VA/DoD PTSD Coach App Wins FCC Award

WASHINGTON (Oct. 28, 2011) - The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Coach smartphone application, jointly developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), is being honored today as one of seven recipients of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman's Awards for Advancements in Accessibility.

"We are honored to be named as a recipient of this prestigious communications award," said Under Secretary for Health Dr. Robert A. Petzel.  "The PTSD Coach app has already helped more than 30,000 users connect with important mental health information and resources.  It is a truly innovative tool which has revolutionized the way Veterans receive health care."

The goal of the FCC Chairman Awards is to encourage technological innovation in communication-related areas and recognize annually those outstanding efforts in the public and private sector as well as public-private partnerships advancing accessibility.  This includes the development of individual mainstream or assistive technologies introduced into the marketplace, the development of standard or best practices that foster accessibility, or the development of a new consumer clearinghouse of disability-related products and services.
"One of our key goals for the PTSD Coach app all along has been accessibility.  Our team works to get useful tools to Veterans whenever and wherever they need them. We are thrilled to have this recognition that we have hit our target," said Julia Hoffman, Psy.D. mobile applications lead, VA National Center for PTSD.

The submissions were judged by a panel of seven FCC executives.  All winners are being honored today at an awards ceremony at the FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C.
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Sean P Eagan

Former Chairman American Cold War Veterans

Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars
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