Todays guest on Morning Line featured Neil Chandler, manager of the Soldiers Heart Program at the Southcentral Foundation. He spoke with KNBA Producer Frank Chythlook about an upcoming training aimed at veterans.
The Soldiers Heart is a training session that looks at PTSD and the effects it has on the individuals and their families. The program was specially designed for veterans initially, but then later included first responders. “First responders react the same way to the trauma that veterans do and are exposed on a daily basis.” The program is community based and involves natives and non-natives. Some of the topics that the program covers are: survival guilt and shame, survival strategies, Trauma triggers, grieving, risky behaviors and adrenaline junkies.
Chandler himself is a veteran and first was skeptical. “My idea of it was going into a group and talking to people I dont know, I had a lot of apprehension about that.” The program is able to give all participants a tool kit for the future, for instances where anger manifests itself. The next training will be on July 26th. While the program is free, and directed towards Veterans and First Responders, there is an application process, and program staff are available to assist if needed, and can be reached at (907) 729-6671or visit: https://www.southcentralfoundation.com/services/soldiers-heart/
