In our new partnership with Georgia Tech Research Institute, The ArtReach Foundation®, on July 22 and 23 brought together mental health professionals from the fields of creative arts therapies and innovative technologies to assist active duty military, veterans and their families with issues relating to combat PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The conference was held at the Georgia Tech Research Institute Center, in Atlanta. Speakers included Major General Maria Britt and Colonel Dan Zachman of the GA National Guard, Holly Pavliscsak, BS, MHSA, from TATRC, Ron Capp from Veterans Writing Project, Melissa Walker, MA, ATR, Healing Arts Program Coordinator, National Intrepid Center, Scott Mooney, Ph.D, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, and numerous other creative arts and technology experts.

The creative arts and technological advances are bridges that offer significant contributions to the mental health and resiliency of our military personnel, veterans, and their families. These advances include the capacity to reach huge numbers in need of mental health interventions. Additionally, they provide opportunities to heal the divide within, and between, military and civilian populations. This conference touched upon many of these applications, and addressed ethical issues central to best practices in the use of the creative arts and technology with these populations. Conference participants also participated in workshops led by ArtReach Trainers on the second day of the conference.

Part of the success of this conference was the sponsorship and donations that were provided by several local Atlanta-based businesses. Donations were received from Georgia Tech Research Institute, Bold American, Tucker Chick-fil-A’s, Trader Joes, Costco, the USO, PrestoMusicStore.com, Coca-Cola, and several ArtReach Board Members. Information booths and vendors included Capstone Corporation, the USO, Careforthetroops.org, VISN 7, Sleep Disorders of Georgia, and Real Warriors Campaign. For more information on the conference, please contact the office.