Take Action TODAY: Tell Fort Hood Commander to hold a Safety Stand Down
Tell General Campbell to put soldier care first by holding a Safety Stand Down.
This Memorial Day weekend marks one year since our Operation Recovery Campaign has been at Fort Hood, Texas. In that time, we've talked with hundreds of soldiers there about their problems accessing mental health care. We've learned that there are a number of factors that inhibit care, and we are focusing on two big issues that are common concerns among Fort Hood soldiers:
1) Commanders routinely override or ignore the medical treatment plans (also known as medical "profiles") that soldiers get from their doctors.
2) Commanders regularly stigmatize soldiers who seek care through public humiliation or creating an environment of intimidation that discourages soldiers from speaking up for their own well being.
Or call his Administrative Officer, Karen Casey, at 254-287-0126. Here are some talking points for your call:
- Tell Ms. Casey that you are a veteran/active duty service member and a supporter of the Operation Recovery Campaign for service members' right to heal.
- Ask that General Campbell hold a Safety Stand Down to educate all levels of leadership and every soldier on post about his policies MEDCEN 01 and SURG 01.
- These are strong policies that can help remove the barriers to getting mental health care for soldiers, but only if they are enforced. A Safety Stand Down could help make leaders accountable.
General Campbell has policies in place - MEDCEN 01 and SURG 01 - that specifically prohibit commanders from stigmatizing soldiers who seek mental health treatment and overriding medical profiles. But many soldiers don't know that these policies exist, and they clearly are not being enforced. Leaders at all levels are not held accountable for respecting soldiers' rights to heal.
Help us make this a priority for the General.
Today, Operation Recovery Campaign organizers will stand at Fort Hood's east gate to let soldiers know about their rights to access mental health care. They could use some help to cover the costs of the materials needed for their action, incuding renting scaffolding and photocopying flyers for soldiers. Just $400 will cover their costs.
Can you chip in $3 or more? Make sure you write "Safety" in the Special Project box.
Many thanks to Under the Hood Cafe and Outreach Center for making today's action possible.
And thank you for your ongoing support. Our progress at Fort Hood would not be possible without it!
In Solidarity,
The Operation Recovery Team
