In Search of the Human Spirit

Free Mental Health for Returning Soldiers

Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan can now receive the mental health services they need for free. The Soldiers Project is a non-profit organization set up to provide mental health care to soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families.

The group is made up of licensed mental health professionals who want to help fill the need. These people do this all on a volunteer basis. Services are provided in their private offices and are confidential.

With tens of thousands of soldiers coming home with PTSD and other emotional issues, the VA is unable to keep up with the influx of patients. The Soldiers Project hopes to fill the gap so that those needing help can get it regardless of their ability to pay or the backlog of applications at the VA.

According to the Soldiers Project website you are eligible for services if:
* Active duty uniformed service members who have served in OIF/OEF
* Members of activated Reserve/Guard military units with service in OIF/OEF
* Veterans of OEF/OIF
* Family members of the above including spouses, parents, grandparents, children, siblings, etc
* Other loved ones

Visit their website to find out how to apply for services: The Soldiers Project

Saturday is the Post Office’s annual “Stamp Out Hunger” Day. Every May, postal carriers around the country pick up bags of food left by residents on their route.

You can participate by filling a bag with unused and sealed packages of pasta, juice, canned soup, cereal, canned vegetables, rice and other grains, and canned meats. Expired items and those in glass containers are prohibited. Then leave your bag by your mailbox before your normal pickup time on May 10th.

You can visit the website: http://helpstampouthunger.com to learn more. Contact your local Post Office to see if they are participating in the food drive.

My apologies to my readers for another break in the action. April was an incredibly trying month. I had my brother’s 3 dogs (including 2 puppies) for a week. Then my own dog was sick for the second time in 3 months. She had a bladder infection and was throwing up for a week. I had to hand feed her for a couple of days. She’s doing much better now, but I’m burnt to a crisp.

I am hoping that May will be a much better month.

Thanks for your patience and I hope you will continue to enjoy this blog.