SAVING LIVES , FAMILIES AND FUTURES IN HAMPTON ROADS

There is a well-documented mental health crisis for veterans, active duty service members and military connected family members. Since September 11, 2001, there have been 2.8 million active-duty American military personnel deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond, leading to increasing numbers of combat veterans amongst the population 2 . Over the 20-year conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan our nation’s service members experienced multiple, extended length deployments into combat zones. For many who served, the invisible wounds of war have not healed.

Our region is home to more than 430,000 veterans, active-duty service members, and their families who represent nearly one quarter of the population in Hampton Roads. The support of this community is critical to increase access to the high quality mental health care our veterans, active duty service members and military families need.

230,000+ VETERANS

114,000+ MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS

83,000+ ACTIVE DUTY

Of the millions of Americans who answered our nation’s call to serve in the military 7 since 9/11: HAVE RECEIVED THE CARE 8 THEY NEED 50% FEWER THAN

1.5X

Despite the sacrifices veterans and their families have made in service to the nation, the mental health services provided to them by government and civilian providers are often difficult to access or inadequate to meet the fundamental needs of post-9/11 veterans, including those from the National Guard and Reserves, active duty service members, and military families. The Up Center is helping to change this reality.