By: centraljersey.com
CONTACT of Mercer County, the nonprofit volunteer organization that provides free and compassionate listening, crisis intervention and safety services to those in need, is reaching out to military returnees from Iraq and Afghanistan and to their families with "It’s About Hope," a free 24/7 crisis hotline, "any time for any reason."
Stories of tragic events involving returning military personnel and their families are appearing in the media on a daily basis. According to the U.S. Army, suicides among active duty troops has reached the highest level on record, due partly to the stress caused by overseas deployments.
Many military personnel are returning home with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and war-related physical and mental/emotional injuries.
"It’s About Hope" provides free, anonymous, non-governmental e-mail and telephone crisis service for military returnees and their families.
Many active military and veterans are hesitant to access governmental mental health programs because they are worried about their careers.
The anonymity of the CONTACT project makes it "safer" for active military and veterans to describe their mental/emotional situation. The government has no access to CONTACT’s records. E-mails and calls are held in strict confidence.
CONTACT volunteers, including veterans, have been trained to respond to e-mails and answer the HOTLINE, which can be reached 24/7/365 by calling 609-896-2120 or 609-585-2244.
On the Web: www.contactofmercer.org, www.contact-usa.org.

