Patrick-Murray Administration Names January 15 ‘Massachusetts Supports Veterans and Families Day’

Honoring those who have volunteered their time to servicemen and women throughout the Commonwealth.

Boston, MA — Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, along with members of the Patrick-Murray Administration and two state Senators, today honored mental health service providers who have dedicated their time and expertise to counseling and supporting veterans and their families. A written proclamation announcing January 15 as Massachusetts Supports Veterans and Families Day was presented by Lieutenant Governor Murray.

“Everyday, thousands of the Commonwealth’s men and women are serving our country overseas and around the world,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray. “Now is the time for us at home to begin serving these brave service members and their families. We applaud organizations such as the VA Healthcare system, Give An Hour and SOFAR for their work in helping veterans. Governor Patrick and I encourage all Massachusetts residents and professionals to explore ways that they can help support our veterans and military families during their deployment and when they return home.”

Recently, The Special Commission to Study and Investigate the Hidden Wounds of War on Massachusetts Service Members recommended that Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray call upon members of the mental health community to volunteer their time and services to members of the military and their families. Two organizations specifically recognized by the Commission were Give an Hour and SOFAR (Strategic Outreach to Families of all Reservists).

“I am proud that we are honoring these individuals and organizations who are volunteering their time and services to the Commonwealth’s veterans. Every day, Massachusetts supports its veterans and their families through the great work being done at the federal, state, and local level. Now we have a day to commemorate our continued dedication,” said Veterans’ Services Secretary Tom Kelley.

“It is understandable that a veteran may be reluctant to ask for help when they are so accustomed to being the ones serving others. It is an act of courage for these servicemen and servicewomen to come forward and address the issues surrounding mental health. We have an opportunity today to recognize the important role mental health professionals play in easing the veteran’s transition from the battlefield back to their communities,” said Senator Thomas M. McGee (D-Lynn), Chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee. “I applaud the Governor and Lieutenant Governor for taking swift action on the Hidden Wounds Commission’s recommendation to encourage volunteerism among mental health community. This is an important next step in continuing to find ways to assist those who serve.”

“While this is a heartbreaking and extremely difficult issue to study, it is incredibly important that we learn about the hidden wounds of war that may affect our service members’ return to civilian life. An unfortunate stigma has become associated with mental health issues and I strongly believe that it is our responsibility to not only support, but encourage, service members as they recover,” said Senator Brewer (D-Barre). “I am proud of the Commonwealth’s work in this regard and would like to thank the Governor and the Lt. Governor, as well as my colleagues on the Commission, for taking this step forward for our veterans.”

Give an Hour is a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of service members and their families. SOFAR is a pro bono mental health organizations working to provide free services to National Guard and Reserve families. The Department of Veterans’ Services has successfully worked with both organizations to refer veterans and family members for cost-free mental health services.

“We are all aware that a startling number of returning veterans suffer from PTSD and other trauma-related disorders and addiction,” said Department of Mental Health Commissioner Barbara Leadholm. “These factors put veterans and their families at risk for many psycho-social stressors such as homelessness and unemployment. We applaud our community partners, Give An Hour and SOFAR for their incredible work around the mental health and well being of our brave service members and their families.”

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