Veterans’ Health

Project Title

Maintaining and Maximizing Veterans’ Access to Mental Health Care

Grant Amount

$100,000

Priority Area

Veterans’ Health

Date Awarded

December 6, 2024

Region

Statewide

Status

In Progress

Website

https://theheadstrongproject.org/

Two decades of major combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan heightened awareness of the invisible injuries of war, including PTSD, depression, substance misuse, and traumatic brain injury. Recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan further exacerbated these challenges. Public and private partners have mobilized to meet veterans’ mental health needs. The federal government recently implemented the PACT Act—the largest benefits expansion in the history of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—alongside a policy ensuring that every veteran can access VA or private care during acute suicidal crises. In 2024, NYHealth awarded The Headstrong Project a grant to provide high-quality, free, culturally competent mental health care to veterans statewide. 

Under this grant, the Headstrong Project will use its trauma-informed model to provide services using evidence-based PTSD treatment. Headstrong will leverage technology to conduct outreach and increase awareness of services in high-need areas throughout the State, with a focus on rural areas and minority populations; provide approximately 300 clinical sessions to veterans statewide; work with the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Center and the VA to maintain a strong referral network; and share best practices and recommendations to support a sustainable mental health service network throughout the State.