Month: September 2024

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Video Games as a Lifeline: Supporting Veteran Mental Health

How Video Games Are Becoming a Lifeline for Veterans’ Mental Health

For years, video games have been a source of entertainment, but for many veterans, they are becoming much more—a vital tool for mental health support. While video games often face scrutiny for their potential negative effects, research is now shining a light on their unexpected benefits, especially within the veteran community.

Dr. Michelle Colder Carras, a public health expert at Johns Hopkins University, has been studying how online gaming communities can provide critical mental health support to veterans. Her research reveals how veterans are using video games not just to escape their troubles, but also to build meaningful peer support networks that help them through some of life’s toughest moments​.

How Video Games Support Veterans’ Mental Health

For veterans, adjusting to civilian life can be challenging. Many deal with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles. Dr. Carras’ research points to the fact that online communities formed around video games can offer a unique space for veterans to connect with others who share similar experiences.

One example is Stack Up, an organization founded by U.S. Army Captain Stephen Machuga. After returning from service in Iraq, Machuga found solace in video games, which helped distract him from the anxiety he was feeling. He founded Stack Up to bring the benefits of gaming to other veterans, providing them with a sense of community and purpose​.

The Stack Up Overwatch Program (StOP): A Peer-Driven Solution

What started as a way to share the joy of gaming evolved into a much-needed mental health intervention. In 2018, members of Stack Up launched the Stack Up Overwatch Program (StOP), a peer-based crisis support program for veterans and active-duty military members. StOP provides 24/7 mental health and crisis intervention services, facilitated entirely by trained peers​.

The volunteers—many of whom have their own experiences with PTSD, depression, or anxiety—undergo nearly 40 hours of training to help their peers. These peer supporters offer a listening ear, help veterans access traditional mental health care, and provide crucial crisis counseling. The StOP program has been instrumental in helping veterans feel less alone during moments of distress​.

Research Shows the Effectiveness of Gaming Communities

Dr. Carras and her team conducted an in-depth evaluation of the StOP program, analyzing more than 180,000 chat messages and surveys. Their findings? Gaming communities like Stack Up provide veterans with meaningful, anonymous, and accessible peer support. Veterans who participated in StOP reported reduced anxiety, improved ability to cope, and relief from the symptoms that brought them to the platform in the first place​.

In fact, most participants received responses to their posts within five minutes, offering immediate support during moments of crisis. These online interactions not only helped veterans in need but also benefited the volunteers themselves, who found support and camaraderie among their peers​https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/supporting-veteran-mental-health-through-video-games

Moving Forward: Expanding the Benefits of Gaming for Mental Health

Dr. Carras believes that the success of the StOP program offers valuable insights for the future of mental health support. By leveraging peer-based interventions, online communities can help bridge the gap in mental health care, especially for veterans who may be reluctant to seek traditional therapy.

As gaming continues to evolve, so does its potential for fostering mental health support. Dr. Carras and her colleagues are now working with developers like Bohemia Interactive Studio, creators of the military simulator Arma Reforger, to explore new ways to integrate mental health awareness into gaming events​.

Conclusion: The Unexpected Power of Video Games

What started as a hobby has turned into a lifeline for many veterans. Through gaming communities like Stack Up, veterans are finding a safe space to share their struggles and get the support they need. The success of programs like StOP demonstrates the potential of video games as a platform for peer-based mental health intervention—an innovation that could reshape how we approach veteran mental health care in the future.

To learn more about the benefits of video games for veteran mental health, visit Johns Hopkins University and explore Dr. Carras’ groundbreaking research​

This blog post is based on research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, originally published in their article titled Supporting Veteran Mental Health through Video Games​.

 

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How Veterans Use Art Therapy to Overcome PTSD and Heal

Art as Therapy: A Path to Healing for Veterans

Art has long been known for its therapeutic benefits, and for many veterans, it has become a vital tool in managing both physical and mental health challenges. Veterans like Eer Jolson, a Navy veteran, have found solace and healing in carving and painting. For Eer, art became more than just a hobby—it was a way to cope with the stress and pain of recovery from surgery. As he told KCCI News in Iowa, “I get in a zone, and I forget about everything going on. It really helps me to reduce the pain that I deal with.”

