Webinar: Reducing Mental Health Stigma

Real Warriors, Real Battles, Real Strength

Expert Speaker: Brigadier General Loree K. Sutton, M.D., Director, Department of Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury 

Program Moderator: Jill Harrington LaMorie, MSW, LSW, ACSW, Director, Professional Education, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

Brigadier General Sutton completed her Internship and Residency training in Psychiatry at Letterman Army Medical Center, located at the Presidio of San Francisco, California. She holds a Medical Degree from Loma Linda University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Pacific Union College. Board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, B.G. Sutton is licensed to practice medicine in California. She is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and a distinguished graduate of the National War College. B.G. Sutton was nominated for appointment of Brigadier General on May 7, 2007 and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 25, 2007. She assumed duties as the Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, which commenced on November 30, 2007. Prior to this assignment, B.G. Sutton has served in a variety of leadership, policy and operational roles. She has received numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Order of Military Merit.

GOAL

The goal of this activity is to increase awareness and educate professionals about current mental health challenges faced by U.S. Military service members and their families, identify sources of mental health stigma as well as program and activities undertaken by U.S. Military to reduce stigma attached to mental health and mental health care.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This activity is intended for all professional caregivers providing services to grieving families and includes, but is not limited to chaplains, casualty assistance officers, social workers, nurses, counselors, marriage and family therapists, case managers, employee assistance professionals, school counselors, program directors, and other health and mental health professionals. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Increase awareness and education about current military mental health challenges as well psychological impacts of combat experienced by U.S. Military service members and their families in an effort to reduce stigma, promote resiliency and improve barriers to care.
2. Identify major sources of mental health stigma in the U.S. Military.
3. Identify several activities the U.S. Military has undertaken to reduce the stigma attached to seeking mental health care.

CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION FOR SOCIAL WORKERS, NURSES AND CHAPLAINS

Certificates of Attendance can be provided for those who attend the entire webinar.  The Association of Professional Chaplains will accept certificates of attendance for use in reporting continuing education hours. This program is approved by the National Association of Social Workers, Provider # 886505639, for 1.0 continuing education contact hours.  Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP15218 , for 1.0 continuing education contact hours.  Please check with your state licensing board for professional requirements for continuing education.

For more information, contact education@taps.org