For the first time, as recognized by the US government, a facility developed to treat both veterans and their families under one roof for mental health needs is opening.
The new facility, called the Unified Behavioral Health Center for Military Veterans and Their Families, is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Northport VA Medical Center and the North Shore-LIJ Health System.
Kenneth Storz, 53, is the proud son of a World War II veteran. So, it was natural that he would want to carry forward the honorable tradition of serving his country. During his 32 years in the Army Reserve, (in which he achieved the rank of colonel), he was deployed overseas twice. In 1991-92, he served in Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait. Then, in 2005-06, he shipped out to Iraq for a one-year tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Mr. Storz knows first-hand how difficult it is to come home to “the new normal” and readjust to family life in the community. He will share his story about “coming home again” at the opening of the Unified Behavioral Health Center for Military Veterans and Their Families in Bay Shore, NY. This first-of-its-kind health center was developed as part of a collaboration between the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Northport VA Medical Center and the North Shore-LIJ Health System. What makes this progressive new facility unique is that it offers treatment for both veterans and family members under one roof, which is especially important for military personnel like Mr. Storz, whose military service continues to affect not only his transition, but that of his family.
Thanks to a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, matching support from local funding partners and the generosity of Mildred and Frank Feinberg, this program promises to be a valuable resource for thousands of Long Island veterans and their families.
Local veterans and public officials will join representatives of North Shore-LIJ and the VA in commemorating the new health center.