The Power of Art for PTSD and Mental Health

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 7% of veterans struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, for veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, that number rises to 29%. Veterans with PTSD often deal with extreme anxiety, racing thoughts, and depression.

For these veterans, art offers a way to break through the mental barriers created by trauma. Theresa Johnson, a recreational therapist, works with veterans using art as a tool for self-expression and healing. She explains that completing art projects, even something as simple as a painting or carving, gives veterans a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-esteem.

A Veteran’s Testimony: Art as a Coping Mechanism

Veteran Wendy Cornelius is another example of someone who has benefited from art therapy. She shares how art helps her cope with anxiety and depression. “When I start to feel that, I just get into doodling or painting, and pretty soon, two hours have passed. I don’t have that burning feeling in the pit of my stomach, and my mind quits racing.” For Wendy, art offers not only an escape but also a way to manage her emotions and calm her mind.


The Broader Impact of Art Therapy

Art is subjective, and its beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. For these veterans, however, the real beauty lies in the process of creation and the sense of peace that comes with it. Veterans who engage in art therapy often find that it helps them work through their pain—whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional.

By using art, veterans are reclaiming their sense of self, healing from trauma, and learning new ways to cope with the challenges they face. Programs that incorporate art therapy offer a valuable outlet for veterans struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, allowing them to express their emotions in a non-verbal way that can be deeply healing.

Conclusion: Finding Healing Through Creativity

The journey of recovery is different for every veteran, but art has proven to be a powerful tool in that process. Whether it’s carving, painting, or doodling, veterans like Eer and Wendy are finding new ways to manage their mental health and regain a sense of control over their lives. As they create, they heal.

For more information on how art therapy is helping veterans or to watch the full story, check out the Inside Edition Digital video.

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VA to Update Disability Benefits Regulations for Toxic-Exposed Veterans, Following Push from Senator Tester

VA to Update Disability Benefits for Toxic-Exposed Veterans After Senator Tester’s Push

Veterans affected by toxic exposure are finally getting closer to receiving the benefits they deserve, thanks to new changes announced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA is set to update outdated regulations for veterans suffering from Constrictive Bronchiolitis (CB), a condition often caused by exposure to toxic burn pits during military service. This move comes after strong advocacy from Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, who has been pushing for reforms to the way the VA handles disability benefits for toxic-exposed veterans.

Why This Change Matters

For years, veterans with Constrictive Bronchiolitis have struggled to receive adequate compensation due to the VA’s outdated Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). Without a specific diagnostic code for CB, the VA has been using codes for similar conditions, which often result in veterans receiving lower disability ratings than they should. This has prevented many veterans from accessing the full benefits they earned through their service.

Jon Tester has been at the forefront of addressing these issues, leading efforts in Congress to ensure that toxic-exposed veterans receive timely and appropriate benefits. His push for VA reforms gained momentum with the passage of the PACT Act, which expanded benefits for veterans affected by toxic exposures, including burn pits.

What the New Changes Include

Under the new regulations, the VA will:

  • Update the VASRD to include specific criteria for evaluating Constrictive Bronchiolitis, ensuring that veterans receive an accurate disability rating based on the severity of their condition.
  • Streamline the claims process for veterans suffering from toxic exposure-related illnesses, making it easier for them to receive benefits.

This change will not only provide more accurate ratings for veterans suffering from CB but also ensure faster and more effective claims processing.

Tester’s Advocacy for Veterans

Senator Tester has been a tireless advocate for veterans, especially those suffering from toxic exposure. He has repeatedly called on the VA to fix its outdated regulations and ensure that the PACT Act is fully implemented. The PACT Act, signed into law in 2022, expanded the list of conditions presumed to be caused by toxic exposure, providing critical health care and benefits to Post-9/11 combat veterans.

Tester’s efforts are a major step forward in the fight to secure proper care and compensation for the thousands of veterans who have been affected by toxic exposure during their service.

What’s Next for Veterans?

Veterans affected by Constrictive Bronchiolitis and other toxic exposure-related conditions should stay informed about these regulatory updates. The VA is expected to release further details on how the changes will affect the disability rating process in the coming months.

