DoD Launches Deployment Health, Family Readiness Library

American Forces Press Service

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 10, 2005 – Servicemembers, their families and their health care providers have a new online Defense Department resource for deployment health issues.

The DoD Deployment Health Risk Communication Working Group and the Joint Task Force for Family Readiness Education on Deployments have joined together to create the Deployment Health and Family Readiness Library.

Ellen P. Embrey, deputy assistant secretary of defense for force health protection and readiness, announced the new online library Aug. 9.It is intended to provide servicemembers, families and healthcare providers a quick and easy way to find the deployment health and family readiness information they value, she said.

"Information is a powerful tool. We must remain proactive in providing deployment-related health information to better safeguard our servicemembers," she said. "Most people fear the unknown. Through accurate, timely information, we are able to ensure that our servicemembers are better equipped to prepare for, cope with, and recover from the myriad health risks faced during deployments."

The online library includes fact sheets, guides and other products on a wide variety of topics. The topic listing was based on feedback from servicemembers, their families, and health care providers, Embrey said. New information will be added to the site as new topics and areas of concern emerge, she added.

In focus-group meetings, Embrey explained, servicemembers and their families have said their need for information varies before, during and after deployments. Leaders, in particular, look for accurate information before the deployment. While the servicemembers are deployed, their families are especially interested in getting deployment health-related information, she noted, and following deployments, both servicemembers and families look for this information.

Embrey said many information sources are available on line, but noted that too often it's difficult to tell if the information source is accurate.

"We are absolutely committed to providing the best information found in sound science and based on medical evidence," Embrey said. "We want this site to be the authoritative source for deployment health and family readiness information. This is another step we are taking to ensure that those who protect our country and our freedoms are also protected."