In 2024, the Armed Forces Benefits Association indicated that “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant concern among military personnel and first responders, who are often exposed to traumatic events in the line of duty. While about 6% of U.S. adults are diagnosed with PTSD, that number jumps to 15% for paramedics and over 23% for military service members.”
Additionally, a 2023 report from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) states that suicide is the second leading cause of death for Veterans under 45, with men disproportionately affected than women. Contributing factors include:
- Challenges adjusting to civilian life
- Chronic pain
- Mismanaged emotional and mental health issues
- PTSD and other trauma
- Relationship difficulties
- Trouble with addiction, such as developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD)
This is why the board-certified professionals at Fair Oaks Recovery Center want to draw awareness to the many different health resources for Veterans and first responders. No one should ever feel like they’re alone and without hope, especially our heroic servicepeople. Here are some additional initiatives that can help.
Programs That Help Veterans and First Responders
The following resources help active and former military members, first responders, and their families have direct access to services and other resources that reinforce just how many options there are for health and community assistance.
Also known as ResponderStrong, this top-rated nonprofit focuses specifically on providing assistance to “career, seasonal, volunteer: all those who are trained to serve the community in times of emergency, crisis, or disaster.” The foundation offers in-depth self-assessment tools, video learning programs, access to clinical resources, and more.
Founded by an Act of Congress after World War I, the American Legion is committed to “destigmatizing mental health support, offering peer-to-peer resources, and empowering everyone to Be The One in the fight to end veteran suicide.” It also offers debt help, VA benefits assistance, education resources, and more to Veterans, active servicemembers, and their families.
This organization’s goal is to “empower military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors—both people and organizations—to create strong communities of mutual support.” This includes providing access to peer-to-peer programs, financial support, employment opportunities, and neighborhood welcome gatherings.
While minority Veterans comprise approximately 47% of the total California Veteran population, as a group, they’re less likely to access their Veterans benefits than non-minority Veterans. CalVet’s mission is to “serve and honor all California veterans by connecting them and their families with their earned benefits through education, advocacy, and direct services.” It also has many specialized Veterans programs for women, persons of color, and members of the LGBTQIA2s+ community.
This peer-based program—a division of the National Veterans Foundation—assists “Veterans of all eras, their family members and active duty service members, some while serving overseas in combat deployments.” People can find help with VA benefits, suicide prevention advocacy, medical treatment, legal aid, housing and employment solutions, and more.
Through this organization, “Veterans and their loved ones talk about their experiences, challenges, and recovery.” Former and active servicemembers share life experiences through videos, podcasts, and stories. The site also offers links to many outreach programs.
Created specifically by and for military and Veteran spouses and committed partners, VSA “provides opportunities to engage with and connect to helpful resources and a community of support.” From joining a structured resilience education group to partnering with a designed peer mentor, there are many options for military families to receive extended support.
In support of The STRONG Veterans Act of 2022, the VA’s Veteran Buddy Check program “aims to enhance peer-to-peer connections, improve mental health, and increase access to VA and non-VA resources.” Each October there’s an official awareness campaign, but throughout the year, any Veteran can take specialized training to help recognize signs of distress and receive education on available services to recommend to a buddy in need.
The VA states that more than 50 percent of women Veterans “aren’t utilizing their earned benefits. As a result, they don’t have access to the VA health care system or the low- or cost-free care it offers.” So the agency created this comprehensive portal to focus on various issues, from basic annual preventative and other healthcare checks to more complicated circumstances, such as mental and emotional disorders and military sexual trauma.
The Tactical Recovery Program at Fair Oaks
Fair Oaks Recovery Center in Sacramento, California, is a licensed Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital, a designation issued by the California Department of Public Health to addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis treatment facilities that provide high-level acuity care.
We’re honored to help Veterans and first responders through our Tactical Recovery program. As a joint partnership between our center, the VA Community Care Network, and PsychArmor, it features medical professionals skilled in treating different types of SUD and AUD and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Among Tactical Recovery’s many features, you or your loved one can expect:
- Small groups designed specifically to address the needs of the Veteran and first responder.
- Therapeutic aspects such as 12-Step programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, relapse prevention techniques, and more.
- Collaborative discharge planning with VA or military command when appropriate.
- The Tactical Recovery Alumni App so graduates are supported and connected after discharge.
We’re proud of your service. Now let us serve you by providing a gateway to the quality care you deserve and support you can trust. Please reach out to our admissions team today.
If you or someone you love is in immediate crisis, please call one of these free, confidential resources any time, day or night:
- First Responder Hopeline: 1-866-4FL-HERO
- PTSD Veteran Line: 1-877-717-7873
- Safe Call Now for Public Safety Personnel: 1-206-459-3020
- Stop Soldier Suicide: 1-844-317-1136
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 from any phone
- The Real Warriors: 1-866-966-1020 or start a live chat online
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255
