Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
December 20, 2005, Vol. 05-143

National Returning Veterans Conference
Road Home: National Conference on Returning Veterans' and Their Families' Behavioral Health

Washington Hilton Hotel
1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Phone: (202) 483-3000
Fax: (202) 232-0438
Website: www.hilton.com
March 16-18, 2006

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and the Therapeutic Communities of America (TCA) PARTICIPANTS Service providers from Federal, State, and local agencies; primary care providers; community health and prevention providers; educators; advocacy groups; policy makers; and those interested in issues facing returning veterans and their families.

This conference will give Federal, State, public, and private service providers the science-based information and models they need to help veterans and their families build resiliency and prevent and/or treat complex problems such as mental disorders (including PTSD), substance use disorders, suicide, homelessness, sexual abuse, and/or co-occurring disorders.

As veterans return from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, indications suggest that some of this complex and diverse population of men and women are experiencing problems with mental illnesses, substance abuse, suicide, and homelessness. Many of these veterans are not able to make the transition from military to civilian life. They and their families are devastated by these problems as well as issues of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), co-occurring disorders, poly-trauma, amputation, brain injury, blast injury, and other cognitive disorders.

REGISTRATION
There is no registration fee to attend the meeting. Registration will open January 15, 2006. You are encouraged to register early, as space is limited!

CONFERENCE TRACKS/WORKSHOPS
This conference will address the issues facing service providers and community members in meeting the needs of returning veterans and their families. Over 45 interactive workshops will be offered covering various topics related to research, practice, policy and financing strategies, building partnerships, outreach and advocacy, and education and awareness.

LODGING
Registrants are responsible for making their own travel and lodging arrangements. A block of rooms has been reserved at the conference rate of $219 (single and double) + tax. Reference the "Returning Veterans Conference" when making reservations, or visit the Hilton website at www.washington.hilton.com. When prompted, use the "RVC" access
code. The deadline for making lodging reservations is February 13, 2006.
Registrants are responsible for all expenses related to their hotel stay. Credit card is thepreferred method of payment; you will be asked to present a credit card or cash deposit at time of hotel check-in.

EXHIBITOR ROW
Join select vendors throughout the conference to get the latest information and tools available to service providers working in the returning veterans' field. Over 20 agencies and organizations will be represented.

TRAVEL
Registrants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the meeting and for covering any associated costs. Area airports include Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Onsite hotel parking is available for persons who drive their own cars to the meeting. CRP will send a confirmation letter to all registered participants prior to the conference; additional information on transportation
will be included in that correspondence.

FOR INFORMATION
Please contact Andrea Vincent (CRP, Incorporated), Returning Veterans Conference Logistics Coordinator, at 1-866-277-4772.
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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.