In 2007, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initiated an intensive effort aimed at reducing suicidal behavior among Veteran populations (Kemp, 2014). At present, the number of Veterans who die by suicide is estimated at 18 to 22 per day, accounting for approximately 18% of all suicide completions in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014;Kemp & Bossarte, 2013). These high rates are thought to be due, at least in part, to the increased incidence of diagnosed mental health disorders in this group (LeardMann et al., 2013). Be that as it may, suicide is much more than just a mental health issue (Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, & National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, 2012). Research finds that more than 50% of those who die by suicide do not have a psychiatric diagnosis (Bertolote & Fleischmann, 2002). This highlights the need for novel support options, not limited only to formal mental health services, which can be accessed by at-risk populations.All VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) staff clinical chaplains who provide spiritual and pastoral care services when requested by the Veteran. Pastoral care is sometimes defined as "a therapeutic modality distinguished by the dialogue of caregiver and careseeker that explores the possibility and implications of a religious definition of the latter's situation" (Furniss, 1994, p. 177). Spiritual care relates to "an appreciation of presence and purpose that includes a sense of meaning" and is inclusive of pastoral care (VandeCreek & Burton, 2001, p. 2). Most chaplains also provide a number of services not directly affiliated with any faith tradition, such as crisis intervention, emotional enabling, ethical consultation, deliberation, life review, patient advocacy, counseling, bereavement, and empathetic listening (Handzo et al., 2008). Unlike some community-level clergy or pastoral care providers, clinical chaplains are specially trained to support patients in health care settings.VA chaplains have assumed a unique place within the structure of services provided at VAMCs. As a matter of policy, the comprehensive health care package offered to Veterans is expected to include spiritual and pastoral care (i.e., when so requested by the patient; Department of Veterans Affairs, 2008a). Many Veterans will look to 553589S GOXXX10.

In the Bulgarian educational context, a complex matrix of power relations governs English language education. A triangle of international and intercultural relationships has developed. As a result of complex processes of negotiation between Bulgaria, the US, and the UK, distinct English language cultures have evolved. Yet, few studies have systematically investigated language as aid in the changing political and economic milieu of central and eastern Europe of the 1990s. In the face of this void within academic literature, this article addresses the question of how Bulgaria fits into the emerging picture of Core and Periphery English-speaking countries.

No abstract