State Establishes Veterans Mental Health Hotline

On April 13, Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Colonel (Ret) Stephen Abel, Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs along with John J. Petillo, Ph.D., President, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), and Christopher Kosseff, President and 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 took place at the New Jersey National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters located at Fort Dix.

More than 4,000 National Guard and Reserve personnel from New Jersey have been mobilized since September 11, 2001 for service in Operations’ Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom.

Table of Contents
Abel New DCVA
Governor’s Letter
Vets Homes Update
NJ Medals Honor Veterans
Mental Health Hotline
Army Program For Vets
VA Reaches out to New Vets
Vets News You Can Use
One Shots
POW Expanded Benefits
VSO Listing
Front Page / General Info

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