VAC, DND Unveil Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Support Strategy

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the Department of National Defence (DND) have announced a multi-dimensional strategy to help Canadian Forces (CF) members and veterans who may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other psychological injuries related to their military service.

To launch the strategy, ministers from both federal departments were on hand in July to officially open the Ste. Anne's Centre which offers mental health clinical services to veterans, serving CF members and their families. The new centre is located near Montreal at Ste. Anne's Hospital, the sole remaining veterans' hospital administered by Veterans Affairs Canada. Ste. Anne's Centre will work in partnership with a network of care providers and professionals across the country that specialize in the assessment and treatment of operational stress injuries.

"PTSD is one of several possible psychological injuries resulting from military trauma. This trauma can also trigger depression, anxiety, aggression and addiction. As the Minister of Veterans Affairs and as a medical doctor, I am strongly committed to addressing this very serious health issue which can negatively affect the well-being of veterans, CF members and their family," says the Honourable Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, Minister of Veterans Affairs. Please turn to page 4 for highlights of this important new strategy. More information also can be found in the What's New section of VAC's Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.