June is PTSD Awareness Month

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects some individuals who have witnessed or experienced traumatic events such as combat, natural disasters, accidents, sexual trauma, or personal trauma, to name a few. For people living with PTSD, disturbing thoughts, memories, and feelings connected with their trauma arise repeatedly, creating distress and difficulty. Veterans are twice as likely to experience PTSD as the general population (12% to 30% versus 7% in the general population). Up to 87% of veterans were exposed to potentially traumatic events. Some symptoms: Quick to anger, chronic sleep impairment, suicidal ideation, inability to perform daily activities such as self-care, grossly inappropriate behavior, persistent danger of hurting self or others, and decreased work efficiency.

The United States Government designated June as PTSD Awareness Month in 2014 to recognize Staff Sergeant Joe Biel who suffered from PTSD after serving 2 tours in IRAQ with the National Guard and died by suicide in 2007.

There are several events happening this month to raise awareness and show support for those experiencing symptoms of PTSD and to remind PTSD sufferers that they are not alone. There is easy access to help by calling the PTSD clinic at 928-445-4860 x 5857 or remember to dial 988 and press 1 if it’s for a Veteran.

Benetravel Update:

The VA will pay for your travel if you need to go to a different VA facility for an

appointment, for example, to Phoenix. However, note that the time allotted to

submit those claims has changed. VA National now requires you to submit your

claims within 30 days of your appointment or they will not be reimbursed. Any claims you have saved up since 2020 (when the extension beyond 30 days went into effect due to Covid) needed to be submitted by June 9th. Any questions, please call 928-445-4860 ext. 6144.

PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins) Act Veterans have multiple ways of submitting their claims for Toxic Exposure and there is a lot of good information for reference and to assist Veterans with the new PACT Act Claims. The quickest way is to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment here:  https://vets.force.com/VAVERA/s/

If you have questions about the PACT Act visit va.gov/PACT. This act is for service members and their survivors who had environmental exposures during their military service. This coverage is extended to veterans of the Viet Nam, Gulf War, and Post 9/11 eras. The burden of proof is no longer on the veteran. There are presumptive conditions such as cancers, Parkinson's Disease, Hypertension, etc. If you’re not enrolled, please do so even if just for this coverage here:  VA.gov/healthcare/apply/application/introduction or call 877-222-8387, M-F, 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you’ve been turned down before, apply again. The rules for eligibility change. The benefits are being paid out now and will be back-dated to August 2022, when the act was signed. The VA warns all Veterans about SCAMS. You do not need a third-party company to fill out the application. Often these companies will give you a blank form to sign and say they will fill it out and mail it, or they will have you sign a contract giving them a percentage of your benefits. If you need assistance, go to an accredited group by the VA such as DAV, VFW, or other local Veteran Service Organizations. This Act provides Veterans and their survivors with the benefits and care they have earned and deserve.

COMPACT Act (Comprehensive Prevention Access to Care Treatment)

As of January 17, 2023 Veterans in Acute Suicidal Crisis can now go to any VA or non-VA

healthcare facility for emergency healthcare at no cost including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system. You can call 988 (then press 1) to quickly connect with qualified crisis support 24/7.

VA Benefits can help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy, and more. You can join an event for conversation and information by going to www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/ to peruse their online events. You can also call the VA Benefits Hotline at 800-827-1000.

The Arizona Dept. of Veteran Services assists veterans and their family members in qualifying and applying for benefits. They help with service-connected disabilities to non-service-connected pensions, assist with burial claims, and run an Arizona State Veterans Home, among other services. They can help you determine your benefits and submit claims, including those with the PACT Act and COMPACT Act. They also help with appeals because laws change, diagnoses change, and people get new evidence. They are at the VA in Building 15 twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but you can also meet with them virtually or on the phone. Call 602-535-1215

for questions and appointments.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:

The Prescott National Memorial Ladies 

​The Prescott National Memorial Ladies are looking for a "few good women ''. The Prescott National Memorial Ladies (PNML) was started in 2005 by the Daughters of the American Revolution, General George Crooks Chapter, and is modeled after the Ladies of Arlington, founded in 1948.

The Mission of the PNML is to attend Veteran's services at the Prescott National Cemetery; the core Mission is to be there for those veterans with no family. No Veteran should "go Home" alone. 

​The Ladies consider it a privilege to be considered part of the Honors ceremony with the presentation of a card and a rose to the family.

If you would like to learn more or participate with the Prescott National Memorial Ladies, contact Darlene Packard at 928-848-0626 or [email protected].

Equine Therapy - June 22, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The VA is partnering with Bethany’s Gait (Chino Valley) whose programs were created specifically for active duty, reserve, and veteran military personnel, first responders, and their families. They bring rescue horses together with veterans, first responders, etc. who form a bond to heal.  Come to the VA campus Ramada (behind the Library) for a demonstration. There is construction on the VA campus so there will be signs to the free parking and shuttles to take you to the event. There is a PTSD group photo at 12:15 pm so please wear teal or a PTSD Awareness T-shirt. For questions, contact Dr. Sigler at 928-445-4860 x 4834.

PTSD Awareness Month Virtual Summit -  June 27, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Enjoy this state-wide virtual event from the comfort of your own home while you connect with others who are knowledgeable about PTSD and some who are experiencing symptoms. It’s a free session open to anyone who wants to attend be it Veteran, caregiver, family, friend, staff, etc. They will talk about PTSD treatment, its impact on the brain and relationships, and discuss available resources. They will also have information about the PACT Act. 

​Anyone interested in attending can join via this link on WebEx:  https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=mc84c605533c3d74a3b626e1c452a54c5

For questions call Dr. Jennifer Sigler at 928-445-4860 ext. 4834.

Fourth Annual Caregiver and Family Resource Fair - June 28, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

The Caregiver Support program has 2 categories: General and Primary. The goal is to provide education, resources, support, and services to veterans and their caregivers. General care requires no application and applies to all caregivers; you don’t need to be a family member or even live with the veteran to get support in case management, counseling, support groups, referrals, etc. The Primary program requires an application to determine eligibility for financial support. You can apply online at www.caregiver.va.gov. This fun Fair is open to veterans, caregivers of veterans, or anyone providing any support to a veteran. It will be on the VA campus (500 Highway 89 North in Prescott) in the Theater, Building 15. There will be event signage and shuttles to take you to the event. The VA has partnered with 17 community businesses and knowledgeable staff to get your questions answered and the resources you need. At this Resource Fair, you can enjoy on-site mindfulness, door prize raffles, refreshments, and places to sit in the shade and take in the day. For questions call Brandy at 928-776-5352.

George Willis Sr. Memorial Veterans Stand Down - June 29, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The next Stand Down will be on June 29th, 2023 at the Twin Arrows Navajo Resort, Dine’ Event Center in Twin Arrows, Arizona from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stand Downs are a great one-stop shop for veterans to find many resources and get questions answered. If you have questions or would like to donate a raffle prize, send an email to

[email protected] .