Military and Veteran Community Resources in Response to COVID-19

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Military and Veteran Community Resources in Response to COVID-19

During the Washington State “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, we are staying in our homes and using physical distancing to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy. However, struggles may arise in our Military and Veteran community due to less social interaction, barriers to resources, and loss of employment. It may seem difficult to adjust how to care for our mental wellbeing, continue to provide for our families, connect with others, and find the resources that meet our needs while maintaining social distancing. This list serves as a guide to resources specific to our Military and Veteran community during the current COVID-19 situation. While some of these resources may continue to be available to the community after the Governor’s order has been rescinded, the purpose of this list is for the current circumstance only. 

If your organization is offering special resources to the military and Veteran community in response to COVID-19, please contact Codie Garza, WDVA Suicide Prevention Coordinator codie.garza@dva.wa.gov.

Updated List as of 05/10/2020:

Who is Eligible?

(Use this legend to determine who is eligible for this resource)
  • During the Washington State “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, we are isolating in our homes for the sake of keeping ourselves and our neighbors healthy. However, struggles may arise in our Military and Veteran community due to less social interaction, barriers to resources, and loss of employment. It may seem difficult to adjust how to care for our mental wellbeing, continue to provide for our families, connect with others, and find the resources that meet our needs while maintaining social distancing. This list serves as a guide to resources specific to our Military and Veteran community during the current COVID-19 situation. While some of these resources may continue to be available to the community after the Governor’s order has been rescinded, the purpose of this list is for the current circumstance only.

    Who is Eligible?

    (Use this legend to determine who is eligible for this resource)

    SM

    Service Member

    V

    Veteran

    F

    Family of a Service Member or Veteran

     

    Mental Wellness & Connection

    -         Max Impact App – Although originally designed for TBI by Dan Overton (MC, LMHC, MHP), the Max Impact App can be useful for meditation, brain games, and wellness check ins during quarantine. Download here: (SMVF)

    For iTunes download here
    For Android download here

     

    -          The Department of Veterans Affairs also has developed an app to help the Veteran Community during times of isolation and stress called, COVID Coach. Download here: (SMVF)

    For iTunes download here

    For Android download here

     

    -          Dr. Peter Schmidt (Psy.D, LMHC), WDVA Counseling and Wellness Director, runs the War Trauma Counseling Program that is open to Veterans, Guardsmen, Reservists who have served in a wartime era. Providers all over the state are available to provide free counseling to the service member or Veteran and many can provide virtual teletherapy during this time. (SMVF)

     

    -          Our Veteran’s Peer Corps Program Specialist, Bryan Bales, has created a WDVA Podcast to highlight resources and help the Military and Veteran community stay connected. (SMVF)

     

    -          Forefront has many resources for safety planning, mental wellness, and education, especially pertaining to the current COVID-19 situation. (SMVF)

     

    o   Forefront is partnering with WDVA to provide a LEARN suicide prevention training specifically tailored to the Veteran population for Veterans or those who love Veterans. The training will take place on June 1st at 1:00pm PDT. You can register for it here.

     

    -          The Department of Veterans Affairs PREVENTS program is running a particular campaign during COVID, “More Now Than Ever”, encouraging everyone to check on their community. There is an extensive list of resources on the VA webpage. (VF)

    -          For Guard members and family, the Washington State National Guard has a Behavioral Health Coordinator, Dr. Julie Madsen, who can assist you with getting mental health care. She can be reached at 253-273-1769. Also available is the Family Assistance Program, they can be reached at 800-364-7492. (SMF)

     

    -          Veteran’s Rites has expanded their virtual programming, holding forums twice a week to connect. They also have many other fun zoom facilitated events. You can learn more about that here. (SMVF)

     

    -          Military Health System has put out an article giving tips on how to cope with stress during this time. (SMVF)

     

    -          Military One Source is always a great resource for service members and their families. They outline special virtual offers due to COVID-19 and what changes they have made. (SMF)

     

    -          VA Puget Sound as has gathered many at home leisure resources during a time of social distancing. See the links below. (SMVF)

    o   Virtual National Park Tours

    o   Virtual Museum and Theme Park Tours

     

    -          Valley Cities Cohen Clinic is offering telehealth therapy sessions in response to COVID-19. They serve military family members, post 9-11 veterans, and their families. You can learn more about that here. (VF)

     

    -          Cohen Veterans Network is also providing free virtual mental health workshops through CVN Presents. (VF)

     

    -          Deployment Psychology released a graphic to assist with Creating a Healthy Mindset During a Pandemic  that can be used to curb negative thoughts. (SMVF)

     

    -          Psychological Health Resource Center has a call line (866-966-1020) and a live chat where Service Members, Veterans, and family members can ask questions and get referrals to mental wellness resources. (SMVF)

     

    -          Give An Hour is a great resource for Veterans seeking free mental wellness therapy sessions. They also have a great list of mental health resources for staying mentally healthy during this time. (SMV)

     

    -          Headspace is offering free support in the global crisis, visit covid-19 specific resources. (SMVF)

     

    -          How to Help Someone with Anxiety or Depression during COVID-19, Mental Health Frist Aid

    Tools and guidance from the Mental Health First Aid curriculum to provide support to those around you during the COVID-19 pandemic. (SMVF)

     

    -          The Institute on Aging's Friendship Line. Call 800-971-0016. Support and crisis line for adults who are 60 or older or have disabilities targeted at inclusivity and feelings of connection for this population.

