An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Feb. 2, 2010

Governor promotes mental health services for Kentucky veterans

By Spc. Joshua Dodds North Dakota National Guard

FRANKFORT, Ky., - Gov. Steve Beshear recently held a press conference here at the State Capitol to promote mental health services for Kentucky servicemembers.

Beashear, who was joined by Brig. Gen. Mike Richie, the deputy adjutant general of the Kentucky National Guard, spoke of existing mental healthcare services available to veterans and their families.

He also introduced the Give An Hour program, which encourages mental healthcare providers to volunteer an hour each week to care for the post-deployment mental health issues of servicemembers nationwide.

"It's vital for our Soldiers and their families to know they can and should seek help when needed," said Beshear. "This program can make a difference and even save lives."

More than 13,000 Kentucky Guardsmen have been deployed in the Global War on Terror since Sept. 11, 2001.

"For those Soldiers and Airmen, the Give an Hour program can play a pivotal role in providing the help they need to heal and readjust after combat tours," said Richie.

The founder of Give An Hour, Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, also talked about the widespread need for additional mental healthcare services for post-9/11 veterans.

"The problem is not an inability to provide mental health services for veterans, it's the magnitude of the need," she said. "That's why we're asking mental health practitioners to volunteer at least an hour each week to help veterans and their families."

 

 

Related Articles
Tech. Sgt. Franklin Angel, 105th Airlift Wing production recruiter, poses for a photo with his two Blue Suit Awards at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York, April 22, 2025. The Blue Suit Award recognizes the 14 top-performing recruiters from around the world, including those in active duty, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve.
Meet the New York Air National Guard’s Record-Setting Recruiter
By Senior Airman Sarah Post, | April 23, 2025
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. – One recruiter at the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing is standing out from his peers, having recruited more Airmen in 2024 than any other recruiter in the Air Force and...

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Martinie, North Carolina Joint Force Headquarters-Air, State Air Surgeon and Staff Sgt. Idris cates, 145th Medical Group, medical technician pose for a photo in an exam room at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport base, March 8, 2025. Martinie is being highlighted for being named one of North Carolina’s best doctors for 2024.
N.C. Surgeon Reflects on Military Medicine, Career and Service
By Staff Sgt. Reanna Hartgrove, | April 23, 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After nearly three decades of military service and more than 25 years in medicine, Col. Daniel Martinie, North Carolina National Guard Joint Force Headquarters - Air chief flight surgeon, remains committed...

Four Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers conduct a close-quarters battle exchange with members of the Tajik military April 7 - 11, 2025, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The engagement was conducted in support of the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, which has connected Virginia and Tajikistan since 2003.
Virginia Army Guard Soldiers, Tajikistan Conduct Battle Exchange Training
By Mike Vrabel, | April 23, 2025
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan  –  Four Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers recently conducted a close-quarters battle exchange training with members of the Tajik military.  The engagement was conducted April 7-11 through the...