VA Black Hills to Host PCT Women’s Retreat

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FORT MEADE, S.D. --  The specialized Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Outpatient Treatment Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs Black Hills Health Care System is hosting its semi-annual women's retreat April 27 to 29 at the Fort Meade Campus, two miles east of Sturgis.

The semi-annual weekend retreat, beginning at noon April 27, is for female veterans of all eras diagnosed with PTSD and family members of male veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The weekend retreat offers a condensed psycho-educational, experiential format that educates participants of the debilitating symptoms of PTSD, affects on the family, with a particular emphasis on developing healthier coping strategies and increasing one's social support network.

"The retreat, in its 18th year, seeks to help participants examine some of the basic questions in their lives," said Cathy Edler, addiction therapist for the PCT program and retreat coordinator. "The volunteer facilitators and participants build a community of people who are willing to take time to support each other. The retreat does not have your answers, but will provide the time, place and personal support for people to search within themselves."

Seating is limited to 35 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must be screened and pre-register by calling the PCT office at (615) 720-7449, or 1-800-743-1070, ext. 7449.