Online tool offers resource network to veterans

The Indiana Prevention Resource Center unveiled its Veterans Resources Search Engine.

The online search tool, IPRC Veterans Resources Searchable Database, provides access to a wide variety of resources for returning veterans, their families and their communities, said Barbara Seitz de Martinez, deputy director for the IPRC, in an IU press release.

The database at www.drugs.indiana.edu has national, regional and statewide resources that are searchable by subject, organization, audience, category and keyword.

Seitz de Martinez said the database was launched as soon as possible to meet the needs of veterans.

“The face-to-face combat and high risk of injury associated with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with the types of injuries sustained, have exacerbated this reality,” she said in the release.

More than 4,000 Indiana veterans looked for post-conflict care after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan during 2008, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Seitz de Martinez said mental health professionals and social service agents who work with veterans are usually overburdened and in need of tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness. The center plans to continually improve the tool and add resources.

— MJ Slaby