The Meo Bosse Detachment 1414 Marine Corps League will sponsor an all-day conference on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Relationships at Cary Medical Center on Saturday June 2^nd from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.  The conference will feature representatives from local Veterans Services Offices as well as from the Maine VA Healthcare System. The program is open to spouses or significant others of Veterans with PTSD as well as Adult Family Members, Friends, and all loved ones of Veterans and military members with PTSD.  Individuals who serve in Emergency Medical Services, Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, anyone who may be impacted by trauma and experiences PTSD is also invited to attend.  Registration for the conference is $10 per person and lunch is included.

Craig Fay, a member of the local Marine Corps League and a Vietnam Veteran is coordinating the conference along with Bill Flagg, Director of Community Relations and Development at Cary Medical Center.  Fay said that he has wanted to bring such a conference to the area for some time.

“PTSD can have a major impact on all kinds of relationships and particularly spousal or family relationships”, said Fay who has suffered with PTSD.  “It is important for Veterans and all those affected by this serious issue to learn how to cope and to gain insight into various treatment approaches and to learn about local resources”.

According to the National Center for PTSD trauma survivors with PTSD may have trouble with their close family relationships or friendships. The symptoms of PTSD can cause problems with trust, closeness, communication, and problem solving. These problems may affect the way the survivor acts with others. In turn, the way a loved one responds to him or her affects the trauma survivor. A circular pattern can develop that may sometimes harm relationships.

Bill Flagg, Director of Community Relations and Development at Cary Medical Center said that he was very impressed with the response to his request for collaboration with the Maine VA Healthcare System.

“We are pleased to have representatives from the Northern Maine Vet Center and the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic to discuss resources available for the treatment of PTSD.  In addition Shanna Treworgy, Psy. D., PTSD Clinical Team Lead with the Maine VA Healthcare System will also have extended remarks at the conference and serve on a panel.  We also hope to have some personal testimony about living in a PTSD relationship”.

According to various studies as many as half of Vietnam Veterans (1.7 Million) have experienced PTSD.  Other data shows that 10% of Gulf War Veterans, 12% of Afghanistan and 20% of Iraq Veterans have been impacted by the issue.  Hundreds of thousands of Veterans and their families are coping with PTSD and this conference will help to address treatment options, understanding the issues surrounding the disorder and available local resources.

Seating space for the conference will be limited and individuals who are interested in attending are asked to pre-register.  To register or for more information please call Cary Community Relations at 498-1112 or email [email protected].