WELLNESS IS PREVENTION 2020: VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT RESOURCES
We encourage you to share this guide!!
On behalf of the Veterans Health Coalition, the Executive Committee invites you to get to know our organization.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Any organization or individual that offers services and products for veterans and their families that support their health (physical and mental) and well-bring. Our members are required to attend the quarterly membership meetings (dates on our website calendar). Meetings usually last about 90 minutes and include member spotlights and announcements of veteran-related events or news from members, plus other business of the VHC. The membership meeting is on the second Friday of the first month of each quarter at 1:00pm.
There is no cost to join the VHC. You are welcome to attend a meeting as our guest!
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
Members are listed on the VHC website and may post their events on the VHC calendar.
Each member is offered an opportunity to do a membership spotlight at a quarterly meeting
Serving on a committee of the coalition will help you get to know other members and the resources that are available in our community.
HOW TO JOIN
The membership application is online at: http://www.veteranshealthcoalition.org/membership-form/
We look forward to having you with us, being a part of bringing together the organizations that serve our veterans, helping them to have healthy and successful civilian lives.
Should you have questions, contact [email protected]
Once again, welcome to the Veterans Health Coalition!
Tracy Rosinski, Chair, Executive Committee
Patricia Clason, Chair, Community Veterans Engagement Board 414-374-5433 [email protected]
We invite you to join us!
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Red Oak Counseling
Following are just a few of the many resources available to veterans in Wisconsin. Many more are listed on the Veterans Health Coalition website as resources and/or as VHC members.
The Center for Veterans Issues (CVI) is a non-profit 501(c)3 veteran service organization dedicated to serving the men and women of the armed forces in need of assistance after returning home to their civilian communities. CVI proudly serves our Veterans across 54 counties in Wisconsin with critical humanitarian services to assist Veterans and their families who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.
The backbone of CVI are the dedicated case managers who serve and coordinate services to our Veterans from the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program, Homeless Veterans Re- Integration Program (HVRP), Transitional Housing Program, Permanent Supportive Housing Program, Children First Program, and provide a nationally recognized food and hospitality training program within Troop Café.
3400 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208 Office: 414-345-4272 Fax: 414-342-1073 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cvivet.org
• Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS), section of VHA (Veterans Health Administration), administers 300 Vet Centers nationwide • Vet Centers provide services at no cost to the client – no insurance, billing, co-pays, or income limits • Services include individual, group, couples, family therapy, referrals, outreach, and wellness activities • Started as a peer counseling program, now employs independently licensed clinicians to provide the full spectrum of readjustment counseling • Separate and confidential medical records from “Big VA” • Came into existence in June 1979 through Public Law 96-22, which established authority for VA to provide a new category of non-medical service, “readjustment counseling” • Provide Veterans the support and assistance they need to reintegrate successfully into civilian life • Originally intended to be a time-limited program, RCS was created as a new VHA organizational element and was made permanent in 1983 by Public Law 98-160 • Vet Center culture centered on respecting and understanding the military experience and working to reduce barriers to accessing care – “Keeping the Promise,” “Help without Hassles”
Milwaukee Vet Center Department of Veterans Affairs 7910 N. 76th St. Milwaukee, WI 53223 414-902-5561 office www.vetcenter.va.gov [email protected] [email protected]
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) offers many programs in the Milwaukee area. The Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) staff work with community partners and professionals to provide assistance and connection to mental health services, substance use treatment, financial assistance, housing and utilities, claims and benefits assistance, employment and education, transportation, and many other services. Emphasis is placed on leveraging resources to enforce No Wrong Door Policies. Meaning, whomever the veteran contacts, the goal is to service their needs directly. Or, to conduct a soft hand-off where a value-added experience is achieved.
The Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) provides temporary housing to veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Veterans may stay at a VHRP for up to 24 months and work with a case manager on permanent housing, employment, healthcare, and behavioral health services.
The Veterans Assistance Grant provides financial assistance to those in need and who have exhausted all other resources. The grants may be used for health care or other subsistence needs. WDVA offers federal claims assistance to assist Wisconsin veterans and their families obtain benefits and services through the United State Department of Veterans Affairs by serving as their accredited representative for matters pertaining to VA benefits and entitlements.
