[Antiracism] PRESS RELEASE: Conference to Explore Medical Consequences of the War in Iraq

Sat Mar 31 13:27:07 EDT 2007

        Baystate   Springfield           

                    Medical         Vets 

                     Center       Center                                                        

Contact:   Dr. Ira Helfand, Physicians for Social Responsibility, 413-320-7829

                Rob Wilson, Veterans Education Project, 413-247-5113

                David Bressem, Springfield Vets Center, 413-737-5167

                Dr. Martha Nathan, Baystate Brightwood Health Center, Physicians for Social Responsibility, 413-531-9915

                Dr. Joel Rosen, Physicians for Social Responsibility, 413-586-3191

For immediate release

Conference to Explore Medical Consequences of the War in Iraq

Diverse groups collaborate to educate about medical and mental health issues

facing U.S. troops, military families and Iraqi civilians

Medical and mental health problems facing a significant percentage of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are of major national concern.  And thanks to a one day conference planned by a local physicians' group, two area veterans organizations and a Springfield hospital, Western Massachusetts residents will have an opportunity to learn more about these issues, as well as the medical problems Iraqi civilians face. 

Nationally-recognized medical and mental health experts will present at the conference, titled "Medical Consequences of the War in Iraq," at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral, which will be held in Springfield, on Saturday, April 14, from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm. (Registration begins at 8:30 am.)  The event is free and open to the public.  Baystate Medical Center sponsorship entitles physicians and nurses registered to attend the conference to earn continuing education credits.

The event co-sponsors-Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Veterans Education Project, the Springfield Vets Center, and Baystate Medical Center-say the event will explore the major medical and psychological injuries suffered by U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, including traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  One session will focus on the scope of the medical problems Iraqi civilians are facing.  And a panel of local veterans and military family members will candidly discuss their strategies for coping with the medical and emotional problems returned war veterans may face as they re-integrate into civilian life.

Organizers add that the event is intended to educate both medical personnel and the general public about the impact of war on civilians and combatants. 

"This event is not only about understanding the medical challenges and problems facing more and more American veterans and their loved ones, its about building community and learning how to support these neighbors and friends, " said Rob Wilson, Director of the Amherst-based Veterans Education Project. "It's also about understanding the medical crisis that Iraqi civilians face, and extending our attention and support to non-combatants who inevitably are caught in the middle of any armed conflict."

Medical consequences of the Iraq war, page 2

Although there is no charge for the event, donations will be requested to help cover expenses.  Lunch will be available at the conference.  

A schedule of sessions and speakers follows:

9:00     Welcome -Martha Nathan, MD, Baystate Medical Center

 9:05    The medical and public health impact of the war for Iraqi combatants and civilians- Barry Levy, MD, Past President of the American Public Health Association, Tufts Univ. School of Medicine

10:40   Understanding, Treating, and Coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - David Bressem, MEd, MSW, LICSW, Team Leader, Springfield Vet Center, Andrew Pomerantz, MD, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the White River Junction VA Medical Center , and a panel of Iraq and Vietnam Veterans and family members.

12:20   Lunch - Box lunches available

  1:30   Treating War Casualties - Gene Bolles, MD, former chief of neurosurgery at Landstuhl Regional U.S. Military Medical Center in Germany

  2:50   Ethics, War and the Health Care Professional - John Pastore, MD, Tufts Univ. School of Medicine and a Past President of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR)

  3:50  Open Discussion

  4:20  Closing - The Very Reverend James Munroe, Veterans Education Project Board and Dean of Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral

"It is terribly important for the medical community and the general public to understand the health problems experience by soldiers and their families, especially in light of our failures as a nation to provide adequate treatment and support to some of those who have been injured." said Dr. Ira Helfand, of the local PSR chapter.

Pre-registration is required; Physicians and nurses desiring CME and CEU credit and anyone else attending the conference should pre-register at the Baystate website, at www.baystatehealth.com/learn, select Course Catalogue/Registration, then select the course topic-"Medical Consequences of the War in Iraq."  If you are not applying for credits, please call 413-253-4947 or email vep at crocker.com  to pre-register. State the names of the people who will be attending and provide a contact phone number or email address please.

Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral is located off of State Street, at 35 Chestnut Street, Springfield, main entrance in the Springfield Museum Quadrangle.  Free parking will be available across State Street from the Quad.  Some handicap and elder parking will be available next to the church in the Quad.  
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