Post-deployment support for military families Published May 16, 2007 By Brian P. Smith TriWest Healthcare Alliance GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- TriWest Healthcare Alliance is pleased to introduce Help From Home, an integrated program of initiatives designed to proactively assist Service members and their families through deployment-related challenges and transitions. One of the many available resources is an expanded Help From Home post-deployment support video series, available to watch as streaming video on www.triwest.com and available to order as a complimentary 2-DVD set. This video program is designed to support Service members and their families through deployment and reintegration. "Military families undergo an enormous amount of stress throughout the stages of deployment," remarked David J. McIntyre, Jr., TriWest President and CEO. "It is our intent that TriWest's library of resources helps Service members and their families cope with deployment, including when it's time for Service members to return home, as that can be an exceptionally challenging transition from combat duty." The Help From Home video series includes two programs: Getting Home...All the Way Home To the GWOT combat veteran adjusting to home life following deployment, this presentation shares information about common symptoms of combat stress and resources for care. On the Homefront Speaking to the military family remaining at home during times of deployment, this video features personal stories from military families whose loved ones have deployed. These stories, straight from the spouses, children and parents of military Service members, offer practical advice to those in similar situations. Beneficiaries, providers, military leaders and family support organizations throughout TRICARE's 21-state West Region may order a complimentary Help From Home 2-disc DVD set and view the video online at www.triwest.com by selecting "Behavioral Health" from the left navigation menu. TriWest's Help From Home initiative includes: * TriWest's Behavioral Health Portal on www.triwest.com. Online tools provide links to local and national resources as well as information on PTSD, depression, stress, substance use, family issues and more * Personalized depression support and education from a TriWest clinical health coach * Education for providers in the West Region about combat stress identification and treatment practices * Continued sponsorship of National Military Family Association summer camps for the children of deployed Service members * A toll-free Crisis Line established to provide assistance 24-hours a day, every day, at 1-866-284-3743 TRICARE beneficiaries are entitled to behavioral health benefits. For an overview of these benefits, visit the "Beneficiary Services" section on www.triwest.com, select "Handbooks, Brochures & Flyers," then select "TRICARE Behavioral Health Care Services" from the drop-down menu to view or download a printable brochure. TriWest is privileged to serve the military community and is committed to doing "Whatever It Takes" to assist Service members and their families. For further assistance, please contact TriWest at 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378).