Gerald Sieren Phone: (262)225-7636 https://dva.wi.gov/Pages/benefitsclaims/VORP.aspx Email: [email protected]
The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center is located on 245 acres on the western edge of Milwaukee. The Medical Center delivers primary, secondary, and tertiary medical care in 196 hospital beds and provides more than 857,000 visits annually through an extensive outpatient program. The nursing home care unit of 113 beds offers geriatric programming and the 150 domiciliary beds are the focus of programs in Substance Abuse Rehabilitation, Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder care. The VAMC also has community clinics in Appleton, Cleveland, Green Bay, and Union Grove, Wisconsin. Special programs include interventional radiology, cardiac surgery, comprehensive cancer care including radiation therapy, an extensive telemedicine program with the Iron Mountain, MI VAMC, a Spinal Cord Injury Unit, and, in long term care, a Geriatric Evaluation and Management Program and a palliative care program.
Reducing Veteran suicide is VA’s top clinical priority. In this presentation you will learn about the Suicide Prevention Program’s national initiatives as well as local efforts to prevent suicide among Veterans. Suicide is a national public health issue that affects everyone. Individuals do not need specialized mental health training to help someone who is suicidal. Simple effective interventions can make a real difference and save a life.
Contact: Laura Acompando, LCSW Phone: (414)384-2000 Ext. 42671 www.veteranscrisisline.net www.betherewis.com
Erin Maney, LCSW Phone: (414)384-2000 Ext. 46787 www.veteranscrisisline.net www.betherewis.com
WHAT IS WHOLE HEALTH? Whole Health is VA’s cutting-edge approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals
WHAT IS A WHOLE HEALTH TRANSFORMATION? Whole Health, also known as "Personalized, Proactive, Patient-driven care," is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and to live their life to the fullest. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
MILWAUKEE CONTACTS: Brittany Aagerup and Ericka Napoli Empower Veterans to call extension 45114 or 45080 Main Line: (414)384-2000
Wisconsin Veterans Network (VetsNet) is a non-profit organization based in West Allis, WI but services the whole state of Wisconsin. We are staffed by veterans to serve veterans. VetsNet is a collaborative resource center that offers veterans a “one stop shop” experience. We have over 75 partnering agencies that assist with everything from homelessness to navigating the bureaucracy of the Department of Veteran Affairs. We identify the needs of the veteran and match them with a qualifying agency streamlining the process for the veteran resulting in quicker resolution of the issue. Most of our services are connecting veterans with the resources they need to find a resolution however we do offer a peer support group for female veterans who have experienced sexual assault or harassment in service. VetsNet will serve anyone who has worn the uniform. It does not matter how long the veteran has served or type of discharge they received.
RESOURCES PROVIDED VetsNet provides a large amount of resources to veterans and their families. We connect veterans to homelessness services, rehousing, financial counseling, benefits counseling, legal assistance, home repairs, domestic violence assistance, employment assistance, interview and resume resources, and mental health counseling. We also provide emergency relief services that include food, suicide prevention, and housing services for those in imminent danger. Additionally, we have a female veteran military sexual trauma peer support group that meets virtually, it connects women across the state of Wisconsin to find support from one another in a safe environment.
Kelsey Gumm, Navigator, DC1 (SW), USN, Retired Wisconsin Veterans Network (VetsNet) 6317 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214 Office: 414-257-3624 Cell: 262-320-7727 https://www.wisvetsnet.org/
Mental Health America of Wisconsin provides various wellness services for veterans, including the R&R House. The R&R House provides on-site peer support in a homelike environment, providing stays up to one week for veterans of any discharge status or disability rating to benefit from peer support with those who share lived experience Staff at the R&R House are veterans with lived experience of recovery from mental health and/or substance use issues who have been trained to apply their skills to support other veterans in their recovery. The R&R House also provides a 24/7 warmline service through a non-crisis support line, available at 262-336-9540. Brian Michel Director of Prevention Services Mental Health America of Wisconsin [email protected] 414.336.7961
Helping Vets We know that combat veterans suffering from physical or emotional pains of war are helped by many different things: counseling, medication, alternative therapies like meditation and yoga, and even by such things as scuba diving. Animals, especially dogs, also play a therapeutic role with veterans. Dogs help to meet veterans’ needs for safety, a sense of calm, and companionship.
Who We Help? HAVEN helps veterans with service-connected PTSD and survivors of Military Sexual Trauma. Veterans who are eligible must either be currently in treatment or proof of recently completed treatment and have received a referral from the appropriate provider at VA. HAVEN provides training at no fee to Vets and their dogs. HAVEN does not provide dogs to Vets. A strong commitment to the training is required as it may take at least a year to complete training.
