Promoting access to Care:
There are several factors limiting the effective administration of healthcare to the veteran community and we plan to tackle each using a multifaceted approach.
Barrier 1 - Suffering in silence- Many veterans are reluctant to identify as needing assistance. In the service, admitting physical or mental health issues often encourages more torment than assistance. Those deemed not to be mission ready are often considered “broken” and treated more as a liability than a team member. In everyday life we find these same conditions.
Action: Provide a mission that includes them as they are and inspires them to grow – by offering opportunities to participate in experiences that meet their needs and abilities we will build an active, engaging veterans support community. Opportunities to volunteer, ranging from building renovations to being a “buddy” to another vet will build self-worth and community while participation in classes, ranging from woodworking to resume writing, and excursions, ranging from fly fishing to kayaking, will instill confidence and help develop new skills.
Barrier 2 – Wandering and lost– Veterans are doers; give them a job and watch it happen, but for most, the years spent in the armed forces were nearly void of independent decision making. Daily schedules, work priorities and even the menu for meals were often decided by someone else. For veterans in need, especially those transitioning from service, there is an overwhelming amount of information and options.
Action: encourage fellowship that spans all phases of life – by scheduling activities and classes that span the spectrum of physical capabilities, we will create opportunities for veterans to share their experiences, provide mentorship and offer assistance.
Barrier 3 – Navigating the system– The challenges of the US Veteran’s Affairs system is no secret; it is a complex and confusing system requiring knowledge and patience to navigate.
Action: offer assistance from Navigators and Service Officers to help vets determine their eligibility for services ranging from healthcare to housing; from job training to business loans. Navigators are volunteers who can provide basic information regarding forms and processes for determining eligibility while service officers are individuals specifically trained to help veterans apply for services. Our service center will be staffed mostly by volunteer Navigators who are supported by Service Officers.
Barrier 4 - Short on support– many veterans in our community are far from family and friends making it difficult to sustain the changes made in their lives. Especially those fighting substance abuse, depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder, slipping back to old habits is easy.
Action: engage in an enduring culture of support including group therapy options. By making veterans a part of the mission through volunteerism and a part of the self-improvement experiences, we will hone deep, long lasting relationships and periodic group sessions will offer distinct opportunities for open dialogue and support.