Firearm Safety: Protecting Yourself, Your Family, and Your Community.
Loretta A. Coonan, LCSW (Houston).
The applicant will conduct a firearm safety/suicide awareness informational campaign with fliers and posters and hold a series of didactic programs about firearm safety/suicide risk with gun lock give-aways. The applicant will assess intent to remove guns or lock guns after the presentation and will follow up with a small sample 3 months after the presentation.

Development of Clinician and Patient Treatment Manuals for the Training and Dissemination of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Jeffrey A. Cully, PhD, & Andra Teten, PhD (Houston ).
The applicants will develop supplemental materials to support the training and use of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in primary care clinics. The materials are intended to support existing training and supervision in CBT.

Post Deployment Connection for Returning VISN 16 Vets. 
Deleene S. Menefee, PhD; Janine Shaw, PhD; Sara (Su) Bailey, PhD; & Fern Taylor (Houston ).
The applicants will develop web pages specific to the needs of returning OIF/OEF veterans. Content of the pages will be developed from focus groups with veterans and family members. The information and updates will also be produced as newsletters/fliers and disseminated by OIF/OEF coordinators in VISN 16. Magnet give-aways will be produced with the web address for veterans to access on their own.

Reclaiming the Soul: The Music of Heroes.
Dona K. Zanotti, PhD (Oklahoma City ).
The applicant will pilot music therapy in a trauma treatment program. The pilot will be a collaboration with the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab. The program, process, and outcom es will be described in a manual.

FY 2007

Initiation of Groups and Evaluation of Educational Materials. 
Sara Allison, MD, and George Castillo, LCSW (Houston).   Vet to Vet Peer Educator Program:
The applicants will initiate a Vet to Vet peer support program and evaluate the utility of current Vet-to-Vet program materials, which consist of three large workbooks and supplemental materials.  Veteran group participants and mental health professionals will evaluate the program materials, with the goal of identifying a single workbook or set of materials that are more manageable for veterans and less expensive.  Moe Armstrong will be a consultant.

Self-Guided Tobacco Cessation Program for Veterans. 
Alison C. McLeish, PhD, and Randy Burke, PhD (Jackson ).
In phase I of this project, applicants will update current tobacco cessation program materials and adapt them into a self-guided audio program for a web-based product or a CD-ROM.  Materials will be reviewed by content experts.  A future proposal, phase II, will evaluate the efficacy of these materials.

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Reducing Sleep Programs in Patients with PTSD-related Insomnia. 
Laurel Franklin, PhD (New Orleans ); Karin Thompson, PhD; Madeline Uddo, PhD; Thomas Kirchberg, PhD; and Norman VonButtlar, MD.
The applicants will adapt a cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia (Morin & Epsie, 2003) to address the PTSD-related problems of hyperarousal and hypervigilance in promoting wakefulness.  The six-session protocol includes exercises for reducing hypervigilant behaviors and thoughts, as well as relaxation practice.  Dr. Kenneth Lichstein, University of Alabama , will be a consultant.

Opioid Education for Patients in Treatment for Chronic Pain. 
Sheila Corrigan, PhD (New Orleans ); Jeffrey A. West, PhD; and Mordeci Potash, MD.
The applicants will produce a self-guided CD-ROM/DVD version of their current chronic pain management groups.  Most pain patients in these groups are also seen in Mental Health.  In addition, handout materials will be digitalized.  A video discussion will address the relationship between mood and pain, better communication with the treatment provider, strategies for managing pain, opioid education, tolerance, and addiction.  Gary McGarrity, PharmD (Baton Rouge CBOC) and Robin Mack, PharmD (Jackson) will be consultants. 

