Services available for veterans at Napa Valley College evacuation center
Photo courtesey of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Twitter account @DeptVetAffairs on Oct. 12, 2017.
NAPA, Calif. (BCN) - The Vet Center, a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, deployed personnel today to the wildfire evacuation center at Napa Valley College from Concord and Fairfield to provide mental health services and paperwork assistance for any displaced veterans.
They were at the shelter today with a trailer set up for three separate counseling sessions to be conducted simultaneously.
"Say you're having a panic attack," readjustment counselor Lori Shepherd said. "You come in here and have a counseling session."
Shepherd said the smoke, smells and sight of burnt buildings can be stressful for veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan or other war zones.
"It can definitely be triggering," said Joseph Moglia, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who served in Iraq.
Shepherd and Moglia are available at Napa Valley College for any veterans who have been displaced by the North Bay wildfires and are in need of assistance. They can be reached at (925) 433-3407.
They've also set up an area with seating and a television for veterans at the shelter who just want to spend time with other veterans.