State to Establish Veterans Mental Health Hotline

On Wednesday, 13 April, 2005 at 1:00 pm, Major General Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Colonel (ret) Steve Abel, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs will join together with John J. Petillo, Ph.D., President, UMDNJ (University of Medicine & Dentistry - New Jersey), and Christopher Kosseff, President & CEO, University Behavioral HealthCare (UMDNJ) to announce the creation of a new, mental health helpline for veterans returning from service in Southwest Asia. The new toll free number will provide immediate assistance to veterans suffering from psychological or emotional distress as well as those having difficulty re-assimilating back into civilian life following the conclusion of their mobilization for active duty service.

The toll free helpline, which is accessible 24 / 7 by dialing 1-866 VETS-NJ 4 (1-866-838-7654) will be coordinated by UMDNJ’s University Behavioral HealthCare, and will feature peer counseling, clinical assessment, assistance to family members, and will provide New Jersey veterans and their families with access to a comprehensive Mental Health Provider Network of mental health professionals specializing in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other veterans issues. All services are free and confidential.

The event will take place at the New Jersey National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters located at 3650 Saylor’s Pond on Fort Dix.

More than 4,000 National Guard and Reserve personnel from New Jersey have been mobilized since September11, 2001 for service in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom.

Representatives of any interested media outlets MUST register with Staff Sgt. Barbara Harbison, prior to 3:00 pm on Tuesday, April 12, 2005.

Messages may be left on voice mail and must include media outlet, name(s) of reporters and photographers who plan on attending, and a point of contact with phone number. ABSOLUTELY NO ONE will be allowed access to the event without prior registration.