Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
The struggle for local Veterans is real—how Bradford is helping right now
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Throughout the year, we commemorate our military heroes for the sacrifices they make for us. However, we don’t often see the impact those sacrifices have on them.
Read on to learn how Bradford Health Services is helping Veterans and active duty military reclaim their lives from substance use disorder through Hero’s Path and how they can assist you or a loved one.
The unique struggle for military service members
It’s undeniable that Veterans and active duty military have lived through circumstances many civilians will never comprehend. A Veteran himself, Chris Culver, Bradford Crisis Admissions Supervisor, knows the unique struggles military service members encounter.
“Military service members are typically 18-20 years old when they first serve. It’s the first time in their lives they’re really out in the world, and they’re immediately in dangerous situations and witnessing things no one should ever have to see.”
Christopher Culver, Crisis Admissions Supervisor, Bradford Health Services, Madison Campus
There are many reasons why veterans and active duty military are more at risk of substance use disorder.
Master Sergeant Jason Smith, Bradford Veterans Business Consultant and Military Liaison, says that it comes down to three factors—culture, trauma and stigma. While military culture encourages social drinking, trauma sustains it and stigma makes it easy to overlook it.
Personalized program + community opportunities
Veterans don’t retire their troubles when they return to civilian life. In fact, this stage of life often brings more challenges with substance use disorder.
Billy Velve, CEO of treatment center The Estate at River Bend in Mississippi associated with Bradford Health Services, outlines why this stage proves so difficult.
“The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, and some individuals turn to substances as a way to cope with the stressors associated with this transition, including loss of identity, employment or social support.”
Billy Velve, CEO of The Estate at River Bend
Hero’s Path
Bradford Health Services’ specialized Veterans and active duty military program, Hero’s Path, acknowledges these difficulties and provides personalized care and community to help Veterans overcome them.
Bradford has a strong relationship with the VA (Veterans Affairs) to ensure Veterans receive seamless care. They coordinate transportation and scheduling of medical appointments so Veterans can get the VA care they need without disrupting their treatment.
Angela Camp, CEO of Bradford’s Madison campus, details the excellent care the Hero’s Path program provides:
“The program is 45 days long, but Veterans can stay on for an additional six months if they wish. During this time, they will participate in therapy, leisure outings (like like community military events, nature hikes, etc.), grief groups, and finance classes.”
Angela Camp, CEO, Bradford at Madison
Ready to receive personalized treatment? Call 1-888-SOBER-40 today and check out all that Bradford Health Services offers.
Disabled Veteran-friendly facilities
All of Bradford Health Services’ campuses are disabled Veteran-friendly facilities. They set Veterans up with their Veteran Service Officer, help them get their disability claims filed and get appropriate benefits.
Bradford’s Madison campus offers a DAV-friendly (Disabled American Veterans) layout. The campus is all one level. They’ve smoothed out any uneven surfaces to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers and made the nurse stations easily accessible.
Celeste Kodra, Madison Campus VA Case Manager, personally works with the Veterans to ensure they receive their disability benefits.
Supporting families
In addition to providing outstanding resources to Veterans and active duty military, Bradford also supports their families and offers counseling opportunities.
“I look forward to talking to Veterans’ family members. Sometimes, Veterans hesitate to share their personal experiences, but their loved ones can help me understand their unique struggles.”
Celeste Kodra, VA Case Manager, Bradford Madison Campus
However, as Master Sergeant Smith notes, some Veterans and active duty military hesitate to share with their families—and that’s where Bradford acts as a meaningful liaison.
“As Veterans, we’re not always talking to our families about our problems. We’ve been told to ‘suck it up, buttercup,’ so we unwittingly put a burden on our families because we won’t talk to them about what’s bothering us.”
Master Sergeant Jason Smith, Bradford Veterans Business Consultant and Military Liaison
Making the call
When Veterans call Bradford Health Services, they can trust the person on the other end of the line understands their unique situation. The Bradford staff immediately asks if the caller is an active military service member or Veteran to connect them with someone who has been in the service and walked in their shoes.
“The hardest thing to do is make the call, but there’s no cost or commitment to it. That one call can change everything.”
Angela Camp, CEO, Bradford at Madison
If you are an active military service member of Veteran seeking help, call 1-888-SOBER-40 and learn more about Bradford Health Services.
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