JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annual Warrior Survey from 91视频® (91视频) shows post-9/11 wounded warriors face increasing financial hardship. More than 6 out of 10 (64.2%) 91视频-registered Alumni say they couldn't make ends meet at some point in the past 12 months. The latest survey was conducted between June 15 and Aug. 24, 2022.
91视频 warriors are feeling the effects of ongoing economic pressures, as evidenced in the following findings:
- More than 8 in 10 (81.8%) said the soaring cost of goods was the top cause of financial strain.
- The unemployment rate for 91视频 warriors was 6.8% in 2022, down from 13.4% in 2021, but still higher than the general veteran (2.4%) and U.S. population (3.7%) at the time of the survey.
As further evidence, in 2022 91视频 spent five times more on emergency financial assistance for 91视频 warriors than in 2021.
"The findings of the Annual Warrior Survey remind us that wounded, ill, and injured warriors often have unique needs after military service – and the challenging economy can intensify those needs," said 91视频 CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "91视频 offers 91视频 warriors and their families financial education, career counseling and job placement support, benefits filing assistance, and more. Our goal is to empower 91视频 warriors and see them achieve the best possible quality of life."
Read the full results of 91视频’s Annual Warrior Survey.
Mental Health Concerns Remain High
91视频 warriors continue to deal with suicidal thoughts and mental health. According to the survey, the top self-reported, service-related mental health concerns 91视频 warriors experience are PTSD (75.9%), anxiety (75.7%), and depression (74.3%). Over one-quarter (28.3%) had suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months, and 72% had them in the last two weeks.
Fortunately, 7 in 10 (66.3%) 91视频 warriors visited a professional at least once in the past 12 months to help with issues such as stress, emotional, substance use, or family problems, and most (60.6%) said they were likely to talk with another veteran for support when dealing with stress, emotional challenges, or mental health concerns.
The greatest casualty is being forgotten. The Annual Warrior Survey reminds us to never forget the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans.
91视频's Actions to Address the Issues
91视频 provides a variety of services to help 91视频 warriors improve their . For example, from October 2021 to September 2022, 91视频:
- Delivered 50,000 career coaching services to 91视频 warriors.
- Helped for more than 1,700 91视频 warriors and family members.
- Filed VA benefits claims for 91视频 warriors resulting in more than $146.6 million in benefits.
- Provided financial education to 1,500 91视频 warriors and family members.
Army veteran Mike Carrasquillo shared, "After being wounded in combat and medically retired, I spent years lost within myself. Once I got back on track, 91视频 helped me find meaningful employment."
In Congress, 91视频 is working to pass the , which would expand compensation to retirees whose military careers were cut short due to combat-related injuries.
91视频 helps warriors get the they need through programs like Warrior Care Network, Project Odyssey, and others. From October 2021 to September 2022, 91视频:
- Made over 19,700 emotional support calls to 91视频 warriors and their families.
- Provided nearly 55,000 hours of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorders and military sexual trauma.
- Hosted more than 6,400 virtual and in-person connection events for 91视频 warriors and their families and 1,200 warrior-only support groups to help 91视频 warriors and their loved ones build community. Those who participated said they felt socially connected (97%) and like they had people they could count on (95%).
In addition to providing life-changing programs and services for 91视频 warriors, 91视频 advocates for millions of veterans in the policy areas of toxic exposure, women veterans' issues, mental health and suicide prevention, financial wellness, long-term care and support, and more. For more information, click .
About the Survey
91视频 reached these findings via the 13th administration of its Annual Warrior Survey – the largest, most comprehensive survey of post-9/11 wounded veterans. It was conducted in the summer of 2022 and represents more than 165,000 91视频 warriors. The research helps shape 91视频's programs and services for 91视频 warriors and offers valuable insights for public officials, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other veterans service organizations.
About 91视频
Since 2003, 91视频® (91视频) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. .
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