Brandspa Helps the Helpline Help Returning Vets

Online, February 11, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Fact: An estimated 6.8 percent of Americans will experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives (National Co-morbidity Survey Report, published in 2005).

Fact: About 30 percent of the men and women who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD (National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Survey).

Fact: New Jersey has over 500,000 veterans, suggesting that a significant number of them could be suffering from PTSD.

Help is available for NJ veterans thanks to the visionary and collaborative leadership provided by the State of New Jersey's Department of Veteran Affairs and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Since 2005, a 24/7 helpline - 1-866-VETS-NJ4 - supported by UMDNJ, has provided access to a comprehensive network of mental health professionals specializing in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other veterans' issues. In 2009 alone, more than 3,500 veterans have availed themselves of this service.

But still, but not every veteran knows that help exists or that they might be suffering from PTSD.

Addressing the need to build better awareness for this life-changing helpline, Montclair, NJ-based brand marketing agency Brandspa offered its services pro bono to help get the word out. "As a veteran myself, I have tremendous empathy for the sacrifices our soldiers make for our country," says Allan Gorman, Brandspa's Founder and CEO. "Creating a compelling and effective awareness campaign to help New Jersey's veterans reintegrate into civilian life is just one way we can offer our appreciation and gratitude to them."

"Brandspa nailed it!" offers Chris Kosseff, CEO of UMDNJ - University Behavioral HealthCare, which operates the veteran's helpline. "Their messages talk directly to veterans and their loved ones in a language that motivates. Headlines that say: 'Because sometimes getting back to normal is anything but' are sentiments that vets and their families can relate to and will prompt them to take action. Brandspa was sensitive to our needs and made it easy to get this campaign off the ground."

Billboards on the NJ Turnpike and secondary roads, signs on NJ buses, posters on military posts, and radio spots will be used to advertise 1-866-VETS-NJ4.

Brandspa is a Montclair, NJ-based brand marketing organization that helps mid-sized companies, educational and not-for-profit organizations refine their stories, and more effectively market their products and services. Reach them at www.brandspa.net or 973 509-2728.

For information more about the 1-866-VETS-NJ4 Helpline program, contact: Jeff Tolvin, UMDNJ, 973-972-4501.