Nazareth Hosts Ukrainian Leaders Examining Health Issues and PTSD for Vets
Nazareth College hosted five Ukrainian leaders as they visit Rochester from May 13-21, 2017, examining health issues and PTSD and reintegration for veterans. Rochester Global Connections will host the delegation. The delegation will also have the opportunity to attend the 5th Annual Veterans Mental Health and Homeless Summit on Wednesday, May 17, at Nazareth College. Managed by the Open World Leadership Center, a support agency of the United States Congress, the Open World program is designed to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eurasia by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America's democratic, accountable government and free-market system. The Open World program works to link members of Congress to Eurasian leaders and is an instrument for Americans engaged in citizen diplomacy.
While in Rochester, the delegates are meeting with professional counterparts to gain resources, knowledge, and partnerships to address the challenges of reintegrating military veterans in Ukraine. Medical practitioners, psychologists, and social workers are working to prepare for the long-term psychological effect with regard to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and struggling to get mental health professions recognized as important. Open World programming is aimed at filling a critical knowledge and practice gap in Ukraine among medical practitioners and social workers (many of whom are volunteers) as they best seek to serve those that have served their country and are now suffering.
The Open World delegation met with professionals in Nazareth's York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute, as well as from the Rochester Vet Center, Monroe County Veteran Services, representatives of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Batavia VA Medical Center, Veterans Outreach Center, and University of Rochester's Mt. Hope Family Center.
Homestays allow the Open World delegates to experience American family life. The guests also will take part in several cultural and community activities.
Since its founding by Congress in 1999, the Open World program has enabled some 18,000 current and future Eurasian leaders to experience American democracy, civil society and community life; work with their American counterparts; stay in American homes; and gain new ideas and inspiration for implementing change back home. More than 7,100 American host families and their communities in all 50 states have partnered with Congress and the Open World Leadership Center to make this ambitious public diplomacy effort possible. The Open World program currently operates exchanges for political and civic leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
For More Information
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | 585-389-2456 or jlong2@naz.edu
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Ukrainian Delegration Visits Nazareth College