How We Help Veterans involved in the HAVEN training program teach their dogs behaviors like retrieving, as well as tasks needed for the veterans’ specific disabilities such as alerting behaviors, leading to safety, and watching their backs. All programs at HAVEN use Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT): a force free training method that allows the dog to become a more willing and eager learner. The training becomes a shared experience, leading to a strong bond of trust between the dog and the veteran. Training is less stressful and thus more enjoyable for both the veteran and the dog.
Linda M. Bobot CPDT-KA KPA-CTP The Teacher's Pet Dog Training LLC HAVEN, Inc. Hounds and Vets Empowered Now Guardian Angels Service and Therapy Dogs LLC Phone: (414)282-7534
Everyday Bliss is committed to supporting you on your journey to self-understanding and provides an experience that is truly transformational on all levels: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Meet the owner of Everyday Bliss and the teacher who has been providing FREE weekly yoga classes for Veterans on Sundays at 10:30 am. Discover details on how you can join. We look forward to meeting you!
Join us to experience balance, peace of mind, transformation & healing in order to realize your greatest potential.
Website: www.everyday-bliss.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (262)781-8102
The horse is effective with Veterans since horses are very concerned with their surroundings. In the wild they are animals that are preyed upon and they can pick up on what others are projecting. Veterans make an instant connection with the horse because the concerns are the same and connection is the key for a lot people seeking a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Contact: Brenda Compher Phone: (262)496-8832 or (262)818-4463 Email: [email protected] www.newpovequine.com
Many of our clinicians are military veterans themselves, and all are well informed in military culture and how that effects their wellness. We offer outpatient services to anyone who has served, regardless of branch, era, time in service, discharge or service connection. Out services including individual therapy, medications, family and couples therapy, Veteran classes, Veteran support groups, and a Veteran Intensive Outpatient Program.
Veterans can call 414-454-6516 or 414-454-6600 to schedule and/or information on programming.
Healing Warrior Hearts provides free retreats for veterans guiding the emotionally wounded to the peace that heals and strengthens their hearts. The gathering of community, unconditional acceptance, and the absence of judgment create the safety required for healing to occur. Veterans will experience a community of support from fellow vets as well as civilians, people committed and willing to listen to the vets’ stories with compassion and confidentiality and without judgment, helping heal their hearts.
Patricia Clason, Founder Email: [email protected] Website: HealingWarriorHearts.org, Phone: 414.374.5433
Float Milwaukee is the area’s first dedicated floatation therapy center. Our spa-like environment allows for floating in a private pod or private open pool with 10 inches of warm water and 950 pounds of Epsom salt. Customers can choose to float with or without music and/or light. The result is a feeling of weightlessness and many potential benefits, including deep relaxation, stress relief, pain relief, enhanced creativity, focus, and learning, reduction in insomnia, and assistance with alleviating anxiety and symptoms of PTSD. We are proud to have been named Veteran Friendly Business of the Year by the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce in 2017.
Andy Larson, Owner Float Milwaukee 211 W. Freshwater Way Milwaukee, WI 53204 414-273-7258 Email: [email protected] Website: www.floatmilwaukee.com
The Wisconsin Society of Acupuncturists (WISCA) is a non-profit, professional organization of practitioners, students, and supporters of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine. Our mission includes patient education, growing our profession, advocating for practitioners, facilitating continuing education opportunities, and helping acupuncturists connect across the state.
Acupuncture has gained popularity and acceptance in the US as doctors and other medical practitioners increasingly recommend patients seek care. The VA’s Whole Health Program allows Veterans and military families access to Complementary and Integrative Health options, including acupuncture. Acupuncture is an effective and drug-free way to reduce pain, addiction, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD and several other mind and body issues. Acupuncture is a centuries old system of medicine that involves painless insertion of a solid needle that looks more like a thin wire than a traditional hypodermic needle. Join us to learn what acupuncture is, how it works and how it can help you successfully manage your health.
Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.acupuncturewisconsin.org/practitioners/
Words from Chuck Wild – I originally wrote the music of Liquid Mind to be of service to myself, my friends, and my family in dealing with the anxiety & stress of working long hours in our "information overload" world, and also for friends and family dealing with the stress of life-threatening illnesses like cancer & HIV. When I discovered that this music was effective in helping to relax while recovering from my own anxiety and panic attacks, I decided in 1993 to release the music to the public. The soothing and calming Liquid Mind albums seem to have an immediate "slowing down" effect on many listeners and may also help folks of all ages (and their pets) get to sleep and relax deeply after a tension-filled day.
Website: https://liquidmindmusic.com/veterans/index.html Special free downloads for vets
A global shift is under way and more people are sensing it involves a deeper connection with their heart. This desire for more heart connection is a growing movement, one that people are drawn to by a nudge from their own intuition or conscience to listen to their heart more and to connect with their inner guidance. Our dedicated HeartMath team is passionate about helping individuals, organizations, and the global community incorporate the heart’s intelligence into their day-to-day experience of life to develop innovative solutions to challenges, increase cooperation and live more fulfilling lives.
Website: https://www.heartmath.org/resources/veterans/resources/ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering can increase your well-being! These organizations welcome you to be a part of their work.
Check out this article - The 15 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering that will Inspire You https://www.thebalancesmb.com/unexpected-benefits-of-volunteering-4132453
Boys and Girls Club o https://www.bgcmilwaukee.org/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/
Green Vets o https://www.greenvets.org/join-us.html
Guitars for Vets o https://guitars4vets.org/donate/volunteer-guidelines/
Habitat for Humanity o https://milwaukeehabitat.org/volunteer/
Healing Warrior Hearts o https://www.healingwarriorhearts.org/volunteer
Hunger Task Force o Individual and Group opportunities o https://www.hungertaskforce.org/volunteer/
Milwaukee Center for Independence o https://www.mcfi.net/get-involved#volunteer
MHVI (Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative) o WOVIN - Women Veterans Initiative o Bikes for Stripes o https://www.wisconsinvets.org/
Veterans for Diversity, Inc. o https://veterans4diversity.org/ o https://www.facebook.com/VeteransForDiversity
Vets Outreach of WI o https://vetsoutreachwi.us/supportus/
Wisconsin Heroes Outdoors o https://wiherooutdoors.org/get-involved
WI Humane Society o https://www.wihumane.org/volunteer/milwaukee
OUR SPONSORS
Rogers Behavioral Health is proud to partner with the VA to educate and support veterans and their families. Rogers and the VA Health System share the goal of positively impacting the lives and health of veterans and their families who are affected by mental health conditions, and we realize these wounds can be long-lasting and sometimes invisible. Rogers is committed to helping veterans and their families to move forward by providing them with the most effective and compassionate behavioral health care possible. We are honored work with the VA to support the recovery of those who have served our country.
Saluting and honoring Veterans requires more than gratitude. It requires action and dedication. For more than 20 years, Humana has served Veterans, military personnel and their families. Humana’s involvement started with being awarded the TRICARE South contract in 1996. Humana’s involvement with the Veteran community includes continued hiring initiatives focusing on hiring Veterans and military spouses, continuing exclusive designation as the national Medicare Advantage plan carrier for VFW and AMVETS, working on improving Veteran food insecurity through Ruck Marches at Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathons and Uniting to Combat Hunger campaigns, volunteering with local Veterans groups, and various other Veteran focused initiatives. In 2013, Humana received Secretary of Defense Distinguished Freedom Award for supporting National Guard and Reserve employees. Most recently Humana was named a Top Veteran Friendly Company in the US Veterans Magazine Annual Best of the Best list (2020). Humana Medicare Advantage plans have also earned the highly coveted “Recommended by USAA” designation. When it comes to Veteran’s, Humana is your company.
Contacts: Mike Sylvester Henry Bourassa Phone: (414)551-1331 Phone: (262)501-1816
Here’s to your health! The Charles E. Kubly Foundation (CEKF) is pleased to be sponsoring the Veterans Virtual Mental Health Summit. We hope you’ll glean something personally useful from the Summit—health tips and strategies that work for you, exposure to new wellness practices, and motivation from other veterans sharing their stories. Wellness IS Prevention!
The CEKF is focused on raising awareness about the common disease of depression, eliminating stigma so everyone talks more freely about mental health, increasing access to mental health resources and preventing suicide. It raises funds which it grants to nonprofit organizations working in mental health and suicide prevention.
Ann Homstad Executive Director The Charles E. Kubly Foundation