Thanking veterans by meeting their unique needs

Today, we honor all the brave men and women who have sacrificed and served our country. For many, those sacrifices last beyond their time in uniform, as acclimating to civilian life can bring numerous challenges – from finding a new career to grappling with ongoing physical and behavioral health conditions.

I’m proud that Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are serving those who’ve served through a number of community outreach programs that address the unique challenges they face.

Transitioning to the civilian workforce

Veterans have unmatched skills and experience, but, in many cases, there is no straight path from their careers in the military and civilian life. To ease this transition, BCBS companies are collaborating and building partnerships to ensure our vets get the education and opportunities to succeed in the next phase of their life.

A unique partnership between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and the University of North Carolina Physician Assistant Studies program is expanding access to healthcare in rural areas while helping veterans build medical careers. More than a third of students are veterans, many with experience as medics. Of those, nearly two-thirds are from North Carolina, and more than one in five are from a medically underserved population. Once they finish the program, the vets help fill the care gap in the 70 rural counties of North Carolina that are classified as medical deserts.

Battling behavioral health issues

Long deployments, harsh conditions and physical injury can all take a toll on emotional health. A recent survey of returning service members showed nearly a third reported a mental health condition or having experienced a traumatic brain injury.

A Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation grant, in collaboration with the Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Veterans Community Action Teams and other organizations helped National Alliance for Mental Illness Michigan promote NAMI Homefront. The free program – available to friends, family and caregivers of active military and veterans – offers the tools and coping strategies needed to address the serious mental health conditions veterans and their loved ones sometimes face.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, in response to the growing number active duty, veterans and family members seeking trauma support, supports organizations that help members of the military with post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health conditions. From individual and group counseling services to a behavioral health and substance abuse program, to housing programs for vets experiencing homelessness, the grants help vets and their families recover.  

I give a heartfelt thank you to all our veterans and active service members. You and your families have sacrificed so much. We will make sure you can gain the skills and services you need upon returning to civilian life.