New Health Center For Returning Vets And Their Families Opens On Long Island
BAY SHORE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The ribbon has been cut on a first-of-its-kind facility for military veterans on Long Island.
The North Shore-LIJ Health System joined forces with Veterans Affairs to open the Unified Behavioral Health Center for Military Veterans and Their Families in Bay Shore.
The new center treats the mental health needs of both veterans and their families.
1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports
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Kenneth Storz, 53, struggled to readjust to home life after he was deployed overseas twice during his 32 years in the Army Reserves.
In 1991-92, Storz served in Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait. In 2005-06, he shipped out to Iraq for a one-year tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Storz said when he returned home he was diagnosed with adjustment disorder.
"When you come home nothing is the same," Storz said. "Everybody has changed, not just the individual who has been overseas, but the family and friends."
Storz said having all these specialists under one roof for the entire family is what makes this new clinic unique.
Storz had to travel to the Northport VA Medical Center from his home in Garden City while his family sought treatment elsewhere.
"It's a great idea," Storz said. "A unified center such as this in Bay Shore is a fantastic opportunity."
