It’s almost Veterans Day—a day dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served in the United States military. Nearly everyone knows someone who is a veteran. They are our family, our friends, and our co-workers. They are our heroes.
This Veterans Day, as we celebrate and thank our veterans, we also acknowledge all they have done for us and know that for some, it has not been easy.
According to the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, at least 30% of veterans have a mental health disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, but less than 50% of them receive any type of treatment for it. This statistic coincides with the fact that approximately 22 veterans die by suicide every day. However, there is good news. Reports are also showing that the number of veterans receiving mental health care has increased by 90% over the last ten years; but much more can be done.
Linn County Veteran Affairs and the Mental Health Access Center are working together to improve the above-mentioned statistics by assisting with the mental health needs of those who have served. In addition to mental health assistance, eligible veterans can also find help by applying for available local, state, and federal benefits.
The Mental Health Access Center is currently available for walk-in mental health and substance use disorder crisis care from 8 a.m. -10 p.m. Monday through Friday, with Foundation 2 Mobile Crisis available during non-walk-in hours. When a veteran receives services from the Access Center, staff will assist with connecting the veteran to Linn County Veteran Affairs staff who will assist them in applying for additional benefits.
Linn County Veteran Affairs has four nationally accredited Veterans Service Officers who help veterans navigate the complexities of the VA system to get the most benefits they have earned. This free service is available for all Linn County veterans and their dependents. In addition to the services previously noted, Access Center and Veteran Affairs staff will work together to create the best discharge and ongoing care plan for the veteran.
There are over 17 million military veterans in the United States and the health and wellbeing of every one of them is important. Together, the Mental Health Access Center and Linn County Veteran Affairs want all local veterans to know that we are here and ready to help!
Visit the Linn County Veteran Affairs website and the Mental Health Access Center website for more information.