Program aimed at mental health pros working with veterans

Mental health professionals can hear from experts about working with returning war veterans and learn the latest news about the military’s mental health care system during a May 29-30 program.

A session on mental health problems of service members returning from active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan will be May 29 from 5:45-9 p.m. at the Edwin W. Monroe Eastern AHEC Conference Center at 2000 Venture Tower Drive in Greenville. The program is aimed at primary care physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

A workshop May 30 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. will help mental health professionals learn how to apply clinical skills to their work with veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. Called “Painting a Moving Train,” it will be at the Pitt County Agricultural Center at 403 Government Circle in Greenville. The program is aimed at psychologists, counselors, substance abuse professionals and therapists.

Speakers for these events include Dr. Harold Kudler, mental health coordinator for Veterans Affairs medical centers in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia; Dr. Vince Arnold, retired Navy and director of the Deployment Health Center at Camp Lejeune; Dr. Kristy Straits-Troster, clinical psychologist with the VA.

The events are sponsored by the Eastern Area Health Education Center, the Southeast Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC), the N.C. Citizen Soldier Support Program, the Veterans Administration and others.

Online registration for the May 29 event is at http://www.aheconnect.com/registration/coastal/eventdetail.asp?EventID=22881. Registration for the May 30 event is at http://www.aheconnect.com/registration/coastal/eventdetail.asp?EventID=22874.

For more information, call 910-792-5560, ext. 100 or visit http://eahec.ecu.edu/calendar/mental.cfm?category=mental_health.