Conference registration: WestCare Foundation, (702) 385-2090.

What

Female veterans will discuss the emotional trauma of combat during a UNLV conference for medical professionals, counselors, legislators and veterans groups.

The second annual UNLV Combat Trauma Conference is designed to help professionals understand and develop solutions to issues facing female veterans such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental health, substance abuse, military sexual trauma, homelessness, physical health, and family dynamics.

When

May 25, 2011 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. & May 26 from 8 a.m. to noon

Where

Richard Tam Alumni Center at UNLV, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas

Details

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately 1.8 million of the nation's 23 million veterans are female, with more than 21,000 residing in Nevada. The number of female veterans is expected to increase by 14 percent through 2035.

Speakers and guests include: Larry Ashley, UNLV counselor education professor and specialist in PTSD; retired Brig. Gen. Rebecca Halstead, retired Col. Kim Olson and author of "Iraq and Back;" Elizabeth Gifford of the VA Palo Alto Heath Care System; Rep. Bette Grande of North Dakota; Rep. Gayle Harrell of Florida; Rep. Helene Keeley of Delaware; and former Rep. Diane Winston of Louisiana.

Event sponsors include the UNLV Student Organization of Addiction Professionals, WestCare Foundation, Grace After Fire and the Family Alliance for Veterans of America are sponsoring the conference.

Members of the public interested in registering for the conference may contact WestCare Foundation, (702) 385-2090.

Media

Members of the media are welcome to attend the conference.