Newswise — Healthcare professionals at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences' (USU) Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) in Bethesda, Maryland, have launched the "Courage to Care for Me" campaign in recognition of April's designation as the Month of the Military Child.
The new initiative, which is part of CSTS's overall "Courage to Care" campaign, aims to raise awareness of the strength and courage required in parenting during stressful times of deployment, redeployment, extended deployment and reintegration into one's home life upon return from duty. To convey the message, CSTS staff have designed a "onesie" " a bodysuit designed for infants and toddlers " that is emblazoned with one of two colorful Courage to Care for Me logos and accompanied with a tag that asks "Why Courage?" The tag explains that parenting during times of war involves courage at home, just as on the battlefield. The onesie will be distributed, through a pilot project, to a number of military and family groups throughout the country to help clinicians and family advocacy professionals reinforce the values of positive parenting, especially to new mothers in military settings.
USU's Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress conducts research, and provides education, consultation and training on preparing for and responding to the psychological effects and health consequences of traumatic events. These events include natural disasters (hurricanes, floods and tsunamis) and those caused by humans (motor vehicle and plane crashes, war, terrorism and bioterrorism). The Center's work spans studies of genetic vulnerability to stress, individual and community responses to terrorism, and policy recommendations to help our nation and its military and civilian populations.
USU educates health care professionals dedicated to career service in the Department of Defense and the U.S. Public Health Service. The university provides military and public health-relevant education, research, service and consultation to the nation and the world, pursuing excellence and innovation during times of peace and war. Many of its graduates are supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, offering their leadership and expertise. Approximately 25 percent of all active duty military medical officers are USU graduates.
For more information about the campaign, visit http://www.couragetocareforme.org. Questions about the campaign, USU, or the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress may be directed to the Office of External Affairs at (301) 295-1219.
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