Oct. 29 Pike Conference to Examine Care and Advocacy for America's Veterans

101011_2010pike.jpg

One in four veterans of the 1991 Gulf War suffer from an illness caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, according to a BUSPH-based research panel. Almost two decades after the war ended, however, no effective treatments have been found. This year's Pike Conference will explore the post-Gulf War experience of veterans seeking medical help, the problems encountered and concrete advocacy steps that can be taken to improve the quality of care.

On Friday, October 29, the Boston University Schools of Law and Public Health will sponsor a one-day forum, "Coming Home Injured: Care and Advocacy for America's Veterans." Scientific, medical, and legal experts will contribute to framing the issues, but the primary emphasis will be on the experience and suggestions for action of the veterans themselves.

The annual Pike Conference is held to honor Neal Pike, a BU School of Law graduate, distinguished lawyer, and lifelong advocate for individuals with disabilities.

For the event's brochure in PDF format, click here.

The event is free and open to the public.

Pike Conference: "Coming Home Injured: Care and Advocacy for America's Veterans"

October 29, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
School of Law, 765 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 1270
Boston, Massachusetts 02215

For more information, contact Gina Duong, gduong@bu.edu.

Conference Schedule
8:45 a.m.
Welcome
Deans of School of Law and School of Public Health
9:00 a.m.

Conference Overview
Care of Veterans in US since World War II

Veterans of the First Gulf War
9:10 a.m.

Gulf War Illness: Documenting Health Effects of Serving in the Gulf War
Roberta F. White, School of Public Health
10:00 a.m.

Commentary
Wendy Mariner, School of Public Health/Law

Audience Discussion
10:30 a.m.- 10:45 a.m. 
 Break
10:45 a.m.

Advocacy for Gulf War Veterans: Getting Them the Care They Need (and Deserve)
Panel:
Anthony Hardie, Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illness

Paul Sullivan, Veterans for Common Sense
12:00 a.m.
 Presentation of the Pike Prize
12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
 Lunch
Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan (Post-9/11)
1:30 p.m.

Diagnosing and Treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury
Michael Grodin, School of Public Health
2:15 p.m.

Research (and Prevention) of Suicide in the Military (and after Discharge)
George Annas, School of Public Health/Law
2:45 p.m.

Commentary
Leonard Glantz, School of Public Health/Law

Audience Discussion
3:30 p.m. Advocacy for Post-9/11 Veterans: Where do we go from here?
4:30 p.m.
Wrap-up and plans for future actions