News
Human Trafficking Awareness Month (January)
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | Category: Human Trafficking/Sexual Exploitation - ME
The Department of Defense “Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP)” initiative:
Vision
The Department of Defense (DoD) sustains an effective program to combat trafficking in persons in both its domestic and international environments.
Mission
To institutionalize Department of Defense Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) policy and programs and set conditions for effective prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnering activities in concert with, and supportive of, national efforts.
Guiding Principles
Reduce the risk and incidence of trafficking in persons within DoD's garrison and deployed operations
Identify victims and help alleviate suffering
Improve monitoring and reporting
Identify criminal activity
Educate stakeholders on DoD's stance on trafficking in persons
Train all DoD personnel on combating trafficking in persons
Inform contractors of DoD CTIP policies and best practices
Source: U.S. Department of Defense Website “Combatting Trafficking in Persons”, January 2025
Wreaths Across America (December 14, 2024)
Sunday, December 1, 2024 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
Website Description:
‘Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 4,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.’
The laying of wreaths occurs on a Saturday in December annually. The date is posted on the “Wreaths Across America” website.
Military Family Appreciation Month (November)
Friday, November 1, 2024 | Category: Advocacy/Outreach - ME
November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. Use the information highlighted in this downloadable fact sheet to help you celebrate the strengths of military families and their contributions to the military community and our nation.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/products/national-veterans-and-military-families-month-fact-sheet-364/
This link below lists opportunities and activities scheduled around the nation.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October)
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | Category: Mental Health - ME
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is October 1-31 annually.
If you or someone you know needs help, they can reach in to the services listed below. Visit these sites by copying and pasting the provided links into a computer search engine.
VA Intimate Partner Violence information and services:
https://news.va.gov/124744/intimate-partner-violence-assistance-program-2/
https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/intimate-partner-violence.asp
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/
Within the military, domestic violence officially became a separate crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice when Past-President Donald Trump signed the annual defense authorization act into law in 2018. Visit this link for more legislative information:
https://www.womenvetsusa.org/history/observances-info.php?Domestic-Violence-Awareness-Month-67
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September)
Sunday, September 1, 2024 | Category: Mental Health - ME
September is the month designated as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Governmental and non-governmental agencies provide services to veterans and their families.
Veterans, military, National Guard, Reserve members, and those who support them can access the 24/7 “Veterans Crisis Line”:
Dial/click 988 and then, Press 1
Text 838255
Chat online by clicking “Chat online” on the ”Veterans Crisis Line”
June is PTSD Awareness Month: Resources for Veterans
Saturday, June 1, 2024 | Category: Mental Health - ME
The Department of Veterans Affairs hosts the “National Center for PTSD,” a national resource for research, treatments and connections to assist individuals experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other traumatic stress. This site offers information for veterans, caregivers, family and friends.
ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service (ALS Awareness Month of May)
Thursday, May 2, 2024 | Category: Health Care - ME
On April 11, 2019, the ALS Association released a report, “ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service,” including reviews of numerous studies, reports, and other evidence demonstrating the link between ALS and military service. In summary:
‘Existing evidence supports the conclusion that people who have served in the military are at a greater risk of developing ALS and dying from the disease than those with no history of military service. As outlined in this paper, study after study continues to demonstrate this to be true: If you serve in the military, regardless of the branch of service, regardless of whether you served in the Persian Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, or World War II, and regardless of whether you served during a time of peace or a time of war, you are at a greater risk of dying from ALS than if you had not served in the military. The questions we are asking today are these: Why is there a greater risk of ALS with military service? And what are we, as a nation, going to do about it?
It is the goal of The ALS Association that this paper raise awareness of the important work that so far has been done on the relationship between ALS and military service. In this effort, we hope to impress upon the Congress, the Administration and the American public the seriousness of this issue and the need to act now.’
In 2008, the VA implemented regulations to establish a “presumption of service connection” for ALS. Under the regulation, the VA presumes that ALS in military veterans was incurred or aggravated by a veteran’s service in the military. Veterans diagnosed with ALS are rated 100% disabled by the VA through an expedited claims process, understanding the fast progression of the disease and the need for medical equipment and services. The disabled veteran and their survivors are eligible for “service connected” benefits.
The month of May is “ALS Awareness Month,” providing an opportunity to better understand what is known about the disease and how to help afflicted veterans and others as well as their families. A reputable starting point is the ALS Association (http://www.alsa.org/search/search.jsp?query=ALS+Military&Image2.x=0&Image2.y=0).
The Maine Care Services Coordinator for the ALS Northern New England Chapter is:
Laurie McFarren
Maine Office: 207-494-8000
E-mail: lmcfarren@alsanne.org
NNE Chapter office 603-226-8855 | fax 603-226-8890
The first-ever Maine ALS Multi-disciplinary Clinic opened in December 2017. It is located in Brunswick, Maine and coordinated by neurologist Dr. John A. Taylor’s office. Ask for the ALS Clinic Coordinator at:
Phone: 207-373-6099
Web Site: https://www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/specialty-care/neurology/
ALS Awareness Month of May: Military/Veterans at Greater Risk of Developing ALS
Thursday, May 2, 2024 | Category: Health Care - ME
The ALS Association’s Defense Health Research Programs office reported:
‘The ALS Association has developed a report, “ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service,” that details the numerous studies that have been conducted which have found that:
Military veterans, regardless of the branch of service, regardless of the era in which they served, and regardless of whether they served during a time of peace or a time of war, are at a greater risk of dying from ALS than if they had not served in the military. The full report is available on The ALS Association’s website, www.alsa.org/Military and includes reviews of numerous studies, reports, and other evidence demonstrating the link between ALS and military service.’
Women’s History Month March 2024
Friday, March 1, 2024 | Category: History/Heritage - ME
Every year in March, women’s continuing national and international contributions are studied, recognized and celebrated around the globe.
Go Red for Women: American Heart Month
Thursday, February 1, 2024 | Category: Health Care - ME
February is the national campaign month to raise awareness about women's heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women with and without military service. Please go to link for more information.