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF EXPERIENCE WITH THIS TYPE OF PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND THOSE VETS WHO ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE SUCH A DOG WILL TESTIFY THAT THE MATCH UP HAS LITERALLY SAVED THEIR LIVES. THESE ARE NOT ORDINARY PETS. THEIR TRAINING FOR THE TYPE OF ROLE THEY PLAY, COSTS SOMETHING LIKE $25,000.
NEVERTHELESS, SUCH A SUICIDE PREVENTION VENTURE IS A PROVEN ONE AND THE CITY CAN CERTAINLY TAKE STEPS TO MAKE SUCH LIFE SAVERS AVAILABLE TO THOSE VETS WHO WOULD BE DESIGNATED AS ELIGIBLE.
MOST OF THESE COURSES OF ACTION THAT ARE OPTIONS FOR THE CITY TO ADOPT ARE NOT ANTI SUICIDE PROGRAMS AS SUCH BUT EACH OF THEM MIGHT VERY WELL PLAY A ROLE IN DETERRING VETERAN SUICIDES BECAUSE, AS SOME WILL NO DOUBT EXPLAIN, THE REASONS FOR SUCH SUICIDES ARE MANY AND COMPLEX AND LIKEWISE THE SOLUTION TO THE SUICIDE PROBLEM WILL REQUIRE A HOST OF COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS, SERVICES, AND PROGRAMS WITH CONSIDERABLE EMPHASIS PERHAPS ON WELLNESS ACTIVITIES.
THESE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF WHAT ACTIONS CHICAGO CAN TAKE TO MAKE OUR CITY A WELCOME PLACE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO LIVE AND WORK.
OTHERS WILL BE DESCRIBING THEIR OWN INSIGHTS REGARDING MEETING THE SUICIDE THREAT HEAD ON RIGHT HERE WITHIN OUR OWN BORDERS. SURELY, CHICAGO WILL EMBRACE SOME OF THESE IDEAS AND PROPOSALS AND THEREBY SHOW THE WAY FOR OUR OTHER AMERICAN CITIES AND VILLAGES THROUGHOUT OUR GREAT NATION.
YOURS FAITHFULLY,
RUSSELL G. HOPKINS
NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ASSOCIATION - ILLINOIS