212924 Mental health issues and circumstances surrounding the culture of military service

Tuesday, November 10, 2009: 2:30 PM

Salvatore J. Giorgianni, PharmD, BSc , School of Pharmacy, Belmont University, Nashville, TN
The sociocultural factors and attitudes that adversely impact and impede men from engaging the health care system with a particular focus on mental health issues and circumstances surrounding the culture of military service.

Discuss the need to engage in research on the epidemiology, impact and efficacy of strategies to assist returning military and their families regarding combat and deployment related mental health issues, with a particular focus on suicide.

The presentation will cover important and realistic perspectives about suicide/mental health issues along with identifying practical approaches that can make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. As a nation and health care community, we must pay particular attention to their needs and the needs of their families, as they transition back into society.

Learning Objectives:
- Discuss challenges related to veterans' suicide issues as well as obstacles hindering health care professionals from providing comprehensive interventions to target this at-risk population. - Assess strategies to form enlightened and strategic policy priorities - Recognize the personal (cultural, financial, perceptions, social) and structural barriers that interfere with healthcare seeking behavior among veterans.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Scientific Advisor to the Men’s Health Network since 2006; contributor and editor to the publications: Blueprint For Men’s Health. A Guide To A Healthy Lifestyle, Men’s Health Network, 2006 and Your Head: An Owner’s Manual. Understanding and Overcoming Depression, Anxiety and Stress, Men’s Health Network, 2008. Frequent invited speaker on sociocultural barriers for men on health and wellness; assistant professor, pharmacy, Belmont University, School of pharmacy with responsibilities for communications, diversity and experiential education curriculum; contributor to the “Pharmacist-Patient-Counseling Training” program.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: An Epidemic of Suicide among US Veterans: A Myth or a Reality
See more of: Medical Care