| A new program of the Department of Veterans Affairs will soon go national after a pilot version proved the program's worth. Families At Ease is designed to connect veterans with the services of the VA by reaching out to family members and friends when the veteran is reluctant to ask for help. The family member or friend who calls the program receives guidance on how to coax the veteran into services. The pilot program was launched one year ago in Philadelphia and Durham, N.C. Although numbers were small, a significant improvement was shown in veterans receiving needed care from the VA. Dr. Steven Sayers, director of Families At Ease and clinical psychologist at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, said coaching family members on how to talk to a veteran about receiving help without forcing the issue is the goal. "The role of family members in supporting treatment of our military veterans is now a key part of the services provided by VA," he said. Families At Ease can be reached at (888) 823-7458 or through the program website at www.mirecc.va.gov/FamiliesAtEase. |