FCE Family Impact Seminars

April 30, 2008 Michigan Family Impact Seminar
The Journey Home: Connecting Soldiers, Families, and Communities (PDF)

Featured Speaker:
Adrian Blow, Ph.D.

Study Team:
Adrian Blow, PhD; Barbara Ames, PhD, Phil Reed, PhD;
Lisa Gorman, MA; COL James Anderson, PhD

Support provided from the Families and Communities Together Coalition
at Michigan State University.

Family Impact Seminars are nonpartisan educational forums on family issues for state policymakers. Nationally recognized scholarly experts present objective non-partisan research information that analyzes the consequences to families of a current issue, policy, or program. They do not advocate or lobby for particular policies. To allow frank and open discussion, attendance is limited to state legislators and their aides, Governor's Office staff, state agency representatives, and educators. A Legislative Advisory Committee selects issues for seminars based on emerging legislative need.

Briefing Reports make findings available to the public. The most recent seminar was held in May, 2006, on the issue of "Preparing Michigan's Communities and Families for the New Economy." The summary of the report from that seminar, as well as the full report, may be accessed above. Archives of former seminar reports may be accessed from the index guide found on the left.

Michigan Family Impact Seminars are convened by the MSU Department of Family & Child Ecology.

Dr. Adrian Blow, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Child Ecology at Michigan State University, presented state legislators with information about the mental health needs of Michigan National Guard troops returning from deployment to combat zones around the world.

In testimony before the Senate Committee on Sr. Citizens and Veterans Affairs, Senator Jason Allen, Chair and House of Representatives Committee on Military & Veterans Affairs & Homeland Security, Rep. Gino Polidori, Chair, Dr. Blow reviewed the latest results from his ongoing study of mental health and family relationships among recent returnees and their spouses/significant others. While in general, National Guard members and their families are making a good adjustment and are remarkably resilient, a significant number report struggling with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or suicidality, and stress in their family relationships. It is noteworthy that both returning military and their spouses/significant others are experiencing similar problems. Few of those experiencing difficulties have sought help.

This testimony was part of the Michigan Family Impact Seminar series of research-based presentations for state policymakers on family issues. Senators and Representatives from the committees said they found the testimony quite helpful.

To view a PDF of the power point of the presentation, click here

Please contact Dr. Blow at blowa@msu.edu

FAMILY IMPACT SEMINARS