DECEMBER 1, 2014, SAN DIEGO (NNS) – November marks Warrior Care Month, a dedicated period for Navy Medicine to share information and updates on the programs and initiatives currently provided through the warrior care system to military members and their families.
During Warrior Care Month, the Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control (NCCOSC) strives for a greater awareness of the programs and resources available to wounded, ill and injured service members, their families and those who care for them. NCCOSC plays an integral role in Navy Medicine’s Caregiver Occupational Stress Control (CgOSC) initiative, developing a crucial program for military caregivers to navigate the various resources and tools available to allow them to care for themselves and their warriors.
“The goal of CgOSC is to teach dedicated caregivers to take time to recognize early stress reactions, promote early intervention, and practice self-care, so they can return to work with a renewed sense of purpose and continue to provide quality medical care to our nation’s heroes,” said Cmdr. Jean Fisak, NCCOSC deputy director.
Currently NCCOSC is working with Wounded Warrior Battalion-West to develop a resilience train-the-trainer course. Select staff will become Resilience Master Trainers and facilitate the Building and Preserving Resilience course developed by NCCOSC for staff and recovering service members.
“The goal is to introduce a variety of concepts and strategies related to promoting resilience,” said NCCOSC Director Capt. Scott L. Johnston. “The resilience skills that will be taught in this training, when practiced daily and regularly, can help you focus and perform under pressure, increase confidence, overcome setbacks, cope with stress and solve problems.”
Those same skills also support making good decisions, using good judgment, maintain adequate control over emotions, promote good relationships, and support mature and responsible behavior.
NCCOSC staff engage daily in supporting Navy and Marine Corps clinicians with researching, compiling data, and publishing results pertaining to PTSD and other operational stress injuries, as well as compiling and distributing data on evidence-based practices to aid in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and other combat-related stress disorders.
NCCOSC recognizes that improving the psychological health of sailors and Marines is a year-round effort.
“Caring for our nation’s wounded, ill, and injured service members, their families, and their caregivers will never lose importance, and remains Navy Medicine’s priority, particularly during the month of November,” said Johnston.
NCCOSC commends the strength and tenacity of all wounded, ill, and injured service members and those who care for them. In recognition of Warrior Care Month’s 2014 theme of “Show of Strength,” people are encouraged to show support of our nation’s heroes by:
– Volunteering at a local military, veteran, or non-governmental organization
– Engaging in a veteran hiring initative
– Starting a meaningful dialogue to educate your community about issues facing wounded, ill, and injured service members, their families, and their caregivers.
Established in 2008, Warrior Care Month is an annual observance that recognizes the strength – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – and resilience of our wounded, ill, and injured service members.
Help us celebrate our wounded warriors, honor their sacrifices, and spread the word to elevate warrior care in November and beyond.