Operation Enduring Families: A Support and Education Program for Returning Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and Their Families. 
Ursula B. Bowling, PsyD; and Michelle Sherman, PhD (Oklahoma City ); Ashley Campbell, PhD; and Stacey Holmes, PhD (Houston ).
The applicants will develop a 10-session manual for educating returning veterans and family members about combat-related stress and its effect on the family.  Manual content will include discussion about dealing with anger, managing depression, improving communication, creating a low stress environment, and substance abuse.  Much of the material has already been developed, but needs to be compiled, copyedited, and formatted.  Content experts will review the content and presentation of materials.

FY 2006

Educating VA Health Care Providers about Traumatic Brain Injury.
Kimberly Arlinghaus, MD, Helene Henson, MD, Janet Hickey, MD, & Stephanie Sneed, MD; (Houston).
This project creates an attractive informational brochure about the presentation and management of traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as creates a training presentation and conduct training with Houston VA providers about TBI.  Materials will also be posted on the web.

Creation and Dissemination of a Manualized Writing Intervention for PTSD among OIF/OEF Veterans.
Daniel DeBrule, MA, Judith Lyons, PhD, & Laurel Franklin, PhD; (Jackson).
Applicants build on Pennebaker’s established work on expressive writing.  The writing paradigm has been employed with trauma survivors, but not combat veterans.  Applicants, in consultation with Pennebaker, propose to develop a structured manual for providers for a 6-session writing intervention targeting OIF/OEF combat veterans.  They will field-test the manual with staff and patients in an outpatient PTSD program.

OIF/OEF Outreach & Community Education.
Kim Pearson, CSW-PIP & Michelle Sherman, PhD; (Mount Vernon/Fayetteville & Oklahoma City).
This project compiles the best available existing hardcopy materials on readjustment to civilian life after war zone related stress and develop new materials on relevant topics, if necessary.  Consumers and families will evaluate these materials.  The presentation will concern readjustment, coping, barriers to seeking support, “red flags,” and VA benefits and services for community outreach to OIF/OEF veterans and their families.  The presentation is designed to convey information, increase hope, and reduce resistance to seeking help.

Outpatient Sexual Trauma Treatment: Manualizing and Enhancing the Courage Group.
Dana Foley, PhD (Oklahoma City  ).
This project develops a participant workbook for long-standing,outpatient 12-week sexual trauma group exposure treatment at OKC.  Applicant describes goals, activities, and materials for each session.  Alternatives to commercial products (workbooks,videos) are provided to aid exportability. 

FY 2005

Development and Assessment of a Pre-Antiviral Depression Prevention and Management Program for Hepatitis C Patients.  
S.R. Gillaspy, Ph.D., J. Tassey, Ph.D., and P. Fischer, Ph.D.; (Oklahoma City).
This project develops a four-session pre-treatment curriculum to prevent or manage depression associated with Hepatitis C treatment.

Development of Vocational Rehabilitation Materials for Homeless Veterans with Mental Illness, Substance Dependence, or Legal Convictions.   
J. LePage, Ph.D., P. Abrams, MSW, and M. Bluitt, VRS.;  (Dallas & Little Rock).
This collaborative project between Little Rock (VISN 16) and Dallas (VISN 17) revises and evaluates a current vocational workbook and instructor’s guide for use in Domiciliaries, Compensated Work Therapy, and Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Psychoeducation for Traumatic Stress in Recently Deployed Veterans and Their Intimate Partners.
G. Manguno-Mire, Ph.D., L. Franklin, Ph.D., F. Sautter, Ph.D., K. Thompson, Ph.D., and M. Uddo, Ph.D.; (New Orleans).
This project develops a 4-session program for veterans and their partners about the effects of traumatic stress on the individual and the relationship, emphasizing coping and prevention.

MAPS: Directions for Family Members.
K.H. Sorocco, Ph.D., T. Teasdale, Dr. PH, and M. Sherman, Ph.D.; (Oklahoma City).
This project develops a packet of information and support resources for family members and caregivers of veterans with a mental illness.

