PsychArmor announces initiative to support LGBTQ+ Veterans, in partnership with Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and Humana
San Diego, CA– PsychArmor, in partnership with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and Humana, is proud to announce an initiative aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ Veteran populations. LGBTQIA+ In Service and Beyond aims to foster an environment of understanding, respect, and support for LGBTQ+ Veteran communities. The new initiative will provide education and resources to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within military and Veteran communities. By equipping service providers, mental health professionals, organizations and other allies with the culturally responsive knowledge and tools to support LGBTQ+ Veterans effectively, we can ensure they receive the quality care and support they deserve. Additionally, by fostering allyship and connectedness, the initiative hopes to create an environment where LGBTQ+ Veterans feel valued, respected, and fully included in their support networks, contributing to suicide prevention efforts within communities.
“PsychArmor is proud to be addressing the way to improve health equity for all those that chose to serve our nation,” says Dr. Tina Atherall, CEO of PsychArmor. PsychArmor is a leading national nonprofit and preferred training provider which specializes in military cultural awareness and competency. Its offerings include online courses, curricula, podcasts, webinars, live speaking engagements, and social media.
As part of this initiative, Psycharmor convened a working group of advisors to lead the development of a public health awareness campaign and educational content. Led by Erika Hoover, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Manager, MVAA, and Andrea Norton, Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinator, Department of Veterans Affairs, the working group includes experts in LGBTQ+ health, military and Veteran affairs, public health, and community advocacy. The campaign will launch this Spring with a series of podcasts and blog posts on topics including culturally responsive healthcare, myths and misconceptions in the LGBTQ+ Veteran community, and women Veterans.
“Learning about the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ Veterans allows the greater Veteran community to view their service through a different perspective,” says Brian L. Love, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. “By partnering with Psych Armor to develop a public awareness campaign highlighting the challenges and triumphs of LGBTQ+ veterans, we can create an environment of empathy and awareness.”
The program grew out of MVAA’s involvement in the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Servicemembers, Veterans and their Families, a program jointly presented by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
About Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) provides support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. MVAA is a state government agency housed within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The agency works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, making Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home.
About Humana
Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company.
Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare,
Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about
what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.
About PsychArmor
PsychArmor is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation providing education and support to individuals and organizations that work with, live with, and care for American service members, Veterans, and their families. For more information about PsychArmor, contact Carole Turner, Strategic Communications, PsychArmor, at cturner@psycharmor.org.
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