Boston University Health Law Conference Focuses on Gulf War, Post-9/11 Veterans

 

Coming Home Injured: Care and Advocacy for America’s Veterans

Seventh Annual Health Law Pike Conference

Friday, October 29, 2010

Boston University School of Law, Room 1270
765 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

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.

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.

The event is free and open to the public.

 

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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 & Audience Discussion
Wendy Mariner, School of Public Health/Law

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 p.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 & Audience Discussion, led by Leonard Glantz, School of Public Health/Law

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

 

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Click here to view the Conference Brochure and Schedule (PDF)