The grant will support Hanley Foundation’s Patriots Initiative to provide veterans with affordable care for mental health and addiction treatment.
In support of our nation’s heroes, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has granted $100,000 to expand treatment for veterans through Hanley Foundation’s Patriots Initiative. The grant will specifically help veterans who do not have the financial means to receive quality care for mental health and substance use disorders.
Hanley Foundation launched its Patriots Initiative in 2024 to provide trauma-informed, mental health and addiction treatment to veterans. The specialized inpatient and outpatient program navigates the unique stresses of veterans’ service and puts them in a safe, understanding, and compassionate environment.
“Hanley Foundation acknowledges that the veteran population experiences unique challenges in the behavioral health space due to the nature of their occupation and experiences,” said Rachel Docekal, CEO of Hanley Foundation. “We consider what each individual needs to succeed, whether that is specialized therapy, family therapy, holistic therapies, vocational training, housing assistance, and more.”
In the United States, approximately 38% of veterans have been diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) and 5.2 million experience behavioral health conditions. Veterans face a heightened risk of developing substance use disorders and mental health issues due to the psychological effects of military service, reintegration, combat trauma, occupational trauma, and excessive stress.
Despite the clear need for care, substantial barriers prevent veterans from accessing mental health services. Approximately 60% of veterans with mental health issues and 90% with substance use disorder do not seek treatment. Gaps in insurance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the cost of treatment can dissuade many from getting help. Stigmatizing views related to addiction and mental health disorders in the military can also deter treatment.
Hanley’s Patriots Initiative is one of the few programs nationally that utilizes trauma-focused and research-affirmed treatment, treating co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions, along with substance use disorders. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, suicide, traumatic brain injury, and SUD are significantly higher among veterans. To target and treat these conditions, Hanley Foundation utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and narrative exposure therapy (NET), in addition to traditional psychotherapy and pharmacology.
To learn more about the Patriots Initiative, visit hanleycenter.org/treatment/veterans-and-first-responders.
