WARRIOR HEALING PROJECT

The Warrior Healing Project works to FIGHT for veterans at the community level, to provide veterans with hope, belonging and purpose. We do that by recognizing that veteran suicide and PTSD are not mental illnesses, but a product of psychological and emotional disruption. As such, they require a community who is willing and able to listen, to understand, and to help fight for veterans who are experiencing crisis.

In 2022, WHP has grown our veteran database to over 1700 families, including 574 veterans who sought assistance at the Center for the first time during those 12 months. Out of those 574, 61 self-reported as a threat to self or others when completing their intake form. We are thrilled that those 61 continue to work with the programs and resources we've connected them to, and have not harmed themselves or others.

In Cochise County in 2019, 2020, and 2021 the average number of veteran suicides was 12.3 each year. In 2022, that number dropped to 9 veteran suicides. WHP is continuing to work with local resources at the city, county and state levels to ensure better tracking of these numbers and to develop strategies to intervene with veterans at the highest risk. WHP is fighting for resources that need to be applied to winning this battle.

Veterans (and their families) who are experiencing crisis can find a one-stop shop of resources and programs at the Center along with a team to help them over any hurdles.

We are honored to do this work - these are our coworkers, our neighbors, our friends who have been willing to sacrifice everything. They do not ask for help. They do not find it easy to open up to those who haven't been there. They do not want charity, but they do need help. It is our turn to give them a hand up.