First lady to unveil effort to improve treatment for troops

RICHMOND

In a visit to Virginia Commonwealth University scheduled for this afternoon, first lady Michelle Obama is to announce an initiative aimed at training more doctors - civilian and military - to diagnose and treat post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, two of the signature wounds of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The effort will bring together 130 colleges, such as VCU in Richmond and Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, in the United States and Puerto Rico to survey what they know on those topics, conduct research and share information and curricula, said Brad Cooper, executive director of Joining Forces, in a conference call Tuesday previewing the announcement. Joining Forces is the White House's initiative for supporting military service members, veterans and their families.

One in five veterans returns from war today with a brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder or both, Cooper said. And doctors, especially in non-military areas, need to know how to help them, he said.

The new collaboration hopes to achieve that goal, said Matt Flavin, director of veterans and wounded warrior policy for the White House.

"This is a absolutely vital piece of making sure that services members get the help they need when they need it," he said.

Kathy Adams, (757) 222-5155, kathy.adams@pilotonline.com

Source: http://hamptonroads.com/2012/01/first-lady-unveil-effort-improve-treatment-troops

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