It will depict the ‘flawed mental health policies in the US military.’
Frederick, Md (KM) The public is invited to the screening of a very powerful documentary next week in Frederick. “Thank You for Your Service” will be shown on Wednesday, October. 17th at the Frederick Community College Kussmaul Theater. The campus is located at 7932 Opposumtown Pike.
“This is a powerful 2015 documentary by Tom Donahue that takes aim at the flawed mental health policies of the Department of Defense for both the recent and past conflicts,” says Keith Midberry, the Veteran Liaison for Hospice of Frederick County.
He says it features quotes from former Secretaries of Defense and the Army, and a former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “All talk about the failure of the military to plan for the mental health needs of our current conflict,”: says Midberry, as well as the conflicts in the past .
He says the film shows the consequences of these “flawed mental health policies” on four veterans who were involved in an incident in Iraq, and how it’s affected their lives after they discharged from the military and came back home.
“This film will show the severity and complexity of the program, while showcasing unique and innovative treatments and programs that can provide hope and healing for veterans,” says Midberry, a US Coast Guard Veteran.
The documentary begins at 6:00 PM, with the doors to Kussmaul Theater opening at 5:30 PM. The film will be followed by a panel discussion on community mental health services. Participants will be Greg Edens, Veterans Outreach Specialist, US Department of Veterans Affairs; Jessica Kavanagh, Founder and President of Vetlinks; Santita Prather, Adult Recovery Manager, Frederick County Health Department, Behavioral Services Division; Danny Farrar, Founder of Platoon 22; Wendy Milller-Cochran, LCSW-C, Senior Social Worker, Mental Health/Primary Care, VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, Ft. Detrick; Mark A. Mann, Ph.D, Chief of Mental Health Services, and VA Medical Center, Martinsburg, WV. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Rachel Mandel, MHA, Vice President of Medical Affairs, Frederick Memorial Hospital.
A community resource table will be set up.
Anyone who wants to attend needs to pre-register. They can call 240-566-4055, or send an e-mail to [email protected].
“We do mentions that this film contains graphic images and language, and is not suitable for children under the age of 17,” says Midberry.
The screening of this documentary is sponsored by Stauffer Funeral Home, Homewood of Frederick, and Right At Home, which provides in home care and assistance.
By Kevin McManus