Veterans seeking more information on how this may impact their benefits can visit the VA website or contact their local VA representative for guidance on filing claims or updating existing claims.

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New VA Proposal Could Make Benefits Easier for Veterans with Rare Lung Diseases

Veterans with Rare Lung Disease May Get Benefits Easier Under New VA Proposal

Veterans with rare lung diseases like Constrictive Bronchiolitis (CB) may soon find it easier to access VA benefits, thanks to new changes proposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This shift comes in response to the continued struggles veterans face in getting benefits for illnesses related to toxic burn pit exposure, despite the PACT Act passed two years ago to streamline care and benefits for veterans with toxic exposure-related diseases.

What is Constrictive Bronchiolitis?
Constrictive Bronchiolitis is a lung condition that causes inflammation and scarring in the bronchioles, the small airways in the lungs. Veterans exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits during their service are particularly at risk for developing this disease. CB is one of the conditions covered under the PACT Act, but the VA acknowledges that veterans with CB have faced unique hurdles in receiving their benefits.

New VA Efforts
On September 11, 2024, the VA announced new steps to ensure veterans with CB, as well as their survivors, will have a clearer path to receive benefits. In a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, VA Secretary Denis McDonough outlined the department’s commitment to making sure all veterans impacted by CB get the benefits they deserve.

These proposed changes aim to break down the barriers veterans face when applying for benefits related to CB. The adjustments are part of a broader effort to ensure that all veterans suffering from burn pit-related illnesses receive the medical care and financial support promised by the PACT Act.

Next Steps for Veterans
Veterans affected by CB or other burn pit-related conditions should stay informed about these proposed changes, as they could significantly impact their eligibility for benefits. The VA is expected to provide updates on these proposals and further guidance for veterans looking to apply for or update their benefits claims.

For more details, visit the VA website or consult with a local VA representative to see how these changes might impact your benefits application.

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The 3rd Annual Veteran Education Partner Summit

Join the 3rd Annual Veteran Education Partner Summit!

Are you involved in veteran education or training programs? Do you want to be part of a movement dedicated to improving educational opportunities for veterans and their families? If so, the Veteran Education Partner Summit is the event for you!

This three-day summit, hosted by the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Idaho State University and the Idaho Division of Veterans Services, will provide invaluable tools and knowledge to enhance veteran education programs across Idaho.

Event Details:

  • Date: October 9th – 11th, 2024
  • Location: Both in-person and virtual options available
  • Venue: Pocatello, Idaho (Marriott group rates available)

Why Attend?

The Veteran Education Partner Summit is designed for educational institutions, government agencies, and organizations that work with veterans and their families. This event is a unique opportunity to:

  • Learn: Participate in specialized training sessions, workshops, and roundtable discussions focused on best practices in veteran education and program administration.
  • Collaborate: Network with fellow professionals across the state and find new ways to bridge gaps in veteran education benefits.
  • Engage: Get up-to-date information on veteran education benefits, scholarship opportunities, and legislative updates.

Summit Agenda Highlights:

October 9th:

  • Idaho Division of Veterans Services SCO Training: Specialized training for School Certifying Officials (SCOs) to enhance their understanding of veteran education benefits.

October 10th:

  • Workshops and Training: Full-day workshops covering best practices in veteran education, benefit updates, and program administration.
  • After-Hours Mixer: A networking event from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (location to be determined).

October 11th:

  • Round Table Discussions (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST): Collaborative sessions to discuss strategies for improving veteran education, including:
    • Best Practices and Lessons Learned
    • Legislative Updates
    • Idaho Division of Veteran Services Updates
    • Military Education Benefits Outreach for High School Students

Who Should Attend?

This event is for representatives from institutions, training centers, and agencies across federal, state, and local levels who are involved in veteran education and support programs. It’s an opportunity to network, share experiences, and contribute to the ongoing development of veteran education programs in Idaho and beyond.

Register Today!

Secure your spot at the 3rd Annual Veteran Education Partner Summit. Whether attending in person or virtually, your participation is vital to the success of this event.

