ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Air National Guard officials have created a new position at the wing level to provide mental health support to Airmen and their families before and after deployments.
"The Air Guard is the only service component that does not have military members, who are mental health professionals or technicians," said Maj. James Coker, the chief of public health and prevention for the Air Guard surgeon general's office. "We do not have that career field in the Air Guard, so (appointing) someone who can direct those types of programs is very important."
In addition to the mental health and non-medical support services, these wing directors of psychological health will be the point of contact for the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics program, the Yellow Ribbon program, Air Force suicide prevention programs and the Air Force resiliency program when it is fielded.
"These duties, and several others dealing with mental health, will depend upon the needs of the wing and its mission," Major Coker said. "The WDPH will take into account Air Force-unique missions as well as Guard domestic operation issues on an individual basis."
Major Coker said WDPH members would also have daily interaction with wing personnel and work alongside chaplains, Air Guard substance abuse professionals, and in direct coordination with the state director of psychological health.
"As mentioned by Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, and several other military officials, there has not only been a steady increase suicides, but also post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries," Major Coker said. "The Air Guard is no exception, and though it is more difficult to track PTSD and TBI cases, we have had a slight increase in suicides over the last two years."
Air Guard officials hope to have a total of 97 WDPHs located across the country.
"We gave priority to certain bases," Major Coker said. "What we have done is recognize those bases that are classified as high risk, such as the ones who have had multiple cases of suicides over the last five years, and those who have air evacuation, unmanned aerial vehicle and air sovereignty missions."
He added that base population and deployment numbers were also factored into prioritizing who would receive the first of these directors.
"Of course, as more funding becomes available, the remainder of the wings will receive their director of health," he said.
Major Coker said two of the positions have been filled at the National Guard Bureau. They are headquarters positions responsible for the East Coast and the West Coast.
"There will also be six regional leads that will be located at active-duty bases that the Air Guard shares, allowing direct access to the best resources," Major Coker said.
He added that 55 positions will be filled in the first round, and then an additional 42 once more funding is obtained.
Qualified candidates need to have a master's or doctorate degree in a clinical or mental health related field, experience in case management, a minimum of five years post-master's of clinical or mental health care experience, experience and knowledge of the military health care system, and extensive military experience and background.
Having a full-time person at the wing to work these mental health issues will help Airmen and their families to cope with the stresses of deployment.
"They are there working day-to-day with all of the personnel in that wing, and hopefully this will mitigate the stigma associated with asking for help with mental health issues," Major Coker said.