Welcome all Committee Members and Guests!

1. Welcome all Committee Members and Guests! Happy 1 Year Anniversary!!

2. Rhode Island Task Force Meeting Agenda 17 July 07, 0900 - 1100 VA Hospital, 5th Floor Advisory Committee - Welcome, Review Dr. Susan Storti/CMSgt Lori Ashness Addictive Disorders Committee SSgt Alida Roa/Cindy Williams Woman Veterans Committee LTC Jeannine Vachon/Minerva Thomas Public Awareness Committee LTC Dennis Riel/Norman Deragon Community Outreach Committee LTC Bruce Fletcher/Michele Jackson Peer Support Committee CPT Michael Manning/Christopher Morse Family Network Committee Maj Judy Ferriera/Kathy Neil Open Discussion/Networking

3. Veterans Task Force of Rhode Island Highlights • Met with CDR Cherylynn Bradeen, RNC MSN and • Ms. Jennifer Kiladitis -- Health Promotion/Individual Medical • Readiness/Deployment Health Clinics, Newport Naval Base • Interview with Peter C. Wells, The Providence American • Article 19 Apr 07. Pub date 13 – 17 May 2007. • Technical Assistance provided to Pennsylvania designing • workforce development activities (community providers to assist in mental health care for returning military members/families) • Spoke with Walter Stone (esq.) from the RI Foundation regarding support for Veterans Task Force and new initiatives • Development of Resource Guide (through Sen. Reed’s office) • Stacy Viens updating content; disseminated at ISFAC • meeting; currently awaiting proposed content changes

4. Veterans Task Force of Rhode Island Highlights • Met with Kenny Carnes, a writer, performer and Army veteran • to discuss future collaborative activities (theater production Pieces of War, given at colleges to raise the level of awareness) • Met with Dr. John Rodolico, McLean Hospital, MA, Commander of Combat Stress Unit in Iraq (link w/Tri-Care, Brown) • New Mexico Blueprint will be introduced on July 31, 2007 in • Albuquerque, NM (Dr. Storti attending) • Providing in-person consultation to Virginia – kick-off • conference scheduled for September, 2007 • Briefed Dr. Clark, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse on treatment of current status of veterans initiative (supportive, looking for funding) • Presented at the first regional workshop addressing the • issues faced by returning military members and their • families (Multi-disciplinary health care providers)

5. Veterans Task Force of Rhode Island Highlights • Forwarded the RI Blueprint and Handbook to the American • Psychological Association (req. of Dr. Johnston VA) • National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse • Directors charged with developing programs to address • needs of returning military members and their families. RI • highlighted as the national model to follow. (at annual conference) • Request for technical assistance from Oklahoma (sent information) • Collaborated with Mark Paolicelli, Military legislative Fellow, • Office of Senator Jack Reed in writing an amendment to the • Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors bill • Met with Ann Balboni, PsyD to outline operational guidelines • for the peer support program

6. Veterans Task Force of Rhode Island Highlights • Rhode Island Council of Community Mental Health • Organizations (Liz Earls/Sue Earley) • Contacted by Congressman Kennedy’s office -- Texas • expressing interest in learning about the RI model • Interviewed by Emily Hager, Video Journalist, NY Times • Met with Nancy Pedagno, LICSW, Military Life Consultant • 10,000 Handbooks printed and 98 % disseminated through the Inter-service Family Assistance Council (ISFAC) (Army Res pending) • Discussion held with Libby Arron – Senior Projects • Discussion held with Dan Evangelista State of RI – Div of Veterans Affairs (RI Military Night) • Providence Phoenix paper meeting, 19 Jul (Jessica Kerry) • SOFAR Info

7. Program Activity Met with DATA Committee in May – - educate community treatment providers about substance abuse issues in returning soldiers - request assistance with slots pro bono/sliding fee - Increased gambling assessments Goals Reached - Evening appointments on Monday and Tuesday night Addictive Disorders Committee SSgt Alida Roa/Cindy Williams

8. Program Activity Incorporate sensitivity/awareness training monthly in New Employee Orientation As needed/Upon request: Sensitivity training/Awareness to Service Line in PVAMC about Women Veterans Issues Upcoming: July 18 2007-Will provide sensitivity/awareness training to Emergency Room Staff through interactive presentation & discussions with Nurse Manager/Chief Physician Relocation-involved in monitoring/advocating for the appropriate environment/services for Women Veterans in Primary Care Integration Policies-Revising PVAMC policies re: Provision of Care to Women Veterans Women Veterans Committee LTC Jeannine Vachon/Minerva Thomas

9. Program Activity 18 July – Will Conduct 3rd quarterly briefing for women veterans of RI at VET Center, Warwick. Fall timeframe - Legislative Tea at State House.  In process of confirming date with legislature, LT Governor, etc. Long Range Plan:  26 Sep  07 - Operation Stand Down for RI Women Veterans. Met with RI Homeless Coalition to assist in coordination. Goals Reached Quarterly Briefings have been successful Women Veterans Committee LTC Jeannine Vachon/Minerva Thomas

10. Program Activity Goals Reached Public Awareness Committee LTC Denis Riel/Normand Deragon

11. Program Activity Contacts with Veterans Groups (VFW, Amer Legion) Goals Reached Tenative Scheduled Appearences on Senior Journal, Rhode Island Soap Box Senior Projects Producing 30 & 60 Second Public Service Announcements for Cable Community Outreach Committee LTC Bruce Fletcher/Michele Jackson

12. Program Activity Vet to Vet program update Goals Reached Peer Support Committee CPT Michael Manning/Chris Morse

13. Goals Reached 3 June 2007 – First Post-deployment VA Briefing held at Quonset (110 members of the RIANG and MG Bray attended) Program Activity Family Symposium in the Fall Weekday VA Briefing for full-time members of the RIANG being scheduled Additional VA Briefings to be scheduled on UTA weekends Family Network Committee Maj Judy Ferriera/Kathy Neill

14. Next Meeting23 Oct 2007