Articles

April 26, 2024

Empowering survivors: Confronting sexual assault, supporting healing, and promoting awareness

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — As April marks Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, it's important to acknowledge the issue at hand. A study conducted in February 2018 by RALIANCE, a national partnership dedicated to ending sexual violence, found that nationally, 81 percent of women and 43 percent of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and, or, assault in their lifetime. These alarming statistics underscore the urgency for increased awareness and proactive measures to combat sexual violence. Remember, no matter your needs, you are not alone. Let's all speak out when we see something, raise awareness about sexual assault, and support survivors. For more information and resources contact your local JBSA SAPR Office and see the DOD SAPR Office. For immediate assistance, you can contact the JBSA SAPR Hotline at 210-808-7272 or DOD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247.

March 15, 2024

59th MDW DEIA Committee Marks One-Year Milestone in Inclusion Efforts

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland, Texas — Amidst the changing tides of social consciousness and policy directives, Col. Aquilla Highsmith-Tyler stands at the forefront of the 59th Medical Wing’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee. With unwavering dedication, she leads a charge to transform the military landscape into one that values every individual's unique identity and experiences. Inspired by President Joe Biden's Executive Order 14035, Highsmith-Tyler and her team aim to cultivate a workplace where mutual respect and understanding reign supreme. Through education and awareness initiatives, they seek to dismantle barriers that hinder inclusivity and diversity within the organization, believing that embracing differences will only strengthen their mission capabilities and elevate patient care standards.

Nov. 13, 2023

Empowering Service Members: Advancing Mental Health Access and Targeted Care

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Taking the initiative to seek help for emotional difficulties is a courageous and responsible step for a service member. According to a recent study, 26 percent of active-duty service members reported using mental health services in the past year. The Air Force Medical Readiness Agency Behavioral Health branch reported data from 2014 to 2019 showing the volume of clinical services delivered to active-duty members within AF mental health clinics increased by 32 percent. Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center’s Mental Health Clinic is dedicated to ensuring that all service members receive effective care in a timely manner. After assessing a patient’s needs, the mental health team creates a personalized care plan designed to yield positive results. Depending on the patient’s needs, the clinic may recommend external resources such as Military One Source, Military and Family Life Counseling, the Chaplain, or embedded Mental Health providers within a unit. Alternatively, specialty mental health treatment within the Mental Health Clinic, including group or individual therapy and medication, may be recommended. The clinic prioritizes compassionate treatment aimed at improving functioning in crucial life areas.

June 22, 2020

Commentary: pouring from an empty cup

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia — Air Force medics are on the front lines against COVID-19, and maintaining their mental well-being is critical to keeping them in the fight. One of the biggest risks for providers is burnout, or compassion fatigue.

May 5, 2020

Redefining 'normal' mental health care still means delivering quality patient care

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas  — Mental Health Technicians (4Cs) in Air Education and Training Command are redefining what “normal” is during the COVID-19 pandemic, while still delivering quality patient care in various different methods and providing Disaster Mental Health services when requested.

May 4, 2020

#RiseUp Mental Health, Resiliency at JBSA

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas — Members of the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (WHASC) Mental Health Clinic and 737th Training Group Military Training Consult Service (MTCS) mental health team spent their Monday motivating others with words of encouragement for base personnel and community members as part of a mental health and resiliency effort during the COVID-19 pandemic at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, May 4.

March 25, 2020

COVID-19 crisis poses mental health challenges as well as physical demands

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas — Like many communities throughout the United States, Joint Base San Antonio is feeling the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic.