With over five million military caregivers tending to the Nation’s wounded, ill, and injured Service members, the Department of Defense launched the Military Caregiver Support Initiative. The Initiative, which was announced by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative in April 2014, provides military caregivers with online tools, resources, and support in their unique roles caring for wounded, ill, and injured Service members.
As part of the Military Caregiver Support Initiative, Military Caregiver PEER Forums are held on military installations throughout the nation where military caregivers can convene, converse among their peers, share resources and best practices, and provide support for the challenges they face.
“The function of these military caregivers is critical to the recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration of our Nation’s wounded, ill, and injured Service members,” says Sandra Mason, Director of the Office of Warrior Care Policy’s Recovery Coordination Program. “We must ensure they have the support they need in order to help them in their unique roles.”
In supporting the Military Caregiver PEER Forums, WCP recently rolled out ten PEER Support Coordinators on installations around the country. In their roles, they facilitate the planning of the Forums, and execute any follow-up resulting from the events.
Sandra Mason, who also serves in the Army National Guard, can relate to the need for the Military Caregiver PEER Forums and the Initiative overall. “It is just [as much] of a benefit for the caregiver as it is for the Service member. There is a need for us to be able to provide resources that are necessary for the caregiver to take care of themselves.”
For more information on the Military Caregiver Support Initiative and the Military Caregiver PEER Forums, please visit WarriorCare.mil or Health.mil/WarriorCare.