Name
#193 - Harmonizing Hope: Transforming Veteran Mental Health via Private-Public Partnerships
Date & Time
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Description

Compared to the general United States (US) population, in the long term, Veterans tend to be of equivalent or worse health than civilians. A key factor contributing to health disparities among veterans is poorer health behavior both during and after their military service, particularly in areas of physical activity, nutrition, tobacco, and alcohol.1 Over 1.7 million Veterans receive mental health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs.2 Common mental health challenges include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. About 7% of Veterans will experience PTSD and over 11% of Veterans report elevated depression rates.3,4 In response, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as the nation's largest integrated healthcare system, prioritizes implementing initiatives to improve the overall health needs, including mental well-being of Veterans. With a workforce of over 371,000 healthcare professionals across over 60 professions, the VA extends its healthcare services to encompass more than 9 million enrolled veterans.5 Public-private partnerships (P3) are a collaborative arrangement between government entities (public sector) and private sector organizations, and an effective mechanism to jointly work towards improving health outcomes, including improved mental health and wellbeing. Partnerships leverage the strengths and resources of both sectors to implement programs and initiatives aimed at achieving greater health equity.6 The effectiveness of P3 greatly relies on their structure and specific environment in which they are put into practice.7 Additionally, trust and adequate resources contribute to the success of partnerships.8 The VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) supports emerging healthcare advancement initiatives (HAIs) through implementation of non-monetary partnerships. The VA’s partnerships enhance the access and delivery of evidence-based therapies to promote mental health well-being, including (1) art therapy, (2) animal-assisted interventions (AAI), and (3) resiliency training. The VA facilitated a partnership with a large non-profit organization of advancing arts and humanities to increase Veteran access to therapeutic benefits of the arts. The interprofessional collaboration supports Veteran engagement through whole health approaches that integrate art therapy into Veterans’ care. The partnership also promotes the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, an annual event that celebrates the progress and healing of art therapy for Veterans. Another national VA partnership established provides Veterans the benefit of the human-animal bond through AAI. Advantages of AAI include improved emotional wellbeing, reduced anxiety and stress, and enhanced social interactions. The collaboration with multiple specialties expands pet visitation and AAI in VA facilities, educates Veterans and staff about AAI benefits, and provides therapies to rural communities. Lastly, a partnership established with a cloud-based software company provides resources to Veterans and military service members transitioning from active duty to civilian life and their spouses/families. The collaboration provides online training on VA Veteran benefits, classes and certifications for technology-based careers, professional development courses, and access to employment opportunities. The platform additionally supports Veteran behavioral health by offering mental health resiliency training. Over 12,000 individuals have completed the mental health resiliency module, with an average of 4.6/5 rating representing 1,100 users, emphasizing its quality and effectiveness.

Location Name
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Content Presented on Behalf of
VHA/VA
Learning Outcomes
Following this presentation, the participant will be able to:<br />
•Describe the health equity challenges of the Veteran population<br />
•Examine how public-private partnerships enhance the unique mental health needs of Veterans<br />
•Describe the innovative initiatives that support Veteran’s behavioral health and wellbeing
Session Type
Posters