Mental health sees positive changes in 2008

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Mental Health has changed its name and location in 2008, but its commitment to caring for Team Vance members is still the same.

"The new mental health clinic is a permanent state of the art building that will offer a multitude of out-patient services to our community," said Col. Otha Solomon, 71st Medical Group commander. "It's proximity to the main clinic building will enhance the convenience for our patients." 

The 2,178-square foot building took 32 weeks to build, but it was well worth the wait. The building features seven offices, a break room, a conference room and numerous parking spaces. 

"The new facility gives us an opportunity to provide a safe, comfortable environment for our clients," said 1st Lt. Christy Cruz, chief of Family Advocacy. "Our new location will be beneficial to our clients and our staff members." 

In the past, Mental Health was always collocated with other agencies, sometimes making privacy difficult for clients. 

"This is the first time we have our own building," said Connie Tucker-Smith, Family Advocacy Program assistant. "Having a stand-alone facility affords more privacy for people to use our services without feeling awkward." 

Feeling self-conscious was a problem in the past for people obtaining mental health services, because of the stigma that getting help would hurt one's career, relationship with co-workers, friends and family members, said Tech. Sgt. Ed Griffis, NCOIC of Mental Health Services. 

"Today's Air Force accepts that people may have problems and encourages them to seek helping agencies like Mental Health to help deal with their difficulties," he said. "We hope people can feel more comfortable reaching out for help before their problems become so overwhelming that it negatively impacts their careers or families." 

No one is ever turned away, Lieutenant Cruz said. 

"If people don't want to use base mental health services, we can make referrals off base," she said. "People can also use Military One Source to get help. We just want to ensure the best care possible for our clients." 

To provide the best care to Team Vance members, Mental Health provides general counseling for many concerns including, depression, anxiety, stress, air-sickness, mood disorders and occupational and relationship problems. The Family Advocacy Program provides assessment and treatment for domestic violence and child maltreatment incidents. Prevention services include various parenting classes, couples counseling, anger management and much more.

Other programs include Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment that provides out-patient treatment, education classes and referrals for substance-abuse or dependence issues. The Drug Demand Reduction Program is responsible for drug urinalysis testing for wing active-duty and Department of Defense civilian employees, as well as outreach, education and prevention activities. 

"Our knowledgeable staff is ready to provide assistance to all personnel," said Airman 1st Class Robert Dubois, Mental Health technician. 

To support of the high ops tempo of deployments, Mental Health also gives special attention to pre- and post-deployers and their families by providing them with opportunities to discuss their feelings surrounding deployment related issues. 

Team Vance members are invited to the Mental Health Services building ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., Jan. 22 at 816 Macchia Ave. For more information, call 213-7419.