LT. GOVERNOR WYMAN, CMSRS. REHMER, SCHWARTZ ANNOUNCE

EXPANSION OF SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR MILITARY MEMBERS,

VETERANS AND FAMILIES

Will Offer Help to Approximately 7,000 Service Members Returning to Connecticut

HARTFORD - Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman today joined Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Commissioner Patricia Rehmer and Dept. of Veteran's Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz to announce the expansion of the state's Military Support Program (MSP).

The program is administered by DMHAS and provides a comprehensive array of services, including counseling and case management, in collaboration with numerous state and federal organizations that serve veterans.

Previously limited to members of the National Guard/Reserve and their families, the expansion will make the program's services available to all military service members, veterans and their families. A main focus of the program is to assist the approximately 7,000 military service members who have recently returned or will return over the next two years from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"While most veterans readjust well to civilian life, many are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder after returning home and there has been an alarming increase in the number of suicides," Lt. Governor Wyman said. "Expanding this program will provide much needed support to all veterans and their family members at this difficult time in their lives."

Cmsr. Schwartz said the MSP is a nationwide model of how services can be tailored to effectively address critical needs, and believes its expansion will offer immediate benefit.

"On behalf all those military men and women who have sacrificed so much for us, I deeply appreciate the decision by Commissioner Rehmer to extend this program to all Connecticut military members, veterans and their families, Schwartz said.

Veterans and their families may contact the MSP Call Center at (866) 251-2913.