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RAND Corporation Study Reveals Positive Outcomes for Veterans in California's VSSR Program

RAND Corporation Study Reveals Positive Outcomes for Veterans in California's VSSR Program

A final evaluation by the RAND Corporation has highlighted promising results for veterans participating in California's Veterans Support to Self-Reliance (VSSR) Pilot Program. The study found that veterans living in permanent supportive housing and receiving enhanced services through VSSR experienced significant improvements. Key findings include a low negative exit rate of 3.6% (compared to 15% for a comparable veteran population), a 75% reduction in emergency medical visits, a 54% decrease in missed medical appointments, and reductions of 40% or more in reported alcohol, stimulant, and opioid use. These outcomes suggest that combining stable housing with comprehensive support services, such as medical care and case management, effectively addresses the complex needs of veterans. The California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (CAVSA) recognized these findings on Veterans Day, emphasizing the program's success in promoting housing stability, improved health, and greater independence for California ...
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Cracker Barrel in Independence, MO, Displays Veteran-Inspired Rocking Chairs as Part of Nationwide Tour

Cracker Barrel in Independence, MO, Displays Veteran-Inspired Rocking Chairs as Part of Nationwide Tour

An Independence, Missouri Cracker Barrel location is currently showcasing rocking chairs adorned with artwork inspired by veterans and military families. This display, situated at 4110 S. Lee’s Summit Rd., is a component of Cracker Barrel’s 'Rockers Across America' tour, which is visiting ten cities, including the Kansas City area. Southern artists Victoria Barnhill and Emma Gilbert designed four unique chairs, drawing inspiration from the personal narratives of veterans, military families, Cracker Barrel patrons and employees, and their own family members. Two of these four designs are on exhibit at the Independence restaurant from November 9 through November 30. The initiative is part of Cracker Barrel's broader November observance, which also includes donations to veteran-focused non-profits and a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day, November 11.
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Congressman Golden Celebrates Passage of Take Care of America’s Veterans Act in House

Congressman Golden Celebrates Passage of Take Care of America’s Veterans Act in House

Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) has celebrated the passage of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation, which received bipartisan support and passed via a voice vote, aims to strengthen veterans' benefits and improve VA healthcare. The bill includes numerous provisions designed to enhance various aspects of veterans' lives, such as healthcare, mental health services, and support for wounded warriors and surviving spouses. Congressman Golden emphasized the country's promise to care for its veterans and their families, highlighting the critical reforms within the bill. The passage occurred on Veterans Day, which Golden noted as an appropriate time to honor service members by supporting this legislation. The act has garnered support from several prominent veterans' organizations, including The American Legion, Wounded Warriors Project, and American Veterans (AMVETS).
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Bipartisan Congressional Resolution Honors 'Operation Green Light' for Veterans Awareness

Bipartisan Congressional Resolution Honors 'Operation Green Light' for Veterans Awareness

On Veterans Day, Congressmen Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) and Don Bacon (NE-02), alongside Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize 'Operation Green Light for Veterans.' This national campaign, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), encourages communities across the U.S. to illuminate buildings and landmarks in green from November 4 to November 11. The initiative serves as a visible symbol of appreciation for veterans' service and aims to raise awareness about the local resources available to assist them in transitioning to civilian life. The resolution specifically commends NACo and NACVSO for their leadership in organizing this nationwide effort and urges communities, Members of Congress, and local leaders to participate and highlight resources such as mental health services, employment programs, housing assistance, and peer support for veterans and their families.
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Ted Lasso Cast Members Visit the White House to Discuss Mental Health Awareness

Ted Lasso Cast Members Visit the White House to Discuss Mental Health Awareness

In March 2023, several cast members from the popular Apple TV+ series 'Ted Lasso' visited the White House. The purpose of their visit was to discuss mental health awareness, highlighting how the show's central messages resonate beyond television. This initiative underscores the growing recognition of mental health as a critical public issue and the role of popular culture in promoting important conversations. The cast's presence at the White House signifies a collaborative effort between entertainment and government to address societal well-being. The show itself has been lauded for its sensitive portrayal of mental health struggles, including anxiety and personal difficulties, through its characters. This visit aimed to leverage the show's influence to further destigmatize mental health issues and encourage open dialogue.
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Trauma-Focused Therapies Recommended for PTSD and Sensory Overload

