Partnership Creates Better Understanding of Veterans to Caregivers

By Connie Johnson 
(Reno, Las Vegas, NV)—Veterans can face unique health care challenges. The Perry Foundation is helping to address them which is why the Nevada Department of Veterans Services is partnering with the non-profit. This partnership is providing Nevada health care professionals with continuing education on a wide range of veteran-centered issues.  
 
In June, Las Vegas Mental Health professionals received free continuing education to help veterans who’ve suffered Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Sadly, the VA reports about 1-in-4 women and 1-in-100 men seen for VA health care report a history of MST when screened by a VA provider.  
 
The free, half-day workshop served those hoping to gain a better understanding of MST as well as the resources and support available to address the behavioral and mental health needs of MST survivors. Earlier this year, a similar workshop was held in Reno.  
 
The NDVS continues to partner with the Foundation to provide another free training program; Bravo Zulu. This course helps care partners of veterans, living in Nevada eldercare communities, better understand military culture. This helps care partners provide better care and understanding of veterans in this setting. Bravo Zulu is also designed to improve the care and support of all elders, particularly those living with dementia.  
 
Bravo Zulu is named in honor of veteran elders. It consists of four (4) 4-hour modules. Attendees completing all four (4) modules receive a Certificate of Completion satisfying the Nevada State regulation (NRS 449.094) for dementia education. CEUs are also be awarded upon successful completion of each module for Licensed Administrators (Board of Examiners for Long Term Care Administrators), Licensed Nurses (Nevada State Board of Nursing), and Social Workers (Board of Examiners for Social Workers). 
 
To learn more about MST visit: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp 
You may also want to check out the VA’s video “Make the Connection" showing veterans sharing their stories of recovery.  
 
Click here to watch the MST video featuring survivors:  
https://maketheconnection.net/conditions/military-sexual-trauma 
The video serves as reminder that survivors are not alone in having experienced MST or in having the strength to recover.