War Amps to partner with Department of National Defence in assisting amputee soldiers

EDMONTON, Nov. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The War Amps is pleased to be entering into a collaborative partnership with The Department of National Defence (Canadian Forces Health Services Group) to share knowledge and expertise that will enhance the care of Canadian Armed Forces personnel that have suffered from amputation.

The formal announcement of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The War Amps and DND took place this morning in the Ballroom of Edmonton's Westin Hotel during the 4^th Annual Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Forum.  The three-day forum brings together top researchers, academics, military personnel, veterans and family members, with focus on the physical and mental health of Canada's veterans.

"This Memorandum formalizes the commitment of The War Amps in addressing the needs of the Traditional veteran and Modern-Day amputee," said Brian Forbes, Chairman of The War Amps Executive Committee.

"There is no higher obligation on Canada and the veterans' community than the responsibility to address the needs and requirements of seriously disabled veterans and their families.  This partnership provides a tremendous opportunity to share our knowledge and we look forward to actively working with Canadian Forces Health Services in attaining this objective."

He notes that The War Amps, which is marking its 95^th anniversary of assisting amputee veterans this year, is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges that Canadian Armed Forces personnel face as they adjust to life as an amputee.

The Director of The War Amps National Amputee Centre, Karen Valley, who took part in the announcement, agreed: "The War Amps has a wealth of information regarding amputation, artificial limbs and related topics which we are excited to share with the Canadian Armed Forces. Just as importantly, we can provide the reassurance through both support and tangible examples that it is completely possible to live a full and positive life with amputations."

"The Canadian Armed Forces and The War Amps have worked together in the past, but this Memorandum of Understanding formalizes our mutual commitment to share knowledge and experience in order to enhance the quality of life of persons who have suffered amputations," said Brigadier-General Jean-Robert Bernier, Surgeon General. "By fostering this partnership, The War Amps of Canada and the Canadian Forces Health Services Group will work together to help make Canada a global leader in prosthetic development and care in the interests of our clients and patients."

A philosophy of "amputees helping amputees" has been The War Amps hallmark since 1918, when it was founded by amputee war veterans returning home from the First World War. Counselling, self-help and practical assistance - along with the desire to preserve Canada's military heritage - are common threads that have been retained in the modern-day organization that developed from their efforts. A nationwide registered charitable organization, The War Amps continues to serve war amputees and all Canadian amputees, including children.

 

SOURCE: War Amps

For more information, or to interview Karen Valley, please call [phone] (cell). You can also contact Communications at 1 877 60MEDIA or email [email protected].  Outside of office hours, please contact [phone].