Media

Media Advisory: Gathering of Post 9/11 Caucus Highlights Mental Health with Screening of Oscar-winning Film

May 29, 2015
Press

Washington, D.C. (May 29, 2015) – In recognition of June as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, IAVA and the the Congressional Post-9/11 Veterans Caucus are thrilled to present an exclusive screening of the Oscar winning documentary “Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1”. The documentary, about the Veterans Crisis Line in upstate New York, earned an Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject during the 87th Academy Awards in 2015 and was co-presented by IAVA and HBO. The film examines the suicide epidemic among veterans who have served since 2001, and highlights the complex support networks that exist for veterans suffering from a mental illness.

IAVA was a key advocate in the formation of the Congressional Post-9/11 Veterans Caucus. This bipartisan group consists of members who have served in the military after 9/11, and is focused on empowering the most recent generation of veterans to continue their commitment to service, and carry on their mission of a stronger and more prosperous America. The Caucus works toward improving veterans’ transition to civilian life; reducing the Veterans Affairs disability claims backlog; promoting education, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities; and ensuring responsive, expedient, and effective services for veterans.

Caucus Co-Chairs, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) will host Members and staff for a screening of the 40-minute film, followed by a panel discussion with leading experts on PTSD, addressing the mental health issues affecting our most recent generation of veterans.

WHO: Moderator, Patricia Kime, Military Times
Participating panelists include:
Barbara van Dahlen, Ph.D. Give an Hour
Jackie Maffucci, Ph.D., IAVA
Phillip Carter, Center For New American Securities

WHEN: Tuesday, June 2, 2015, 4:30-6:00 p.m.

WHERE: 1539 Longworth House Office Building
Note to media: Please email press@iava.org if you would like further information or to attend this screening.