Resilience to Trauma: What a Group of Former POWs Have to Teach Other Veterans about Survival with Trauma.   
W. Williams, Ph.D;  (Houston).
This project employs a series of testimonials by ex-POWs to illustrate effective coping with trauma and to inspire hope. 

FY 2004
 
Development of JavaScript Presentations for Psychoeducation and Screening of Referrals to Chronic Pain Management and Smoking Cessation Programs.
Jeffrey West, Ph.D., Sheila Corrigan, Ph.D., John Tassey, Ph.D., Dona Zanotti, Ph.D., Geralyn Datz, M.S., & Vanessa Venable, Psy.D.; (New Orleans & OKC).
Development of patient-guided software programs to screen for motivation to enroll in chronic pain and smoking cessation groups.

Relaxation Enhancement in Patients with PTSD.
Sheila Corrigan, Ph.D., Laurel Franklin, Ph.D., Karin Thompson, Ph.D., Stephanie Repasky, Psy.D., Madeline Uddo, Ph.D., & Jessica Walton, BA. (New Orleans)
Development of relaxation protocol, follow-up, and evaluation.

Cognitive Assessment in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Development of a Resource Manual for VA Programs.
Gregory Schrimsher, Ph.D., Jefferson Parker, Ph.D., & Stacey Carter, Ph.D. (Jackson).
Surveyed clinicians regarding type and frequency of cognitive assessments and disseminate results.

Improve Sexual Dysfunction and Reduce Stress among Veterans Suffering with PTSD.
Louis Jasmine, & Erin Bagalman. (New Orleans).
Evaluated a 7-session program about sexual dysfunction among veterans with PTSD.

FY 2003

Caregiving for a Loved One with Dementia – What You Need to Know.
Ellen Barr, LMSW, Theron Bowers, M.D., Mamie Arbuckle, RN, CNS, Lurine Parker, RN, BSN, Brenda McNeese, RNC, DrPH, and Claudia Orengo, M.D.; (Houston).
Exploration and identification of educational needs of dementia caregivers for training program development.

Quitting It All: A Tobacco Cessation Program for Veterans Participating in Chemical Dependence and Dual Diagnosis Treatment.
Theodore V. Cooper, Ph.D., and Randy Burke, Ph.D.; (Jackson).
Development of of materials and manualization of a nicotine cessation orientation program.

Music Therapy Directed Relaxation Training at Waco VA PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Program.
Sherill Cross, RMT, M.Ed., Wayne Gregory, Ph.D., Nancy Hadsell, Ph.D., Alan Kahn, M.S., & Lou Ann Kramer, M.S., RN; Waco, TX. (VISN 17).
Expansion and evaluation of an existing music therapy program.

Gaining Strength from Traumatic Events: Group Treatment for Veterans Diagnosed with Combat-Related PTSD.
C. Laurel Franklin, Ph.D., Stephanie Repasky, Psy.D., Madeline Uddo, Ph.D., and Karin Thompson, Ph.D.; (New Orleans).  
Examination of positive adjustment to trauma as a therapeutic tool and development of a treatment manual.

Peer Specialists as Educators, Mentors, and Supports in PTSD Recovery.
Wayne Gregory, Ph.D., Kim Patton, Psy.D., & Victor Felts; Waco , TX .  (VISN 17).
Production of videotape, with local vets group, to describe benefits of peer support for veterans with PTSD and current peer support activities at/near the facilities (Austin, Temple, and Waco).

A Group Intervention and Resource Manual for Health Promotion in PTSD Veterans.
Cynthia Helwig, NP, and Leslie Root, Ph.D.; (Gulfport).
Development of materials and manual for 10-session health promotion group for veterans with PTSD.

Increasing Awareness of Antipsychotic Monitoring in VISN 16.
Teresa Hudson, Pharm.D.; (Little Rock).  
Development of pocket cards for mental health clinicians at VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics to increase awareness of monitoring parameters for antipsychotic medications.

