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      Southeast Mental Heath Services has been selected to participate in a pilot program focusing on the needs of returning soldiers and their family members.

      The Returning Soldiers Initiative is being piloted in southeastern Colorado at three rural centers: SEMHS, based in La Junta and Lamar; San Luis Valley Mental Health Center, based in Alamosa; and Midwestern Colorado Mental Health Center, based in Montrose.

      “We want veterans to know there is a resource other than the Veterans Administration to assist them”, says Bill Lutz, Bent County Veteran’s Affairs Officer.  Lutz also noted that the pilot program “is not just for veterans, but also for spouses and families.”           

      Stigma has always been a concern and there is no exception for this new program. “Our biggest fear is that those veterans in need of a little support or a fresh perspective, as well as for their spouses, children and parents, will not call or walk through the door,” says Bob Whaley, SEMHS Executive Director.  “We want these community members to know we’re grateful for their service to our country and that what they’ve endured is undoubtedly a life-changing experience.  We’re not here to judge or dictate.  We’re here to listen and to work on a plan together—a plan to recapture or build some things, put closure on others.  Plus, the veteran will have the peace of mind that services are confidential; no one, including the VA or other governmental agency, will be provided information without the soldier’s consent.”    

      SEMHS is a private nonprofit community-based mental health facility serving Bent, Baca, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers counties.  Appointments can be made at any of their seven facilities by calling: 

384-5446

• La Junta
• Las Animas
• Ordway
• Rocky Ford

336-7501

• Lamar
• Springfield
• Eads

Emergency services are available 24/7 throughout the six counties by calling their hotline:

800-511-5446