Organizations supporting vets, military communities as mental health challenges increase

DELMARVA- Pushing outreach and more opportunities, those are two big goals organizations serving vets and military communities are looking to provide during the pandemic.

” Veterans and their families have experienced even higher levels of social isolation and loneliness during the pandemic than the general population,” Brian Jenkins, Executive Director of Armed Service Art Partnership, said.

I’m told for veterans the transition from military to civilian life can be difficult leading some to face mental health challenges and even suicide.

And when the pandemic broke out, we’re told those issues didn’t stop.

“We have seen more applications come in for veterans that are in distress, financial distress,” Anna Lopez, Vice Chair Commissioner of Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs, said.

With that being said, the Armed Service Art Partnership, the nation’s largest veteran and military non-profit organization is trying to help this community through art classes, performances, stand up comedies, creative writing, and more.

“Addressing that challenge through opportunities to connect and express the arts is so important and that’s why during the pandemic we have tripled the number of our programs,” Jenkins said.

One alumni of the ASAP program and volunteer, living in Annapolis, said this program has changed his life.

“The freedom that I’ve gotten from feeling artistic expression really for the first time in my life because obviously it’s not artistic expression is not something that is encouraged in the military that has been a very freeing, a tremendously positive thing in my life,” Joe Gagliardi, ASAP Alumni and volunteer, said.

While the pandemic and the fight to decrease mental health issues and suicide rates isn’t over, we’re told if you’re struggling reach out.

“We are hoping that we are getting out to the public and getting the message out to the public that there are resources available,” Lopez said.

“If you’re having a tough time right now, if you are at all artistically inclined or if you’re not I would encourage you to reach out,” Gagliardi said.