The re-emergence of the opioid epidemic and what it means for veterans

The re-emergence of the opioid epidemic and what it means for veterans

By Chris Meek

 

Out of the COVID-19 pandemic, an opioid epidemic in our country has re-emerged with a vengeance. Today, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 220 Americans will lose their lives due to an opioid overdose.

To put the current number of deaths by opioid overdose into perspective, a report on substance use amid COVID-19 indicates that opioid overdoses in the U.S. increased by 42% in May 2020 when compared to May 2019. Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs also tells us that veterans continue to remain more susceptible to opioid overdoses.

The good news is that despite the seemingly overwhelming nature of the situation, COVID-19 has highlighted a number of key areas where there are viable policy options to address the opioid epidemic. However, addressing the epidemic will require targeting populations, particularly veterans, that are at a higher risk for overdose.

But what exactly can and should leadership do?

1. An effective method of preventing opioid overdose is to co-prescribe a drug known as naloxone with all opioid prescriptions. Naloxone has a 75-100% efficacy in blocking or reversing the fatal effects of an opioid overdose by reversing the respiration of individuals who experience extremely delayed breathing or have stopped breathing altogether due to ingesting a lethal amount of opioids.

Veterans Affairs hospitals already provide naloxone free of charge to veterans that are enrolled in their care programs. However, veterans receiving care outside of the VA system should have increased access to the life saving drug as well.

States could look to the precedent set by those that have a mandatory co-prescription plan currently in place, or follow the lead of California and Ohio where providing the option of a co-prescription is required for those who may want or feel they need it. Providing naloxone to a greater portion of the veteran population, which has twice the number of overdoses as their civilian counterparts, is perhaps one of the most effective ways that we can prevent death by opioid overdose among veterans.

2. Medical providers can change their approach to treating veteran patients and how they prescribe opioids. Prescribing opioids and other medications should never entirely replace traditional therapy practices, including talk therapy, physical therapy and other effective therapy methods. In fact, a study on the reasons a group of veterans discontinued using opioids as a part of their treatment plan found that they were more likely to do so because their clinician stopped prescribing the opioids as opposed to discontinuing use on their own volition.

This research highlights the critical role that clinicians can play in preventing or combatting addiction through the manner in which they prescribe opioid medications. It must be ensured that clinicians receive proper training both when it comes to prescribing opioids and detecting substance misuse.

3. Ending the opioid crisis and expanding access to substance education, prevention and treatment was a platform on which President Biden ran on during his 2020 campaign. President Biden has a fairly thorough plan laid out on his website for how his administration intends to combat the opioid epidemic. Though the plan does indicate the president’s intention to target vulnerable populations, including veterans, by expanding access to treatment and training VA clinicians in safe opioid prescribing practices, more directives must be included in the plan in order for it to truly impact opioid abuse among veterans.

The same can be said for initiatives carried out on the state level. For instance, making expanded access to rural broadband a priority in state legislatures, like Iowa and North Dakota are currently doing, would drastically improve the delivery of telemedicine. Ensuring that veterans have access to both virtual mental and physical healthcare has the potential to assuage opioid use, especially in rural areas of the country.

The public has demanded action for far too long and that demand has only become justifiably heightened in the midst of the pandemic. The political leadership on the state and federal level that we trust to protect and better the lives of veterans must act and use their platforms to help end the opioid epidemic once and for all. This includes providing tailored education, prevention and treatment options to our nation’s heroes.

Philanthropist Sylvie Légère Joins SoldierStrong Advisory Board

Sylvie Légère SoldierStrong Board Member
Sylvie Légère SoldierStrong Board MemberSylvie Légère, social entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and co-founder of The Policy Circle, has joined the advisory board of SoldierStrong, chairman and co-founder Chris Meek said today.

“Sylvie Légère is about developing innovative solutions that unite people for the common good and advance the next generation of changemakers,” Meek said. “Sylvie is also a member of the Board of the Chicago Cubs Charities who mobilizes the power of sport to champion youth, families, and communities. We’re thrilled that Sylvie is bringing her energy, spirit of serving the greater good, and unique perspective to SoldierStrong and our mission.”

Légère and her husband, Todd Ricketts, whose family is the majority owner of the Chicago Cubs, recently demonstrated their commitment and compassion for America’s veterans by donating an Indego ® exoskeleton to SoldierStrong, the national nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of the nation’s military veterans by providing them with revolutionary medical technologies to help them take their next steps forward in their post-service lives.

