In today's day and age, the entire world is connected. We have access to traditional websites, phone apps, social media, and more. Let's take a look at how these are being effectively used to reach veterans and provide service for veterans.
These are the major issues. The general trend is that the average veteran is substantially more tech savvy than the providers of veterans' services. This needs to change. There are so many possibilities out there to reach veterans that wouldn't be reachable otherwise. Maybe it's time to think a little more creatively and crowdsource change. Maybe a VA sponsored hackathon is in order to get folks together, I don't know. I just know we need to get on top of this now, before we allow any more vets to fall through the cracks that don't have to.
- Phone Apps: There is only one truly free app for PTSD out there - PTSD Coach from the VA. Millions of dollars were spend on this waste of time. It is marketed as a tool to help veterans with PTSD cope. It fails miserably. This app is a complete waste of time.
- Traditional Websites: There are plenty of resources lists providing information for veterans. The problem is that there is no oversight and no process to ensure that people aren't being sent on a mission for 'snake oil'. Many of the sites are OK, but most are confusing or offer up conflicting information.
- Social Media and Online Social Interaction: For veterans with PTSD, lack of privacy and anonymity are the major barriers that many have to reaching out for help online. This hasn't changed and needs to. Facebook is nice for people who don't care, but most do care and don't want to go to a place like that for help, support, or treatment. They have the right idea in Britain. Take a look at this website. It allows for completely anonymous interaction and is free for all veterans. We should be taking a hard look at this and doing something to emulate their successes or integrate their services in the US.
These are the major issues. The general trend is that the average veteran is substantially more tech savvy than the providers of veterans' services. This needs to change. There are so many possibilities out there to reach veterans that wouldn't be reachable otherwise. Maybe it's time to think a little more creatively and crowdsource change. Maybe a VA sponsored hackathon is in order to get folks together, I don't know. I just know we need to get on top of this now, before we allow any more vets to fall through the cracks that don't have to.
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