Sound Shore

A regional conference on March 31 will look at the psychological effects of war on female veterans.

Organized as part of Women’s History Month, the conference’s scheduled speakers are Eleni Dimoulas, Joe Amato, Bill Campbell, Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco and Jamila Miah of Veterans Justice Outreach.

Anngela Vasser Cooper, a social worker who is an Army veteran, is organizing the conference because “many of our veterans transitioning from war to civilian life are facing mental health issues.” She is president of the Women Veterans Association of Hudson Valley.

The conference at the Holiday Inn, 329 Route 303, Orangeburg, begins with registration promptly at noon. Speakers will start at 12:15 p.m.  and the conference should wrap up at 3:30 p.m. Registration is $20, with proceeds going to the not-for-profit Women Veterans Association of Hudson Valley.

To attend, contact Cooper by email at anngcoop@aol.com or by calling 845-480-5660.

Here’s a quick look at the speakers and topics:

– Dimoulas is to speak on the biological and psychological effects of war in women

– Amato is to speak on suicide prevention efforts.

– Campbell is to speak on war-related memory loss in women.

– Falco is to outline the concept of a “veterans court,” modeled on the current drug and alcohol courts.

– Miah, a social worker with a practice in White Plains, will talk about veteran’s issues.

Cooper is hoping that all veterans will attend. She has reached out to elected officials, churches, community leaders and mental health providers.

She’s grateful for the help she’s received in organizing the conference, saying “I’d like to thank Shop Rite of West Nyack for their contribution of foods and Panera Bread of Nanuet for pastries.”

Go to www.facebook.com/pages/Women-Veterans-Assoc-of-Hudson-Valley/10941045250563 to learn more about the association and its planned events.

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