Dear MDECOE and greater community,
“This Veterans Day, it is important not just to honor a veteran’s service but also take time to appreciate who they are today and the caregivers who walk beside them,” says Cathy Dietrich, who cares for her father, an 87-year-old Air Force veteran. Cathy is a member of the Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN), a network that offers support and resources, such as medication management, health care coordination and emotional support, to veterans. “Caregivers give so much of themselves,” states MVCN Director Melissa Comeau. “This role can impose a substantial physical, emotional and financial toll on them. Connecting caregivers with each other and resources is at the heart of what we do.” According to Comeau, “Nearly 40% of participants in the MVCN are now comprised of those caring for the post 9/11 generation of veterans. After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the MVCN saw an increase in the use of the Hero Care Resource Directory, which provides access to over 800 resources in every zip code in America specifically designed for veterans, service members and their families.” Comeau further states, “The number of post 9/11 veterans is expected to increase in the coming years and the MVCN is ready to welcome this generation of veterans and their caregivers with open arms and a variety of resources.” To find out more go to
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2021/recognizing-veterans-and-their-caregivers-this-veterans-day.html and redcross.org
For a list of many self-care options, please see our College of Education self-care website for resources for faculty, staff, students, and the community:
https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/self-care/articles-information-self-care
With gratitude for the service of our veterans and for those who care for them.
Warmly,
Shari