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National Professional Social Work Month
March is National Professional Social Work Month. Did you know that there are over 680,000 social workers in the United States? Social workers play an important role in advocating, educating and helping improve the lives of those they support.
Our work at VOICES is fundamentally guided by social work practices and most importantly a steadfast commitment to providing continuity of care for the 9/11 community. This month we celebrate those who have made important contributions - our dedicated staff, interns and mental health professionals that volunteer their time. They have demonstrated empathy, compassion, and a personal commitment to advocating on behalf of victims' families, survivors and responders, to ensure they have the support they need and deserve.
It is our hope that our work at VOICES will highlight the important role that social workers play in providing a wide range of services for those impacted by traumatic events.
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Upcoming Trainings for Professionals at Grace Farms
VOICES is hosting two training sessions on Preparing for After: Planning for Effective Response Following Mass Violence. The events will be held on Thursday, March 28 and Friday, March 29 from 9:30am - 4:00pm at Grace Farms, which is located at 365 Lukes Wood Road in New Canaan, Connecticut. Both events are free of charge, but reservations are required and space is limited.
The training will provide mental health professionals, emergency managers, law enforcement and other community stakeholders with an overview of the skills needed to prepare for and respond to tragedies. The morning training will be followed by afternoon presentations by individuals who were impacted by or responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Learn more and register for Thursday or Friday.
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World Sleep Day
Friday, March 15 is World Sleep Day. Quality sleep is essential to wellness, especially for those coping with physical and/or psychological conditions. Sleep disturbance is common among those living with trauma, grief, and medical conditions, and is prevalent in the 9/11 community.
Sleep is crucial for promoting energy, concentration, and resilience. You can address sleep problems in many ways - you can seek medical advice for medications, you can seek psychotherapy, and an MD or therapist will both be able to help you with good sleep hygiene.
Here are some lifestyle tips that can help promote better sleep:
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine in the evening
- Take a warm shower right before bed to increase deep sleep as your body cools
- Avoid looking at a bright screen prior to bedtime
- A white noise machine may be helpful for environmental noises.
Click here to learn more and read additional tips.
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Legislative Update - "Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act"
On February 25, 9/11 advocates gathered in Washington to urge Congress to permanently authorize the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) that was established to provide financial support for 9/11 responders and survivors who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses, and for the families of those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses. VOICES staff joined John Feal with the FealGood Foundation, comedian Jon Stewart, Joe Zadroga, father of James Zadroga, and hundreds of World Trade Center responders and survivors in DC. At a press conference, a bi-partisan delegation of senators and congressmen introduced legislation, "Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act." View our statement on the act by clicking here.
In our work at Voices of September 11th, we receive calls every day from survivors and responders who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses and serious mental health conditions. From the iron workers who toiled in the recovery effort, to the volunteers who passed out meals, to the stockbrokers who returned to work, and the school children who were urged to return to school in Lower Manhattan. Some are unable to work due to their illnesses and as a result are in desperate need of financial support. We encourage you to contact your Member of Congress to urge them to join in co-sponsoring the bipartisan legislation that would permanently authorize the VCF Fund, so they have the financial support they need and deserve.
As of today, the legislation has 172 House co-sponsors and 27 Senate co-sponsors, and we still need your help! You can take action by clicking here and typing in your address, and finding if your Member of Congress has committed to co-sponsoring the legislation. You can also sign this petition in support of extending the VCF.
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Legislative Update - Call for Full FBI Transparency in Saudi Arabia Lawsuit
On March 8, Senators Richard Blumenthal, John Cornyn, Kirsten Gillibrand, Chuck Grassley, and Chuck Schumer released a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, requesting full and prompt cooperation from the FBI with 9/11 victims and their families seeking justice in their suit against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In their letter, the senators request assurance that the FBI is working with survivors to provide evidence and documents necessary in their pursuit of justice: "The FBI must take all necessary steps to ensure that the pending requests for information concerning 9/11 litigation are handled expeditiously, that the production of documents proceeds unhindered, and that the principles of transparency and accountability are upheld so that the victims of terrorist attacks get their fair day in American court."
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WTC Health Issues
Memorials and Commemoration
Legislative Updates
Upcoming Events
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Voices of September 11th (VOICES) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides long-term support services and access to resources and mental health care for 9/11 families, survivors and responders; and advocates for public policy to promote national preparedness. VOICES is equally committed to leveraging our expertise to assist communities in responding to other acts of terrorism and mass violence.
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