Caregivers help each other with new support group Published March 31, 2016 By Bud Cordova Nucleus writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Caregivers and families of wounded warriors are now able to find support on Kirtland Air Force Base through the Airman and Family Readiness Center. March 4 was the first-ever meeting hosted on Kirtland, with a focus on support for caregivers. The meeting had the regional peer support coordinator from Fort Hood as the guest speaker. "The idea is that each forum will have a speaker that will focus on one particular area," said Ellen Fields, A&FRC community readiness consultant. "However, we don't want to monopolize that time; we want the caregivers to talk and discuss issues of importance to them." The caregivers support group will be an area for the open discussion on anything the attendees feel is needed. The group is also for networking with other caregivers and to be able to have access to resources, confidential non-medical counseling and if needed, help transitioning to civilian life. "This program is open to both caregivers of active duty and veterans," Fields said. "We really are trying to make this program all-inclusive here at Kirtland to include veterans along with active service members' caregivers." Part of that inclusivity started with the Air Force redefining "wounded warrior" to include combat and non-combat related injuries. The definition has been expanded to include not only physical injuries, but also emotional and mental injuries Airmen can accumulate during their enlistment. The new definition allows caregivers and family members of military personnel to get the support they need regardless of combat status. The Air Force implemented the caregiver program to support caregivers in January 2015. From its creation, the Caregiver Support Group has slowly been implemented at several Air Force bases in the U.S. "The biggest difficulty we have had with getting the Caregiver Support Group going is the fact that much of the information about Airmen is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. So unless they come forward seeking help, we have no way of identifying and helping those in need," Fields said. HIPAA is from 1996 and ensures healthcare workers cannot share private details about medical visits with public agencies, even to offer assistance to a patient. They can inform a patient of the resources but not ensure or require utilization. The Caregiver Support Group is being advertised through leadership, first sergeants, the Nucleus and other informal channels. The A&FRC will host the next Caregiver Support Group meetings April 6 and May 4 in the its conference room. "In the future, we are also looking at possible virtual options for caregivers that have difficulty attending meetings in person," Fields said. For further information, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 846-0741.