12.2%
7.3%
11.2%
MENTAL HEALTH 31% of veterans report symptoms of a mental health or cognitive condition:
Diana Helena Martin served in the U.S. Navy
11.2% mental health condition 7.3% mental health condition
Martin found the UCLA/VA Veteran Family Wellness Center’s focus on the family especially helpful.
and traumatic brain injury 12.2% traumatic brain injury
25% OF VETS
REPORT A LACK OF FOOD
find transitional housing, including New Directions on the VA campus, the Salvation Army Westwood Transitional Village and People Assisting the Homeless (PATH). The VA is currently working to expand available housing for veterans both on campus and in the community, and the Westside Food Bank recently launched its first direct service effort, providing food to veterans on campus through a pop-up food pantry. “Every Thursday afternoon we serve up to 150 veterans, and our goal is to provide at least four types of fresh produce every week—usually more in the summer,” Rankin explains. “The program is expanding as we’re beginning discussions with the VA about moving the pop-up pantry to an indoor setting as more veterans can move onto campus.” The commitment to and focus on
4.3 MILLION out of 18 million vets have a service-connected disability
4.3M
PEOPLE AGES 45 TO 54 WHO REPORT AT LEAST TWO CHRONIC CONDITIONS, SUCH AS DIABETES, HEART DISEASE OR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Veterans
20%
Non-veterans
15%
fresh produce was a key part of the decision to provide the CIF grant to the Westside Food Bank. “At least half of everything we distribute by weight from the food bank is fresh fruits and vegetables,” Rankin says. “The need for food assistance among veterans has increased a great deal in recent years, and the CIF grant was made to support the purchase and acquisition of fresh produce across the board for all of our agencies.” Serving veterans is special, he says, noting the L.A. veterans’ campus is one of the largest in the country. “The money from Saint John’s Health Center Foundation gets us closer to what we want to do for them.”
18M
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