PDHRA News

DoD Reemphasizes Commitment to Service members With Launch of New Health Program

With more than 200,000 Service members currently deployed worldwide, the Department of Defense continues to recognize the essential need for health programs which safeguard the well-being of our men and women in uniform.

In recent months, DoD has re-emphasized this dedication to the health and fitness of U.S. servicemen and women. As a part of this ongoing commitment, DoD has launched the Post-Deployment Health Reassessment, or PDHRA. The goal of the program is to identify and recommend treatment for deployment-related health concerns after a Service member’s return from deployment.

Speaking directly to the troops, Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of defense for health affairs said, “America’s success in its international efforts is because of the resilience and dedication of our servicemen and women. The Department of Defense is committed to providing health care programs that improve your readiness, fitness and well-being before and after deployment.”

The Post Deployment Health Reassessment program will be implemented on all military installations and will include active duty members as well as the armed services reserve components.

Research indicates that many deployment-related health problems may not arise until three- to six-months after a Service member returns from deployment. Defense Department officials stated that the program will allow Service members and health care providers the opportunity to identify potential health issues before they become chronic conditions and treat known health problems before they affect a Service members deployment status or career.

The PDHRA also empowers servicemen and women to proactively take charge of their health so that they receive the DoD and Veteran’s Affairs sponsored health services they have earned through their service.

Each member of the Armed forces who has been deployed since September 11, 2001, will have the opportunity to complete the PDHRA and identify and address any post-deployment health concerns they may have.

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