SoldierStrong presented the device to Tyler Densford, a paralyzed veteran who had been chosen to participate in a four-month program to test a bionic walking system through the St. Louis Veteran’s Administration in 2020, but the study was cut short due to the COVID pandemic. Thanks to the donation to SoldierStrong, Densford is able to walk again and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Beyond her philanthropic efforts, Légère co-founded The Policy Circle in 2015 and serves as the board chair. The nonprofit, non-partisan organization is designed “to educate, engage and empower women to be a force for positive change in their communities.” The organization emphasizes “fact-based civil discourse” as a preferred approach to productive civic involvement and change, and encourages members to “go beyond the headlines and take ownership of the issues.”

Légère is a Québécoise by birth, but American by naturalization. She earned a bachelor’s in management information systems from the University of Ottawa and a master’s degree in computer science with a specialization in the learning sciences from Northwestern University. She recently published her first book, Trust Your Voice: A Roadmap to Focus and Influence and is a frequently sought-after speaker focused on leadership and civic engagement. A healthy living advocate, Légère enjoys running, cycling, camping, and traveling with her husband and their three children.

“I am pleased and excited to join the SoldierStrong advisory board and put my experience to work helping our nation’s veterans,” Légère said. “Our country owes so much to our veterans, and I hope my efforts will substantially and positively impact as many veterans as I possibly can.”

INDYCAR SERIES Driver Graham Rahal Joins SoldierStrong Advisory Board

Rahal Graham Advisory Board

NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Graham Rahal has joined the advisory board of SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the nation’s military veterans by providing them with revolutionary medical technologies to help them take their next steps forward in their lives after service.

“Graham Rahal has played a unique role for SoldierStrong for years – both as a generous fundraiser on and off the track and as an ambassador who graciously shares his platform to share our organization’s story with more and more people each year,” said Chris Meek, SoldierStrong co-founder and chairman. “Graham is more than a fearless racecar driver. He’s a proven entrepreneur and an extraordinary philanthropist. His decision to join our advisory board further demonstrates his deep, personal commitment to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much in defense of our liberties and security.”

Rahal and his wife, Courtney, support SoldierStrong through their charity, the Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation. Since 2018, the foundation’s Drivers Tournament and Vino For Vets initiatives have raised $630,683. As part of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team he also raises funds for SoldierStrong through the Turns for Troops program. Through its generosity as the team’s major sponsor, United Rental donates $50 to SoldierStrong for every lap that Rahal completes during the racing season. In 2021, Rahal completed 1,587 laps, raising $79,350 for SoldierStrong. Since its inception in 2016, Turns For Troops has raised $1,465,027.

“I am blessed to have a career that I’m not only passionate about but that also allows me to benefit veterans – America’s true heroes – in a life-changing way. I’m grateful to be in the company of organizations like SoldierStrong and United Rentals in our commitment to give back to our country’s veterans who provide us with the power of hope and show us what it means to persevere,” said Rahal, who has six wins and 28 podium finishes during his INDYCAR SERIES career.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is co-owned by Graham’s father, Bobby Rahal, winner of the 1986 Indianapolis 500. In 2007, in just his third Champ Car race, Graham Rahal became the youngest-ever podium finisher in Champ Car history after finishing second in the Grand Prix of Houston. He made his 2008 series debut in the season’s second race, which he won to become the youngest driver at the time to win a major American open-wheel race at age 19 years, 93 days. He began the 2009 season by taking pole position at St. Petersburg, becoming the series’ youngest-ever polesitter aged 20 years, 90 days.

He drove in his first Indianapolis 500 in 2008 as the merger of competing racing series resulted in the creation of the INDYCAR SERIES. He has finished in third place at Indianapolis in 2011 and 2020 and has finished in the top 10 in four of his 14 starts at the fabled speedway. Rahal also was a co-driver of the winning Rolex 24 at Daytona car in 2011.

National Veterans Nonprofit SoldierStrong Announces Annual SoldierScholar Recipients for 2021

Delivering on its commitment to help military veterans take a significant academic step forward, the national nonprofit SoldierStrong today announced the 2021 recipients of its annual scholarship initiative, SoldierScholar.

“The Post-9/11 GI Bill has helped thousands and thousands of veterans with their post-secondary education, but there are still funding gaps that can become insurmountable obstacles toward the completion of a degree,” said SoldierStrong co-founder and chairman Chris Meek. “We’re committed to helping to fill those gaps because higher education is one of the most powerful tools to help veterans have a smooth transition to civilian life and ensure that veterans can continue to provide for themselves and their families.”

Meek continued, “Veterans also serve as major assets to the schools they attend by bringing with them unparalleled experiences, leadership characteristics, and integrity cultivated during their time in service. When Americans ask themselves who they want to be the leaders of tomorrow, they will surely think of individuals like our SoldierScholar recipients – whose contributions to our society within the civilian sector will no doubt parallel their contributions to our nation during their service.”

