Project Pride
What is it?
Trinitas' Project Pride for Veterans, which has been in existence for a
little over a year, was the brain child of Trinitas Regional Medical Center and the VA clinic,
co-located at Trinitas, Elizabeth, N.J.
What does it do?
The goal of Project Pride is to provide group and individual therapy
for veterans and their families.
A 2013 study by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs found: suicides from 1999 to 2010 showed that roughly 22 veterans were committing suicide per day -- or one every 65 minutes! Some sources even suggest that this rate may be undercounting suicides.
How does it work?
To provide these services, a soldier (Reservist) was hired along with a Licensed Social Worker. In addition, we also have a prescriber that is an Air Force veteran.
Results:
While the VA thought they would be able to give at least 100 referrals, unfortunately that did not happen. However, not to be deterred, Project Pride started friendly visits to
hospitalized veterans to determine if there was anything they might need or if there was
any way the program could help them.
Although the program hoped to help more, they are still happy to report about 13 veterans are engaged in treatment and currently have no wait time for services for veterans.
Taletha Surujnath (left), an advanced practice nurse and Air Force veteran
and Linda Reynolds (right), LSW and Director
Conclusion:
Unfortunately, funding will cease in September 2016. This loss of funding will impact its ability to visit another campus --but the good news is the program will continue to offer therapy.
A full lenght article about Project Pride was featured in the May 2016 of Catholic Health World: https://www.chausa.org/publications/catholic-health-world/archives/issues/may-15-2016/trinitas-structures-mental-health-case-management-services-for-vets
For more information about this program please contact:
Linda
Reynolds MA, LCSW,
Director, Adult
Outpatient Unit
Trinitas
Regional Medical Center
908-994-7278
