Dryhootch: Veterans Using Peer Support

Project Description Narrative:

Exposure to traumatic situations and prolonged and unpredictable family separations related to deployment and service cause military veterans to be at increased risk of developing a number of mental health disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder, along with difficulty re-establishing family relationships upon return to life at home. In addition, the stigma of mental illnesses causes many veterans — particularly those who want to continue a military career or association — and their families to not recognize these behavioral issues as medical issues, rather than social. Challenges related to the perception of VA care may also contribute to a lack of use. Despite other efforts and programs, there is evidence that veterans do not see out the care that they, or their families, need.

Using emerging evidence that peer support is an important adjunct to professionally provided health care services, project partners aim to explore the use of trained peer counselors to facilitate the use of appropriate and needed medical services and support returning veterans and their families in using the health care and social resources available to them.

Community partners: Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center