November 11th marks Veterans Day, honoring veterans of the United States Armed Forces,
and November is also the time for the annual observance of military families. Our United States
Veterans raised their right hand to serve and protect, and their sacrifices, as well as their
families, continue beyond their term of duty. A 2023 study, entitled “Veteran and Military Mental
Health Issues” highlights the “prominent disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), depression, suicidality, and substance use” that our veterans may experience. The
study also identifies “the crucial role of the interprofessional team in enhancing care for patients
facing these challenges.” (Marlyn J. Moore; Evan Shawler; Christopher H. Jordan; Christopher
A. Jackson. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572092/)
The visible and hidden wounds of our warriors may require additional options above and
beyond the standard of care; groups of health care professionals and organizations that offer a
holistic and comprehensive view and treatment options. Healing Harmonies is proud to partner
with BRAVE program, providing a unique standard of care to veterans and first responders with
traumatic brain injuries. It is grant-funded, and there is a “no barriers” approach, meaning the
gates to accessing this care are wide open.
“BRAVE is a Traumatic Brain Injury recovery program specifically designed for military veterans
and first responders. It is an intensive, outpatient program that focuses on diagnosing and
treating brain injuries so participants can return to normal life. The BRAVE program is the first of
its kind in the Midwest and one of only a few in the United States”
https://www.mcw.edu/departments/wisconsin-institute-of-neuroscience-wins/brave-program
Art and Music therapy’s role in this program is unique to each group and individual we serve.
We are a weekly part of the program, using the creative arts as a means to build coping
skills/grounding techniques, emotional processing and expression, engage in interpersonal
connection, and even target areas of cognition affected by the TBI (attention, memory, sensory
processing, and self-awareness). Mindfulness exercises, active music or art-making, music/lyric
discussion, and more are used with a process-oriented approach to creative arts that focuses
on the physiological, psychological, and neurological impact of the elements of art and music.
Additional options and organizations are available for veterans looking for change and ready
to take a step forward. These organizations also require support from grants and volunteers,
and provide excellent opportunities for those who desire to reach out and support our veterans
in tangible ways. Below is a non-comprehensive, but sizable list of resources you can explore!
Brave Heart – equine therapy program – available to veterans and their families
https://braveheartsriding.org/services/
Vehicles for Vets
https://www.vehiclesforveterans.org/
Warrior Path – training camps to experience “post-traumatic growth”
Virginia Camp – https://bouldercrest.org/program/warrior-pathh/
Mt Vernon, ME – https://bouldercrest.org/program/warrior-pathh/
Pacific Northwest – https://ptsdfoundation.org/warrior-pathh/
Camp Southern Ground GA – https://campsouthernground.org/veteran-programs/warrior-pathh/
K9s for Warriors – access to service dogs
https://k9sforwarriors.org
Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative
https://www.wisconsinvets.org/
Bob Woodruff Foundation
https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/programs/got-your-6-network/
Wisconsin Veterans Outreach Program
https://dva.wi.gov/
Milwaukee VA approved Martial Arts Support Group
https://www.ngmke.com/programs/milwaukee-military-veterans-support-group/
WI heroes outdoors – Camaraderie and healing through outdoor activities
https://wiherooutdoors.org/
Irreverent Warriors – “humor and camaraderie to improve the veteran outlook”
https://irreverentwarriors.com/