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The 2024 Annual Champions of Freedom Awards

Champions of Freedom 2024

Join the 2024 Annual Champions of Freedom Awards!

Date: Thursday, November 14th, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Wahooz Event Center, Meridian, ID 83642

The Annual Champions of Freedom Awards is a special event where we honor veterans, their families, and community partners who have gone above and beyond in supporting the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce throughout 2024.

This prestigious event is an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Idaho’s veteran community through leadership, innovation, and commitment. During the evening, we’ll also share our mission plans for 2025 and reflect on the impact our programs have had across Idaho.

Event Highlights:

  • Award Presentations: Celebrate the achievements of this year’s outstanding recipients who have excelled in supporting Idaho’s veteran and military community.
  • Networking: Connect with fellow community members, business leaders, and veterans.
  • Dinner and Celebration: Enjoy a memorable evening with a premium dinner as we honor the remarkable individuals and organizations making a difference.

Why Attend?

  • Celebrate Our Heroes: Show your appreciation for those who have gone above and beyond in serving Idaho’s veterans.
  • Support the Cause: Your attendance and support contribute to sustaining vital programs that provide housing, education, workforce, and wellness services to veterans.
  • Engage with Leaders: Meet business, nonprofit, and public sector leaders who are passionate about supporting the military community.

Nominate a Champion:

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their work supporting Idaho’s veterans? Nominations are now open! Submit your nominations here.

How to Register:

  • Individual Tickets: $50 per person
    Register here to secure your spot for this important celebration!

For more information, visit idahoveterans.org or contact admin@idahoveterans.org.

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2nd Annual Idaho Veterans Chamber Summit!

Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce 2nd Annual Summit

Date: Thursday, November 7th, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Nampa Civic Center, Nampa, ID 83651
Cost: Free for all attendees!

Join us for the 2nd Annual Idaho Veterans Chamber Summit! This event is free to the public and provides an excellent opportunity for veterans, their families, and the community to connect, learn, and grow. The summit will feature expo booths, panel discussions, and a keynote speaker, offering valuable insights on a range of topics that matter to veterans.

Event Highlights:

  • Expo Booths open at 9:00 AM, with coffee and donuts provided.
  • Panel Discussions on entrepreneurship, housing, workforce development, and more.
  • Keynote Speaker Lunch at noon with Dr. Roger Hall, a leading expert in peak performance training.

Schedule:

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Panels on Entrepreneurship, Housing, Workforce Development.
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch and Keynote Speech by Dr. Roger Hall.
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Panels on Education, Health, and Wellness.

Why Attend?

  • Networking: Connect with local businesses, education partners, and community organizations.
  • Learn: Gain insights on key issues facing veterans, including career opportunities and health resources.
  • Explore: Visit expo booths from a variety of organizations dedicated to supporting veterans.

How to Register:

  • RSVP for the summit here.
  • Register for an Expo Booth: If you want to showcase your business, reserve your booth here.

For more information, visit idahoveterans.org or contact admin@idahoveterans.org.

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Free Dental Care to Veterans in Need

This Nonprofit Offers Free Dental Care to Veterans in Need

For many veterans, access to affordable dental care remains out of reach. But thanks to Everyone for Veterans, a nonprofit founded by periodontist Dr. Theresa Cheng, veterans and their families can receive free dental treatment.

This initiative began in 2008, and since then, it has provided dental services to nearly 900 veterans and their spouses, all free of charge. The goal is simple: give back to those who served our country by helping them regain their confidence and quality of life through proper dental care.

How It Works

Everyone for Veterans connects eligible veterans and their caregivers to dentists in their communities. These dentists volunteer their time and expertise to provide services ranging from basic cleanings to more extensive treatments like fillings, crowns, and dentures.

Veterans who have struggled with years of neglect due to lack of insurance are now able to smile confidently again.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is designed for veterans who don’t qualify for VA dental benefits or who can’t afford private dental insurance. In many cases, spouses and caregivers of veterans are also eligible.

Arturo Gamboa, a 65-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is one of the many who have benefited from the program. After years of grinding his teeth down due to stress and lack of dental care, Gamboa’s smile has been restored through Everyone for Veterans. For him, this care has made a life-changing difference.

