Ask the Question: Opportunities to Collaborate

Transcript of video:

If you are a professional who serves Service members, Veterans or their family members in your organization, practice or business you may benefit from connecting to others who do the same in your local area or state. There are a variety of benefits to participating in a Community of Practice or other professional coalition made up of organizations that serve individuals from the same population. Learning about evidence-based, best practices can enhance the services you are providing. Gaining awareness of the services and resources available to the population will ensure that you can provide appropriate referrals when your clients demonstrate needs you cannot meet. And, finding other professionals who can help you address the challenges you may experience when trying to meet the needs of the military/Veteran population can be professionally beneficial. You can learn how to become a voice for the military/Veteran population by being active in groups like this, then use that voice at other tables to make sure the needs of military & Veterans are considered in all types of efforts and initiatives across your state and professional field.    I encourage you to get information about these opportunities in your area by contacting your state’s Dept of Military Affairs and Veterans Services. In New Hampshire, you can find information about some of the efforts and groups on the Dept of Military Affairs and Veterans Services website under the Div for Community Based Military Programs.   In New Hampshire, we have numerous professional groups, committees and coalitions that would love your participation!  Those we serve benefit from the collaborative efforts of professionals across sectors sharing a variety of experiences and professional knowledge.   One example is the NH Suicide Prevention Council Military & Veterans Committee which also includes our Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans their Families team. Other examples are the Justice Involved Veterans Task Force, the Lakes Region Veterans Coalition, the Community Veterans Engagement Board and the NH Community Partners group hosted by the VA Medical Center.    Most states now at least have a Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service members, Veterans and their Families team that is using a multi-disciplinary approach to implement suicide prevention efforts for this population.   Find out what is in your community so you can contribute to the work being done, learn from others and collaborate!