Soldiers Maintain Access to Off-Post Post Traumatic Stress Treatment Program
Yesterday, the Fort Drum Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) announced it will continue sending Soldiers to River Hospital for Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) treatment. MEDDAC affirmed its commitment to the hospital's off-post program while announcing it will also establish an on-post Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Soldiers.
"Needless to say, we are pleased to learn Fort Drum will continue its partnership with River Hospital", said River Hospital CEO Ben Moore. "We deeply appreciate the support our Soldiers received from the Army, our federal and state elected representatives and concerned community members."
Congresswoman Stefanik, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Gibson, Senator Ritchie and Assemblywoman Russell all voiced support for the program over the past few weeks. 2,370 supporters have joined the grassroots "Save RCWP" Facebook page over the past seven days.
Considerable attention has been paid to the impact the Army's plan would have on Soldiers receiving treatment at River Hospital. Fort Drum's May 28 press release, however, stresses the need for a team approach that ensures a consistent high-quality level of care.
While the two programs will complement one another, it is important to note their differences.
For example, Fort Drum's planned IOP will service up to 10 Soldiers per program rotation, which can last up to six weeks. River Hospital's Military Partial Hospitalization Program has the ability to serve up to 30 Soldiers who may enter the program at any time.
Furthermore, River Hospital's program provides access to art therapy, in vivo therapy, marriage and family therapy and piscatorial therapy in an off-base setting that provides a buffer from the stigmatism Soldiers often feel when receiving PTS treatment.
"As pleased as we are about the Army's intention to refer Soldiers to River Hospital through at least September 2016, we hope this relationship persists as long as Soldiers need support dealing with the painful impact of PTS," continued Moore.
Launched in February of 2013, the River Community Wellness Program is the nation's only civilian hospital-based intensive outpatient PTS treatment program for active-duty Soldiers. The program has also served a cohort of women Soldiers with a range of traumatic experiences from childhood trauma, combat trauma and sexual assault.
The program will continue to support 19 local jobs.
In light of the program's success, River Hospital applied for the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment funds to construct a new facility that would house the PTS program. The facility will also allow the hospital to realign the services it provides to year-round and seasonal residents, visitors and the Soldiers stationed at Fort Drum.