Why We Are Here
The Challenges
You may be surprised to learn how many Veterans aren’t receiving services from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and are not getting the health care they need. The reality is that half of post-9/11 Veterans are not enrolled in Veterans Administration health care.
This is despite the fact that nationally, 36% of post-9/11 Veterans have a service-related disability and 50% of returning Service Members report some type of mental health issue.
Here are the big reasons why Vets aren’t getting help:
Access to Services
Access to health services is the most well-known reason Veterans aren’t getting critical health services. Half of post-9/11 Veterans aren’t enrolled with the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system and are not getting the mental health care and critical health services they need.
Our response: We bridge the gaps in the existing healthcare system to make it easy for RVP Clients to access the quality, timely care they deserve.
Stigma of Mental Illness
Veterans often experience stigma—negative stereotypes imposed by the public or by oneself—after leaving military service. One of the most significant stigmas is related to asking for help and support services.
Military training builds our Service Members into resilient and capable leaders, and as civilians we also have come to define these leaders as strong, infallible, and selfless. Fear of labels like “depressed,” “PTSD,” or “disabled” often leads Veterans to avoid the health care system or minimize a diagnosis.
Additionally, over one-third of military personnel say seeking mental health treatment would damage their military career.
Our response: Services provided to RVP Clients are completely confidential, which helps reduce fear of stigma or reprisal.
Military-Civilian Divide
If you were born before 1955, there’s a 75% chance you have an immediate family member in the military. But today, the odds are just 15%. Most people don’t know anyone who serves in the military. Yet thousands of Veterans, active duty Service Members, and their Families are our neighbors. Stereotypes and misinformation can easily get in the way of civilians and veterans forming strong relationships within their communities.
Our response: Many of our volunteers have military backgrounds. And for those who don’t, we provide trainings year-round from experts in suicide prevention, military sexual trauma, military culture, and more. Our trainings help RVP Volunteers understand and address the unique challenges of military life.
Cost of Health Care
Over half of Military Families don’t have enough savings to cover three months of living expenses; paying for health care is a major barrier for families in need.
Our response: Our free health services are without hidden fees or strings attached so that RVP Clients get the care they need. RVP is a rare example of free, confidential healthcare for veterans outside of government services.
Finding a Trusted Provider
It takes a lot of trust to choose a health Provider. And stamina, too – finding or affording a Provider can be a struggle within a struggle. Many Veterans aren’t getting critical health care because they can’t find a Provider they trust, or there are too many hurdles to jump.
Our response: Veterans and their Families use our online directory to find a trusted Provider of their choice and receive free services for as long as they need to heal. No strings attached. We are the only non-profit providing free, confidential health services for local Veterans and their Families in the Pacific Northwest.
Selflessness
Veterans are trained to put the needs of others before their own. Some Veterans worry that if they use a support service, then that service won’t be available to a fellow Veteran who is also in need. That’s not necessarily the reality, but it’s a testament to the training Veterans receive to protect their comrades no matter the personal cost to themselves.
Our response: The availability of free, confidential, non-judgmental health services makes it easier for Veterans to connect to support when and where they need it most.
