OHIOCARES is a collaboration of state and local agencies supporting the behavioral health of returning Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans and their families. Although the VA is the primary source of services for veterans, this partnership provides community based alternatives to veterans and the families.

OHIOCARES purpose is to enhance the “safety net” community of behavioral health services available for military personnel and their families and to complement the services available through the Department of Veterans Affairs and Vet Centers by linkages with county alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health boards and behavioral health care providers.

For more information about OHIOCARES please visit www.ohiocares.ohio.gov

OHIOCARES has developed The Service Member, Family and Community Behavioral Health Resource Guide to assist military service members, veterans, their families and community-based agencies with the service member’s behavioral health needs during the transition from active duty back to civilian life. This guide provides information and resources for military service members and veterans about how to “positively cope” with the transition back to family members, friends, and the community from active military service. It also describes some of the types of behaviors and feelings that are normal combat stress reactions and where to go for help if normal reactions become problematic.