     

    -          Every Sunday and Tuesday at 4pm (PST), Stack Up has teamed up with Dr. Carras from Johns Hopkins to provide a Q&A about COVID-19 in their Discord servers. They have also teamed up with Skatch doing a live stream each Thurs on Stack Up's Twitch page where we cover dispelling myths about COVID-19 and addressing the mental health impact. (SMVF)

     

    -          Isolation can increase thoughts of suicide, if you are having thoughts of suicide, the Veterans Crisis Line is always available 1-800-273-8255 or visit the website. You can also text “HEAL” to 741741. (SMVF)

     

    -          If you are struggling and just need to talk to someone, Crisis Connections also hosts a Veterans Warm Line. (SMVF)

     

     

    Physical Wellness

    -          If you are finding it hard to stay physically healthy without the gym, Military.com has published an article that includes at home workout tips. (SMVF)

     

    -          If you enjoy yoga or have ever been interested, Veterans Yoga Project is providing online streaming classes daily. (SMVF)

     

    -          VA Puget Sound is providing some virtual care in response to COVID-19. Check the operating status to stay up to date with the facility operations. (V)

     

    -          TRICARE covers telemedicine with a referral during this time, has a nurses line, and provides information regarding pharmacy changes/resources. (SMVF – Tricare beneficiaries)

     

     

    Parenting / Homeschooling

    -          For Service Members and families, the Joint Base Lewis McChord Directorate of Personnel and Family Readiness Center holding Facebook Live events to talk about struggles people may be facing during these times. (SMVF)

     

    -          Service Members and families can also contact Family Advocacy (253-967-5901) about their supportive programs including the New Parent Support Program (253-967-7409) (SMF)

     

    -          ZERO to THREE is providing some resources teachers and parents for free during this time. (SMVF)

     

    -          Military One Source offers free non-medical counseling services to military families, including children 6 – 17 years of age as well as a variety of schooling resources. (SMF)

     

    -          EverFi is providing free educational resources to parents and teachers of K-12 students. (SMVF)

     

    -          Online Education Resources - education companies offering free subscriptions (SMVF)

     

     

    Domestic Violence

    -          National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is still operating. Text option is also available by texting LOVEIS to 22522.  (SMVF)

     

    -          Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence also lists other resources specific to Washington State. (SMVF)

     

    -          For Service Members and families, the Joint Base Lewis McChord Directorate of Personnel and Family Readiness Center is still operating with some changes some changes.. (SMF)

     

    -          For Service Members and families, Joint Base Lewis McChord Family Advocacy website lists information pertaining to resources and ways to get help if you suspect or are experiencing abuse. (SMF)

     

     

    Food Insecurity

    -          Northwest Harvest has a search engine that can be used to look up food banks, meal programs, and warehouses near you. (SMVF)

     

     

    Financial

    -          Operation Homefront is running a few initiatives to support service members, Veterans, and their families during this time. (SMVF)

    -          For those in Eastern Washington experiencing homelessness, the Goodwill SSVF program helps provide emergency assistance. Call the Goodwill hotline (509) 828-2449. You can visit the Goodwill website to learn more about the program. (VF)

     

    -          For entrepreneurs, Bunker Labs has put together a great resource list full of programs and organizations helping Veteran business owners at this time. (VF)

     

     

    -          For VBA benefit debt temporary financial relief, contact the Federal VA Debt Management Center (DMC) at 1-800-827-0648. (VF)

     

    -          For service members and their families, the Office of Financial Readiness can provide virtual financial counseling during this time. (SMF)

     

    -          Army Emergency Relief has COVID-19 specific financial relief procedures for service members and their families. (SMF)

     

    -          Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has COVID-19 specific financial relief procedures for service members and their families. (SMF)

     

    -          Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has provided many resources and tips to help with financial hardships during this time. (SMVF)

     

     

    Substance Use

    -          Mission 22 is holding virtual AA meetings during this time. (VF)

     

    -          Washington Recovery Helpline is always open for calls at 1-866-789-1511. (SMVF)

     

    -          Start Talking Now is a website for parents supported by the Washington Healthy Youth Coalition. (SMVF)

     

     

     

     

     

    Other Helpful Tips

    -          Maintaining Personal Connection (family, friends, grandkids): Virtual connection platforms like Skype, Marco Polo, and Facetime can all be used to connect. (SMVF)

     

    -          Help someone else: While this may be less feasible under the shelter in place order, all of us know someone who is more at risk than others. Finding simple, safe ways to help someone else can create a much-needed sense of achievement in these isolating times. (SMVF)

     

    -          Creating a virtual or real hope box: This can be a simple, creative way to remind ourselves of those things that keep us going, while also providing a useful tool during intense emotional crises. (SMVF)

     

    -          Stick to routine: Sticking to a stable routine that involves routine, commonplace actions can help prevent boredom and maintain focus on goals. (SMVF)

     

           

     

     

    Codie Marie Garza, MSPH

    Suicide Prevention Coordinator

    Veteran Services, Counseling & Wellness

    Washington Department of Veteran Affairs

    Codie.garza@dva.wa.gov