The GI Bill has not historically relieved all costs, such as textbooks, classroom fees, transportation, technology, tutoring and a number of other expenses, associated with higher education. SoldierScholar was created to alleviate those additional costs.

SoldierScholar scholarships are available to veterans who fought in the recent War on Terror, which includes Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. SoldierStrong, which primarily provides revolutionary medical technologies to Veterans Affairs medical centers across the country to help injured veterans lead full lives, has also awarded more than $500,000 through SoldierScholar since 2012. This year’s recipients include:

Michaela Rubinfeld

Michaela Rubinfeld, Georgetown University – Master of Science in Foreign Service

Michaela Rubinfeld has served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for the past three years, where she is currently an all-source analyst. She earned a bachelor of arts in international studies and Chinese from the University at Buffalo before deciding to pursue a master’s degree in foreign service with a concentration in science, technology, and international affairs at Georgetown University. Throughout her time at Georgetown, Rubinfeld will concentrate on emerging technology, focusing on ethical applications of blockchain technology in an increasingly digitized society. She aspires to serve with the U.S. State Department to forge strong relations with other countries and ensure a safe future for generations to come. Michaela’s supportive husband, Conner, is a Navy veteran. “SoldierStrong provided me with more than just a scholarship, they provided a true gift that I am incredibly thankful for. This scholarship will enable me to focus on my studies on my journey to a career where I will be able to continue to serve my country in new and different ways,” Rubinfeld said.

Jessica Evans

Jessica Evans, Old Dominion University – Civil Engineer Technology

Jessica Evans served in the U.S. Navy as a sonar technician while stationed in Hawaii and around the world. In part due to financial considerations, Evans did not go to college directly after high school, and instead was inspired to join the military branch in which both of her grandfathers served. She sees her service as a way to honor their legacy. After finishing her bachelor’s degree in engineering, Evans plans to pursue her master’s degree. “Growing up I never dreamed about going to college let alone going as far as pursuing my master’s degree. So, to have this opportunity to reach for my dreams is really special,” Evans said.

SoldierScholar Major Williams

CSM Andraus L. Williams, University of Southern California – Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership

Command Sergeant Major Andraus L. Williams enlisted in the U.S. Army as a field artilleryman. He served five years on active duty prior to joining the California Army National Guard and joining the Military Police Corps. His combat and stateside tours of duty include Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). In October 2020, Williams was appointed Senior Enlisted Leader for the Camp Roberts Garrison Training Center. He is pursuing his doctorate degree in organizational change and leadership at University of Southern California. “Words cannot express what receiving a SoldierScholar scholarship means to me. I appreciate SoldierStrong, co-chairman Meek and what they do to support our nation’s heroes,” Williams said.

Ryan Lamson

Ryan Lamson, Syracuse University – Master of Public Administration/Master of International Relations

Ryan Lamson joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2007 as an infantry rifleman where he served with 2/1 F during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He went on to serve as an embassy guard, infantry squad leader, and family readiness administrative assistant for the USMC, as well as a cleared American guard for Coastal International Security. A 2021 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship finalist, Lamson is the recipient of multiple awards from the U.S. Department of State, United States Marine Corps, and St. Edward’s University. “I am thankful to be a recipient of a SoldierScholar scholarship and the opportunity to continue my passion for public service and international affairs. This scholarship adds to the opportunities I have at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs to hone the leadership and management skills I first learned in the service,” Lamson said.

Andres Trejo

Andrés Trejo, Syracuse University – Master of Public Administration/Master of International Relations

Andrés Trejo graduated from the Levantine Arabic Basic Course at the Defense Language Institute where he led a team of 18 service members through the 64-week Arabic course. He served as a U.S. Navy cargo team member aboard the USS George H.W. Bush where he was responsible for more than $2.1 million of food and supplies for over 6,000 sailors. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Syracuse University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and is currently a dual MPA/MAIR candidate. “I want to thank SoldierStrong for its support through the SoldierScholar Initiative. This scholarship will not only aid in my academic endeavors but it will also provide me the opportunity to continue to use my leadership and service experiences while at Syracuse University as well as in my professional career,” Trejo said.

To learn more about the SoldierScholar initiative or to donate, please visit https://www.soldierstrong.org/scholarship.

Dealing With the Effects of Post Traumatic Stress: Have You Considered Virtual Reality Therapy to Treat PTS?

Dealing With the Effects of Post Traumatic Stress: Have You Considered Virtual Reality Therapy to Treat PTS?

 By Chris Meek

More than 3 million Americans have served around 5.4 million deployments since the horrendous events that took place on 9/11, resulting in a considerable number of young veterans struggling with a plethora of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress (PTS) and depression.

