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Share your stories, insights, and how your buddy checks are going now through October 23rd.

VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on October 16th regarding peer wellness checks, resiliency, referrals to VA for care, and crisis intervention. Tell us how you are reaching your battle buddies, family, caregivers, and survivors.

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, George W. Bush Institute
» SSG Jonathan Pylypiv - Community Engagement Manager, Fox Valley Veterans Council
» Aaron Eagan - Director, Community Based Suicide Prevention, VHA
» SGT Tiffany Ellett - Division Director, Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, American Legion
» Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton - Senior Director, Suicide Prevention/Postvention, TAPS

Learn More: https://rly.pt/VANationalBuddyCheckWeek
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Responses: 20
PO2 Miguel Estrema
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Melissa Comeau
Melissa Comeau
1 y
GREAT photos! What is the pups name?
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PO2 Miguel Estrema
PO2 Miguel Estrema
1 y
Valerie
She’s Lab/Shep mix (4yrs) [my service dog]
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CPT David Gowel
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Thanks for joining! How does the VA offer peer support to the veteran, family, and caregiver community? Also does VA work with non-gov't organizations who offer related support?
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Leah Christensen
Leah Christensen
1 y
Thanks for your question! The Caregiver Support Program offers a Peer Support Mentoring Program for caregivers enrolled in the Program of General Caregiver Support Services or the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. This program provides opportunities for a caregiver to connect and build a relationship with other caregivers walking along a similar journey. For more information, visit: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/Peer_Support_Mentoring_Program.asp or contact the local Caregiver Support Program team by visiting: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp.

In terms of related support, CSP is so fortunate to work closely with the Military Veteran Caregiver Network: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html who offer peer support and the Military Spouse Advocacy Network: https://www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/ who offer mentorship, including to Veteran caregivers.
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Elyse Kaplan
Elyse Kaplan
1 y
Good Afternoon and thank you for your question. There are several areas for peer support within the Veterans Health Administration. Ms. Christensen mentioned peer support mentoring above. Within the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, VA offers peer support services in Primary Care through the Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT) as well as embedded peer specialists in many mental health, recovery and substance use related programs, nationally. Within Suicide Prevention, the Veterans Crisis Line offers peer support services to some Veterans following a Veterans contacting the Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis Line has certified peer specialists on staff to work with Veterans who may benefit from peer to peer connections.

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/142,41684_VA#:~:text=Veterans%20can%20ask%20for%20a%20referral%20for%20peer,a%20peer%20support%20service%20organization%20in%20their%20community.
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Melissa Comeau
Melissa Comeau
1 y
Great question CPT David Gowel The Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network offers 3 peer support programs to caregivers and veterans that are caregivers. We have a secure online community, one to one peer mentorship and caregiver peer support groups. We share the journey with caregivers of all eras, all relationships, across all locations. You can leran more here https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html
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SSG Jonathan Pylypiv
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Thank you.
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Melissa Comeau
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Hello! My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the American Red Cross. I am also the spouse and caregiver to a combat wounded Marine. We serve caregivers of all eras as well as veterans who are caregivers. You can learn more about our programs and services here https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/services-for-veterans/military-veteran-caregiver-network.html
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PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
1 y
Melissa-Appreciate you and your team! Enriching & Empowering Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors lives every day!
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PO2 Miguel Estrema
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PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
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Have you signed up to take the pledge and talk to ten? Visit here to take the pledge and share with others!! https://www.research.net/r/BQ2DMCL
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Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton
Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton
1 y
Done! I pledge to check in and talk to at least ten
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Melissa Comeau
Melissa Comeau
1 y
CHECK! I took the pledge.
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Lori Shellman
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How many pact act claims approved
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LCpl Craig A. Charbonneau
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Completed more than 30 Buddy Checks. Semper Fidelis
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SP5 Dennis Loberger
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We do buddy checks twice a year on our membership in our Legion Post
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SPC Barry Jaye
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HOW DOES ONE RECEIVE THE $250?
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