A Pain Management Primer for Working with Patients with Dual Diagnosis of Pain and Substance Abuse.
Gabriel Tan, Ph.D., Serena Chu, Ph.D., Charlie Nguyen, Ph.D., Bilal F. Shanti, M.D., and Jamie Rhudy, Ph.D.; (Houston).
Development of CD-ROM to educate substance abuse clinicians about management chronic pain.

Alcohol and Health in the Primary Care Setting.
Jennifer M. Watson, M.S., Karla Sherman, MCP, LPC, Jefferson Parker, Ph.D., and Naseem Qureshi, M.D.; (Jackson).
Development of audio CD-ROM and method to deliver information about alcohol use and health to veterans in Primary Care.

FY 2002

Preparing Veterans for Group Psychotherapy.
Pamela C. Fischer, Ph.D., & Richard Carothers, Ph.D.; (Oklahoma City).
Psychoeducational intervention to prepare patients to make full use of group psychotherapy, including production of introductory videotape.

PTSD Coping Skills Treatment Maintenance Video: Making Each Day Count.
Nicole Keesee, LCSW, Vince Roca, Ph.D., & W. Mark Moore, PhD.; (North Little Rock).
Video summarizing key elements of PTSD Program for patients to take home as relapse prevention tool.

Health Promotion Education for Chronically Mentally Ill Homeless Veterans.   
Melissa C. Lockhart, Ph.D, RN, Jacqueline Olumoko, BSN, RN, BC, Juan M. Segura, LVN, & George Castillo; (Houston).
Supplement to homeless outreach with evaluation.

Newsletters as A Clinical Intervention Tool in A Day Treatment Setting.
Quang X. Nguyen, Ph.D., Cynthia Andrus, RN, MSN, Carol Beckwith, RN, Audrey Dawkins-Oliver, LMSW-ACP, Ellen Flood, LMSW-ACP, Jennie Hall, MD, & Jocelyn Ulanday, MD.; (Houston).
Development and evaluation of a community newsletter for Day Treatment patients.

An Age-Specific Role Competency Curriculum for Substance Abuse Treatment Program Staff.
Jefferson D. Parker, Ph.D., Catherine Shaw, Psy.D., and Evelina Ward, RN.; (Jackson & OKC).
Development of an age competency curriculum, documentation package, and posttest.

Education and Treatment of Depression in Patients Undergoing Interferon Treatment.
Craig J. Provost, Ph.D., Dale S. Cordes, Ph.D., & Judy Lindsey, RNP.; (Little Rock).
Assessment of depression among patients with Hepatitis C in a group format.

Veterans Helping Veterans: Key Insights for PTSD Recovery—Treatment Maintenance Audiotape.
Kathleen O. Reyntjens, Ph.D., & Leslie Root, Ph.D.; (Gulfport).
Audiotapes of testimonials from other PTSD patients about treatment experiences and evaluation.

Detecting, Examining and Combating Stigma in our Provision of Mental Health Care.
Michelle D. Sherman, Ph.D. Robert Nisbet, M.D. & Lance Evans, M.A.; (Oklahoma City).
Anti-stigma intervention for staff.

The Healing Circle: Addressing Culture, Spirituality, Sobriety, and Traditions of Native American Veterans.
Susan Vaughn, MSW, & Helen Engebretson, MSW; (Oklahoma City).
Performance and evaluation of a Healing Circle , powwow, and sweat lodge for Native Americans in recovery.

FY 2001

Playing it Safe: A Relapse Prevention Program to Reduce High Risk Sexual Behaviors for Veterans participating in Chemical Dependence and Dual Diagnosis Treatment.
Randy Burke, Ph.D.; (Jackson).
Safer sex program in substance abuse clinic.

Psychoeducational Group Therapies forVeterans with SPMI.
Nancy Faulk, RN, MNSc, CNS, Ph.D.; (Shreveport).
Teaching communication and social skills to patients.