MANCHESTER, NH – “The Vietnam War,” a documentary by award-winning Walpole filmmaker Ken Burns and Lynn Novick is scheduled to broadcast on PBS. This 10 episode series begins airing at 8 p.m., Sunday, September 17, on New Hampshire Public Television.
Staff at the Manchester VAMC, want to prepare and support Veterans and their loved ones for this comprehensive documentary may result in an emotional impact on the Veterans. Veterans and their loved ones who have direct experience with the Vietnam War may become triggered by the images and interviews within the documentary. In addition, Veterans serving during other timeframes may also have an emotional reaction to the content.
Manchester VA is holding drop-in sessions at the Manchester VA that are open to Veterans and their loved ones. These clinically facilitated sessions will focus on giving participants a chance to share their impressions and experiences, and also allow multiple perspectives to be voiced in a supportive setting.
Offerings will be held at the Manchester VA Medical Center located at 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, NH. The dates of the listening sessions are as follows:
- Friday, September 22, 2017 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Room N564
- Friday, September 29, 2017 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Solarium
- Friday, October 6, 2017 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Training and Education Room
At the medical center and in the community there are a host of resources to support Veterans. Manchester VA offers integrated comprehensive mental health services, individual and group therapies. Mental Health walk-in care is available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Importantly, we are here to assist; call to learn how 800-892-8384.
Following the Vietnam War in 1979, Vet Centers were established in many cities and regions to offer Vietnam Veterans a place to meet with other combat Veterans in confidence. Readjustment counseling provides a wide range of social services offered to eligible Veterans, Service members, and their families in the effort to make a successful transition from military to civilian life. Please visit https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Vet_Center_Services.asp or call 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387) to learn more.
Any Veteran, whether she/he is enrolled for care with VA or not, can find 24/7 support at VA’s Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or text to 838255 or walk in to Urgent Care at the Manchester VA, also open 24 hours a day
