RAND Policy Forum

Invisible Wounds of War: Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Returning Soldiers

Date:	June 12, 2008
Time:	5:30 P.M. – Registration 6:30 P.M. – Program
Location:	The RAND Corporation Santa Monica, CA

Program

Since October 2001, approximately 1.6 million U.S. troops have been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In a study that is making headlines across the country, RAND researchers report that nearly 1 in 5 service members returning from these conflicts are afflicted by post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression—yet only slightly more than half have sought treatment. The result is a major health crisis that researchers estimate will cost the nation as much as $6.2 billion in the first two years following deployment. How can we ensure that the men and women who have served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan receive appropriate and effective care for their mental health conditions? What are the long-term consequences for our veterans, their families, and the nation if we fail?

Featured Speakers

Fred D. Gusman, Executive Director, The Pathway Home, California Transition Center for Care of Combat Veterans
Lisa Jaycox, Senior Behavioral Scientist, RAND; Clinical Psychologist
Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director and Founder, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Terri Tanielian, Codirector, Center for Military Health Policy Research, RAND

How Can I Attend?

RAND Policy Forums are a series of public programs designed to inform and inspire debate on a specific, timely policy issue. Policy Forums are nonpartisan and offer a unique opportunity for intellectual fellowship, community engagement, and high-level deliberation of important policy matters. Admission is free, but seating is limited and advance registration is required. Priority registration is offered to RAND Policy Circle members. Visit About the RAND Policy Circle to learn more about the benefits of Policy Circle membership.

About RAND

RAND—an independent, nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis—has been expanding the boundaries of human knowledge for 60 years. With a research staff consisting of some of the world's preeminent minds, RAND keeps policymakers ahead of the curve on the issues that matter most, such as health care, education, national security, civil justice, the environment, and more. No other institution tackles tough policy problems across so broad a spectrum.

Invisible Wounds of War Study

RAND assessed the post-deployment health-related needs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and traumatic brain injury; examined the treatment capacity of the current health care system, and estimated the costs of providing quality health care to all military members who need it.

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