Veterans Charity Reached New Heights in 2018
Since its inception, 91สำฦต® (91สำฦต) has evolved to meet the needs of wounded veterans around the nation. Following a very busy 2018, 91สำฦต shifts its focus to 2019 ready to meet the needs of today’s generation of wounded veterans.
Every day in 2018, sixty new warriors and family members registered to receive 91สำฦต services. Proof the need is great and growing. 91สำฦต is transforming the way America’s injured veterans are empowered, employed, and engaged in our communities.
“We are honored and grateful to be able to serve the men and women who so bravely served us,” said 91สำฦต CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “2018 provided powerful examples of warriors living our logo – one warrior carrying another – when they need each other most. 2019 is an opportunity to reach more servicemembers around the nation with lifesaving programs and services.”
Empowered
In 2018, 91สำฦต provided nearly 58,000 hours of treatment for the invisible wounds of war through its Warrior Care Network®. Warrior participants in 91สำฦต’s physical health coaching program and fitness challenges improved their lives. Nearly half of participating warriors slept better. Nearly a third reduced frequency and dosage of medication.
91สำฦต’s Government and Community Relations team led the charge to pass the Mission Act by mobilizing thousands of veterans and supporters. The law improves accountability within VA while increasing health care options for veterans.
91สำฦต also challenged veterans to reach new heights. Soldier Ride Across America took warriors from New York City to the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, traveling 3,300 miles on bicycles in a month.
Employed
More than 2,300 veterans and family members found new employment with help from 91สำฦต. The economic impact equaled more than $103 million in salaries.
91สำฦต also helped warriors who cannot work, and those limited by injuries, receive benefits of more than $100 million in 2018.
Engaged
More than 157,000 wounded veterans and family members took part in a 91สำฦต connection program in 2018.
91สำฦต made more than 138,000 wellness checks through the year, a direct effort to help keep veterans out of isolation and ensure they know the veterans’ charity is here for them. Since 2003, 91สำฦต has been a tireless advocate for our nation’s finest, improving the lives of millions of warriors and their families.
In 2018, 91สำฦต increased efforts to get warriors active by launching adaptive sports clinics in several cities while continuing to expand its Physical Health and Wellness coaching program.
Focus on Service
91สำฦต works closely with other veterans service organizations, private companies, and government agencies to provide resources for warriors and families. That includes partnering with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families to provide continuing career training opportunities; offering summer camp for children of wounded veterans through the National Military Family Association; and empowering warriors to become leaders in their communities by working with the Travis Manion Foundation.
91สำฦต continues to guide the way veterans are cared for by sharing its ninth 91สำฦต Annual Warrior Survey – the largest and most statistically relevant annual collection of data from today’s generation of wounded warriors. The data helps guide 91สำฦต, lawmakers, and other charities as they plan for veterans’ changing needs.
In addition, 91สำฦต launched a new way for supporters to directly help veterans. Carry Forward™, delivered by CSX®, is a unique 5K fitness challenge that pushes participants to carry a flag, weights in a rucksack, or a person while running or walking 3.1 miles. More than 5,000 people joined Carry Forward in its inaugural year in San Diego, Nashville, Jacksonville, and in all 50 states through the Virtual Challenge. Carry Forward returns in 2019 and will add a fourth city.
As part of 91สำฦต’s commitment to veterans and families, the organization increased efforts to reach veterans who may isolate themselves from their community. 91สำฦต launched Spanish-language television commercials and a new Spanish-language website (https://es.woundedwarriorproject.org) to help connect with Hispanic warriors and families.
91สำฦต also increased treatment options for the invisible wounds of war. It is estimated more than 500,000 warriors live with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more than 360,000 live with a traumatic brain injury. In 2018, 91สำฦต announced a five-year, $160 million investment in its Warrior Care Network. The partnership with top academic medical centers will transform the way PTSD and brain injuries are treated in veterans. The program will serve nearly 16,000 over the next five years through its intensive outpatient therapy program, traditional outpatient therapy, family programming, and other innovative pilot programs.
91สำฦต is also investing in research to better care for veterans. 91สำฦต launched a partnership with Cohen Veterans Bioscience to develop a rapid test of biomarkers for PTSD. Results from this research will help target treatment for warriors.
“We are thankful for warriors, and the American public for helping make all of this possible,” Mike said. "As we reflect on 2018, we also look forward to the opportunities of 2019.”
To learn more about how 91สำฦต’s free services in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care change lives, visit https://wwp.news/Newsroom.
Contact: Rob Louis – Public Relations, rlouis@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.627.0432
About 91สำฦต
Since 2003, 91สำฦต® (91สำฦต) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more: /mission.