The Impact on Veterans

Not only does the program help veterans look and feel better, but it also impacts their overall health. Poor dental hygiene has been linked to other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Through this program, veterans are able to receive preventive care that can improve both their oral and general health.

How You Can Help

Everyone for Veterans relies on the generosity of dental professionals and donors to continue their work. If you’re a dentist or dental professional looking to give back, consider volunteering your services. If you can’t volunteer but want to help, donations are always welcome and go directly toward helping veterans receive much-needed care.

Conclusion: Restoring More Than Just Smiles

The work that Everyone for Veterans is doing is about more than just fixing teeth. It’s about restoring confidence, improving health, and honoring those who served. For veterans like Arturo Gamboa, it has made a profound difference, showing the power of community and compassion.

To learn more about Everyone for Veterans or to apply for dental services, visit everyoneforveterans.org.

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The One Team Approach: A New Chapter in Ending Veteran Homelessness

The One Team Approach: A New Chapter in Ending Veteran Homelessness

Veteran homelessness has been a critical issue in the U.S. for decades, and while significant progress has been made, new strategies are necessary to sustain this momentum. The One Team approach, launched by the VA Homeless Programs Office, brings a unified method to addressing Veteran homelessness, ensuring no one slips through the cracks.

What Is the One Team Approach?

One Team is a collaborative strategy designed to streamline the process of housing Veterans. Historically, organizations working on this issue operated in silos, leading to inefficiencies. Veterans who didn’t qualify for one program often found themselves disconnected from other services they were eligible for. Jill Albanese, the director of clinical operations in the VA Homeless Programs Office, emphasized the need for a cultural shift: “We really have to think of ourselves as one system”.

Coordinating the Response

Since 2010, Veteran homelessness has decreased by 52%. However, this progress began to stall in recent years, prompting a renewed focus from the VA. In 2022 and 2023, VA Secretary Denis McDonough set a goal of housing 38,000 Veterans, which was exceeded both years. The target for 2024 is even higher, aiming to house 41,000 Veterans. One Team has been critical to making this possible.

One Team in Action

The One Team approach applies military-like coordination to the issue of homelessness, utilizing tactics such as:

  • Case conferencing: Bringing service providers together to address individual Veterans’ needs comprehensively.
  • Reallocation of resources: Shifting personnel where needed to reduce wait times and quickly get Veterans into housing.
  • Local leadership: Empowering communities to take ownership of the One Team structure, ensuring that they have the leadership necessary to implement this approach.

A New Era of Homelessness Services

Veteran homelessness is more than just a problem for outreach staff. The VA has shifted its focus to a comprehensive system of care that moves Veterans from transitional housing into permanent homes, while also providing essential supportive services. This unified strategy is helping the VA achieve its ambitious housing goals and ensure Veterans receive the care they deserve.

For more details on this initiative, visit the full article on VA News​.

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World Suicide Prevention Day: A Call to Action for Veterans

On September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, we reflect on the importance of connection, compassion, and community in preventing suicide, especially among Veterans. This day highlights how crucial it is to reach out, listen, and support those who have served our country.

The VA has taken significant steps since 2021 with the “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” campaign in partnership with the Ad Council, urging Veterans to seek help before it’s too late. The message is simple but powerful: if a Veteran is struggling, don’t wait — take action by reaching out for support. The campaign aims to eliminate the stigma around asking for help, reminding everyone that seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness.

A poignant Public Service Announcement (PSA) video from the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center reinforces this message. It encourages everyone to check in on the Veterans in their lives and to direct them to resources like VA.gov/REACH, a comprehensive support hub designed to help Veterans navigate their challenges.

How to Help

You can make a real difference by:

  • Offering emotional support
  • Guiding Veterans to valuable resources
  • Sharing the Veterans Crisis Line information

The Veterans Crisis Line is always available for those in need. You can Dial 988, then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255 for immediate assistance.

By standing together, we can create a safety net for those who have given so much for our freedom. Let’s continue to reach out and remind Veterans that help is available. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

For more information, visit the full story on VA.gov.