Trauma-Focused Therapies Recommended for PTSD and Sensory Overload

The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline recommends individual trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or clinically significant PTSD symptoms more than a month after a traumatic event. This includes therapies such as cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure. Additionally, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is recommended for adults more than three months after a non-combat trauma. These recommendations stem from the understanding that sensory overload, where ordinary input feels overwhelming, can be a significant symptom for individuals with PTSD or high anxiety. Research suggests that a nervous system braced for danger can make everyday stimuli feel amplified, leading to hypervigilance and heightened startle reactions. While sensory overload is not an official diagnostic criterion for PTSD, it often co-occurs with the condition, and treating the underlying trauma or anxi...
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Quantum Leap Farm Provides Equine Therapy for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life

Quantum Leap Farm Provides Equine Therapy for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life

Quantum Leap Farm, as reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay, is offering equine therapy retreats to help veterans transition back to civilian life. One notable case is former Black Hawk pilot Kyle Baker, who found healing, purpose, and family stability through the farm's program after experiencing challenges following multiple combat deployments. The farm utilizes interactions with horses as a therapeutic method to address the difficulties veterans face in adjusting to post-military life. This approach aims to provide a supportive environment for recovery and reintegration, focusing on the unique needs of individuals who have served in demanding combat roles. The therapy is designed to foster emotional well-being and stability, which are crucial for veterans returning home.
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Marquette University Expands Mental Health and Financial Wellness Resources for Employees

Marquette University Expands Mental Health and Financial Wellness Resources for Employees

Marquette University is enhancing its support for employee mental health and financial well-being, particularly as colder weather and the holiday season can exacerbate stress. All faculty and staff now have access to free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), LifeMatters, which offers up to six confidential sessions for issues like anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and financial pressures. Employees and their spouses can also utilize free stress management-focused wellness coaching. For those enrolled in a Marquette medical insurance plan, in-network mental health care providers and virtual mental health support via Teladoc are available for a $10 co-pay per visit. Additionally, the Tria Health benefit provides ongoing support for chronic mental health conditions requiring medication, including pharmacist consultations to optimize medication effectiveness and potentially reduce costs. Financial planning assistance is also offered through the Francis financial planning benefit.
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Gen Z's 'Bed Rotting' Trend: Self-Care or Potential Depression Indicator?

Gen Z's 'Bed Rotting' Trend: Self-Care or Potential Depression Indicator?

Gen Z's 'Bed Rotting' Trend: Self-Care or Potential Depression Indicator?
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New Review Examines Genetic Evidence for Exercise's Impact on Mental Health

New Review Examines Genetic Evidence for Exercise's Impact on Mental Health

A recent systematic review published in npj Exercise Medicine and Health, conducted by scientists from Amsterdam University Medical Center, the University of Manchester, and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, has evaluated the potential causal relationships between physical activity, sedentary behavior, physical fitness, and psychiatric and neurocognitive outcomes. The review synthesized findings from 61 Mendelian Randomization (MR) studies, which use inherited genetic variants to investigate causal relationships, to assess whether genetically predicted differences in these factors influence 'brain health.' The researchers found that while physical fitness traits showed more consistent protective associations with mental and cognitive health, and aerobic exercise was linked to reduced depression risk, strong genetic evidence for general physical activity's uniform prevention of psychiatric disorders remains limited and mixed. Nearly half of the evaluated studies reported null or directi...
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NYU Langone Researchers Develop AI Tool to Predict PTSD Risk from Emergency Room Narratives

NYU Langone Researchers Develop AI Tool to Predict PTSD Risk from Emergency Room Narratives

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have developed an artificial intelligence tool, PREVIA, capable of predicting the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients based on their spontaneous narratives about what brought them to the emergency room. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that PREVIA accurately identified over 95.4% of at-risk patients. In a direct comparison, the AI tool flagged 100% of 30 cases that later developed PTSD, outperforming a PTSD-specializing ED clinician who identified 89% of these cases. The tool analyzes language for symptoms occurring during trauma, such as loss of control or amnesia, and early symptoms present in the ED, like feeling disconnected. It also considers risk factors like pre-existing mental health issues and socioeconomic status, alongside protective factors such as coping skills. This AI screener aims to identify at-risk patients without adding time to busy emergency room intake processes.
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Counseling Center Group Addresses Seasonal Affective Disorder Amidst Winter Onset

Counseling Center Group Addresses Seasonal Affective Disorder Amidst Winter Onset

Counseling Center Group Addresses Seasonal Affective Disorder Amidst Winter Onset