Guarding Mental Health: Beverly Watts Davis on National Guard's PTandO Initiative
We don't want to lose this very valuable investment because of the stress and some of the substance use and mental health disorders that they may experience as a result of war.
Picture this: you've just returned home from a deployment, but the battle isn't over. The National Guard knows this reality all too well, and that's where the Prevention, Treatment, and Outreach (PTandO) Initiative comes in. In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods sits down with Beverly Watts Davis to talk about this vital program. Beverly, a senior advisor at SAMHSA, brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the table.
She shares how the PTandO Initiative aims to tackle PTSD, substance abuse, and mental health issues among veterans and guardsmen. It's not just about addressing the problems but breaking down the stigma that often surrounds them. Beverly also touches on the significance of hepatitis C testing and maintaining good public health practices. And in a poignant segment, she discusses the high rates of HIV among African-American women, underscoring the need for targeted health interventions.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the multifaceted challenges faced by our service members and the comprehensive efforts to support them. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that blends professional insights with heartfelt advocacy.