Kim Ruocco, MSW, the Vice President of Suicide Prevention and Postvention for TAPS, is an internationally known subject matter expert who uses her education, personal experience and information gathered from thousands of survivors to help others more fully understand suicide. Over the past decade, Ms. Ruocco has developed a best-practice, comprehensive, peer-based program that offers comfort and care to all those who are grieving the loss of a service member to suicide. In addition to her postvention work, Ms. Ruocco contributes to suicide prevention efforts in military as well as civilian organizations.  She holds a B.A. in Human Services and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and a Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston University. She is the surviving widow of Marine Corps Major John Ruocco, who died by suicide in 2005.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

TAPS Suicide Postvention Program

The following two 90-minute Postvention courses can be viewed for free thanks to funding from the Boeing Foundation:

Suicide, Grief, and Trauma – Supporting Veterans and Families of the Fallen

Grief to Growth: A Roadmap to a Healthy Grief Journey

The following three courses are free to access courtesy of the NFL Foundation

Postvention: Healing After Suicide Loss

Finding Stability After Suicide Loss

Grief and Trauma

Episode Sponsor:

milMedia Group



Shauna’s latest book: Beyond the Military: A Leader’s Handbook for Warrior Reintegration

Duane’s latest book: Military in the Rear View Mirror: Mental Health and Wellness in Post-Military Life


How to Leave a Podcast Review

Leaving a podcast review at iTunes isn’t intuitive. But positive ratings are hugely important: they help the podcast get discovered by new people. Please spend 5 minutes of your time to leave a review using one of the methods below.

How to leave a podcast review using Apple’s Podcast app

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Your feedback is greatly appreciated. When you leave a review, drop us a line at info@veteranmentalhealth.com and you’ll get a message with the warmest appreciation, and a bonus gift!

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Many thanks,

Duane and Shauna 


 

Categories: HST Podcast

Duane France

Duane K. L. France is a combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a mental health counselor practicing in the state of Colorado. Do you want to join the conversation regarding veteran mental health? Share, like, and comment. Read Duane's previous posts and follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn. Keep the conversation about #veteranmentalhealth going.