For those veterans that are living with the effects of PTS, navigating life after service can present many obstacles and challenges, especially when greater than half of veterans with PTS never receive treatment. Says Dr. Albert “Skip” Rizzo, PhD, director of Medical Virtual Reality at the Institute for Creative Technologies at the University of Southern California, “You’re always looking for the next shoe to drop. That might have been a survival skill in combat, but it doesn’t work so well in civilian life.”

In an effort to combat the high national average of 20 U.S. military veteran suicides that occur each day and to offer an additional solution to treating PTS, the national non-profit organization SoldierStrong maintains a partnership with the Veterans Administration to offer BraveMind. BraveMind is a revolutionary virtual reality therapy program that maximizes the efficiency of PTS treatment while appealing to young veterans. Due in part to the ever growing popularity of gaming, the use of virtual reality therapy as a way to treat PTS remains appealing to young veterans who may not be inclined to participate in traditional therapy practices.

Exposure therapy, the practice of recalling a troubling memory while talking through the nuances of that memory with a therapist, is a proven effective method in treating PTS. However, veterans dealing with PTS often find it difficult to summon specific memories of their time in service. Virtual reality therapy makes the process of recalling such memories easier for veterans.

The technology in the BraveMind virtual reality system utilizes an array of specific “worlds.” These fourteen different “worlds” offer a wide range of combat scenarios, such as a crowded Iraqi marketplace. Therapists can select a specific world and customize it, recreating the scene of the troubling memory in the virtual reality headset, thus placing the veteran squarely back within the midst of that memory.

The protocol may come across as simple in writing, but as Dr. Rizzo notes, exposure therapy can be “hard medicine for a hard problem.” However, if done in a safe and supportive environment, in which veterans feel comfortable, it can help individuals confront and deal with their emotions surrounding a traumatic memory in a healthy and effective manner.

The BraveMind program remains so effective because it affords therapists the control to customize the world in the headset so precisely, that sounds, smells and the time of day mirror those of the exact memory. Experiencing troubling memories repeatedly works to reduce the brain’s response to them, so that veterans can begin to have greater control of their memories instead of their memories continuing to have a large stranglehold on them.

“It gets them to talk about things they’ve never talked to anyone about before,” said Dr. Rizzo, “Those memories don’t have the same intense, painful emotional power that they did before. Patients start to feel empowered, to feel that they got it out, and that they can talk about it.”

The BraveMind initiative has donated 12 virtual reality headsets to VA Hospitals across the country since September.

To learn more about SoldierStrong’s BraveMind program, please visit us on the web at https://www.soldierstrong.org/bravemind/

Rahal Automotive Group Donates $35,000 to National Nonprofit That Aids Military Veterans in Taking Their Next Steps Forward

Rahal SoldierStrong Donation

The Bobby Rahal Automotive Group today announced a $35,000 donation to SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit organization that connects military veterans with revolutionary medical technology to help them take their next steps forward.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the 17-dealership group in central and western Pennsylvania has donated a share of every new and used vehicle sold at its central Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh region dealerships during November. Contributions to date total $145,000.

“Our team members and clients are committed to SoldierStrong’s ongoing efforts because they are helping to improve the lives of the men and women of America’s armed forces who have made so many personal sacrifices in defense of our country and our freedom,” said Ron Ferris, Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Rahal Automotive Group. “Once again, we extend our sincere gratitude to the people of western and central Pennsylvania who joined in this very worthy cause.”

Chris Meek, chairman and co-founder of the Stamford, Conn., organization, noted the Rahal family’s commitment to America’s veterans extends beyond its most recent generous gift. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing shows its support for SoldierStrong through its NTT IndyCar Series race team’s program, Turns For Troops. For every lap that Bobby’s son, Graham Rahal, completed in the 2021 season, sponsor United Rentals donated $50 to SoldierStrong.

“Since 2016, Turns for Troops has raised more than $1.1 million to help support veteran recovery through such devices as robotic exoskeletons that help paralyzed veterans walk again and virtual reality technology that provides effective treatment for post-traumatic stress,” Meek said. “The Rahal family, Rahal Automotive Group, Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan Racing and Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation have been there when America’s veterans needed them most and this donation is a testament to their selfless generosity.”

About Bobby Rahal Automotive Group

Bobby Rahal Automotive Group was founded in 1989 and proudly represents the Acura, BMW, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volvo brands throughout Western and Central Pennsylvania. The Bobby Rahal Automotive Group team is passionately committed to customer excellence and aims to provide a culture of caring that redefines the automotive experience. For more information, visit the Bobby Rahal Automotive Group website.