The Healing Warriors Program is a vital resource for veterans and their families, offering non-narcotic therapies to address pain, PTSD, sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and more. Currently, the program operates a clinic every Tuesday at the American Legion Post #209 in Colorado Springs. However, the need to expand these services to five days a week is critical to meet the growing demand and provide life-saving therapies to more veterans and their families.
Colorado Springs is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the nation, with an estimated 89,829 veterans residing in the metro area. This represents 17% of the local adult population, highlighting the significant presence of veterans in the community. Unfortunately, many of these veterans face severe challenges, including mental health issues and a high risk of suicide.
Veteran suicide is a pressing issue in Colorado. In 2019, the veteran suicide rate in Colorado was significantly higher than the national average, with 170 veteran suicides reported. The suicide rate among veterans aged 18-34 was particularly alarming, at 71.1 per 100,000. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective interventions to address the mental health crisis among veterans.
The Healing Warriors Program offers therapies that can disrupt the risk factors leading to veteran suicide. The program addresses physical and psychosocial concerns by providing acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, and Healing Touch, alleviates pain, improves sleep, and enhances overall well-being. These therapies are crucial in managing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which are common among veterans and can contribute to suicidal ideation.
Expanding the clinic's operations to five days a week would allow the Healing Warriors Program to reach more veterans and provide consistent support. Regular access to these therapies can significantly improve the quality of life for veterans, helping them to manage chronic pain, reduce stress, and restore hope. Additionally, the program's client care specialists work to identify and connect veterans with community resources, further supporting their path to recovery.
In conclusion, expanding the Healing Warriors Program's services in Colorado Springs is essential to address the high demand and provide comprehensive care to veterans and their families. By increasing the frequency of the clinic, the program can offer more veterans the opportunity to benefit from life-saving therapies, ultimately reducing the risk of suicide and improving their overall well-being.
