Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1442004
36 cannabis patient care | vol. 2 no. 4 cannapatientcare.com feature W E LAUNCHED THIS publication in November 2020 with a focus on how veterans are using medi- cal cannabis to treat post-traumatic stress dis- order (PTSD). To complement the publication launch, Cannabis Science and Technology® and Cannabis Pa- tient Care™ hosted a free Veterans Day webinar titled, "From Post-Traumatic Stress to Post-Traumatic Growth: How Medi- cal Cannabis Is Helping Veterans with PTSD" in which we raised money for The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) (1). TAPS was recommended to us by a veteran and we continue to honor and respect that suggestion by highlighting their im- portant work here in our annual issue dedicated to veterans. Q: What does TAPS stand for? A: TAPS: It stands for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about TAPS and its mission for the families of fallen military service members? A: TAPS: The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national organization providing compas- sionate care for the families of America's fallen military heroes. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars for adults, "Good Grief Camps" for children, case work assistance, connections to communi- ty-based care, and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a military death. Services are provided free of charge. TAPS has offered support to more than 100,000 surviving family members of our fallen military since 1994. Q: What is the National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp? A: TAPS: Since 1994, TAPS has hosted the Annual Nation- al Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp. Surrounded by the monuments and memorials of our nation's capital, we are reminded that a grateful nation never forgets. Through the support and loving care of our TAPS family, we are reminded that we are part of that story. Held during the Memorial Day weekend, this event connects surviving loved ones with peer mentors and grief profession- als who can provide the support and assistance—administra- tive, health related, and emotional—that is necessary to re- gain control of their lives and move forward. TAPS also enlists help from trained professionals from fields as diverse as mili- tary chaplains, casualty officers, family readiness coordinators, and mental health professionals who offer their time, exper- tise, and knowledge. Surviving adults find a caring atmosphere where they are able to speak about their loved one and share their grief among those who have the shared experience of military loss. Whether new to grief or years beyond their loss, TAPS meets survivors where they are in their journey, normal- izing their experience, delivering vital information, sharing cop- ing tools, and identifying a long-term support network for them once they return home. Survivors gain a new 'family' to walk beside them as they adjust to their new life. Q: What other resources and programs does TAPS offer and take part in? A: TAPS: We offer a lot of great services, please see Table I. Q: How can military service family members reach out to TAPS? A: TAPS: TAPS.org or our 24/7 Helpline 800-959-8277 (TAPS). Q: For those interested in volunteering and working with the organization, what steps do you recommend they take to get involved? A: TAPS: Please see the image provided later in this piece or check our website: https://www.taps.org/support. Q: Is there anything else you would like to comment on regarding TAPS work with military families and the organization as a whole? A: TAPS: TAPS has operated, without interruption, for more than a quarter century. We are proud of our top ratings with charity watch groups and remain TAPS: A Program for Military Families Who Have Lost a Loved One B Y M A D E L I N E C O L L I A N D M E G L' H E U R E U X