Health care. It’s an important topic, and one we hold in high regard at Blue Star Families. We make the needs of the military and Veteran community our #1 priority. Our annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey is an essential piece of our work to gauge what’s most important to those we represent: You!
For example, our 2022 survey reports that a greater number of working-age Veterans would like to receive mental health care but are not currently receiving it compared to aging Veterans. Similarly, access to military/VA health care system(s) remains a top issue for Veterans and their spouses again this year.
Why does this matter?
For starters, we take those reported issues that matter most to you and turn them into programs and partner strategies. We created the Blue Star Families Combat the Silence initiative, as part of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant, to address your mental health needs, and we recently hosted a joint event with VA to highlight VA tools, including the Caregiver Connect scheduling option within VA Video Connect.
But needs change, and we depend on your input to make sure we’re providing what serves our community best each year. This year, we’re expanding questions to include topics like well-being, recruitment and retention, and how subjects like health care, outdoor activity and social ties affect your feelings about health and thriving.
How to participate
Lend your experience and expertise when you take the 2023 survey. You are the difference. After you complete the survey, keep an eye out for our 2023 results release event in March 2024!
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My internet is iffy at best. That’s why I shy away from phone/internet help for my healthcare. I live 45 miles to Great Falls and 50 miles to Helena VA support. This is really hard on my mental health.
The VA in Nashville, TN is extremely hard to get connected (directly) without long waits when going thru a “central” incoming call! There apparently isn’t any direct Clinic phone numbers to be had, i.e., Dental Clinic appoints info! Inside the Clinic trying to get anyone to assist immediately is not possible. Note: Usually they’re too busy eating, chatting with each other and creating long lines of waiting while the Staff are eating and chatting! All clinic incoming calls (directly) cannot be accomplished! Very poor patient service!
Thank you for your continued support of or Soldiers and there mental health needs.