The Department of Defense is pleased to collaborate with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), who will host a conference which highlights its methods for delivering top quality care to returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) troops on Sept. 21 – 25, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Representatives from VA’s Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and Veterans’ service organizations are set to attend along with roughly 1,800 clinicians and health care professionals from a variety of disciplines including mental health, case management, pain management, social work, communications, and veterans outreach.
As of August 12, the maximum number of 1,800 registered participants has almost been reached. Therefore, interested health-care professionals should register very soon. They should not wait for the final deadline for registration, which is August 30.
The conference, called “Evolving Paradigms (EP) II: The Journey Home,” is continuation of 2007’s Evolving Paradigms conference. Its purpose is to refine an integrated, nationwide system of post-combat care that is accessible, effective, efficient, and veteran-friendly for all those returning from Iraq or Afghanistan.
The day’s events will be organized by topic, offering attendees the opportunity to gain insight on the struggles of a wounded warrior from clinical, psychosocial and communications perspectives, among others. Registration for the conference is free.
Topics addressed during the week will include mental health, post-deployment and readjustment issues, rehabilitation, community re-integration, and many more. The conference will provide learning opportunities for attendees to participate in exhibits, demonstrations, poster sessions, case studies and interactive, multi-disciplinary breakout sessions. Additionally, national VA, DoD, and community leaders will provide information on patient-centric services.
If you would like additional literature on exhibit opportunities, free registration or special rates being offered by the Las Vegas Hilton, please click here.