Non-profit supports nearly 1,000 Special Forces veterans and
spouses with grants, psychedelic-assisted therapies abroad,
coaching, and leadership roles
CORONADO, Calif., June 26,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Veterans Exploring
Treatment Solutions (VETS), a leading non-profit organization
dedicated to ending veteran suicide, is proud to announce the
official launch of its Ambassador Program. This initiative aims to
extend the reach and impact of VETS by enlisting veterans who have
benefited from the organization's programs to advocate for
psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) and support fellow
veterans.
The newly established Ambassador Program serves two primary
purposes: providing grant recipients avenues for giving back to the
community and expanding the scope and impact of the organization.
VETS Ambassadors are carefully selected based on their level of
participation in the program, commitment to their healing journey,
and willingness to act in good faith as program
representatives.
"In 2023, we proudly certified 29 exceptional individuals as
VETS Ambassadors to leverage their experiences in support of fellow
veterans, cultivate donor relationships, and advocate for
legislative and media attention on the critical issue of veteran
mental health," said Amber Capone,
co-founder and CEO of VETS. "Our Ambassadors embody the core of our
mission, giving back and paying it forward. They stand as
public-facing representatives of our organization, sharing their
stories, and championing the cause to a broader audience. Together,
we are raising awareness and forging a path to a brighter,
healthier future for those who have served our nation."
Founded in 2019, VETS has assisted nearly 1,000 U.S. Special
Forces veterans and their spouses through a comprehensive program
that includes Foundational Healing Grants for psychedelic-assisted
treatment abroad, preparation and integration coaching, and ongoing
community support. VETS' Foundational Healing Grants provide
financial assistance to veterans seeking psychedelic-assisted
therapies abroad and cover the cost of treatment, travel, and
accommodation, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent
veterans from accessing potentially life-saving therapies. Each
recipient undergoes a thorough application process and is matched
with preparation and integration coaching to maximize the benefits
of their treatment.
The Ambassador Program encompasses four key areas:
- Peer Support: Peer Support Ambassadors provide crucial support
to fellow veterans entering the VETS program, offering guidance
before, during, and after the retreat experience, as well as harm
reduction techniques.
- Donor Relations: Donor Relations Ambassadors play a vital role
in cultivating existing donor relationships and facilitating new
donor connections through storytelling, direct outreach, and shared
gratitude, enhanced by virtual gatherings, in-person dinners, and
one-on-one opportunities.
- Legislative Advocacy: Ambassadors provide legislative testimony
to support VETS policy initiatives at both state and federal
levels, advocating for broader acceptance and funding for PAT.
- Media Advocacy: Ambassadors share their stories through various
media platforms, including podcasts, print media, on-camera
interviews, blog posts, social media, and public speaking
engagements, raising awareness about the benefits of PAT for
veterans.
"As a VETS Ambassador, I'm able to share my healing journey to
help promote advocacy for this life-saving treatment," said
Brandon W. Bryan, U.S. Marine Corps
veteran, VETS Ambassador and grant recipient. "It is my honor to
share my story with others to help prevent another veteran from
taking their own life. It is the very least I can do for a mission
that I believe in 100%. VETS saved my life, and it's a privilege to
give back to my fellow patriots."
"The supportive and encouraging community at VETS has given me
the strength to embrace life fully. I am deeply grateful for the
generosity and time of so many members. As a VETS Ambassador, I
have the privilege of paying that kindness forward and assisting
others on their healing journeys," said Herb Daniels, Army Green Beret veteran, VETS
Ambassador and grant recipient.
"Healing is a lifelong process; there is no finish line and
being an ambassador for VETS has provided me with a purpose after
retirement. It allows me to serve fellow veterans while they are
navigating their healing journey. These life-saving therapies have
made a profound impact on many veterans, and advocacy for policy
change is crucial to ensure our veterans are provided with the best
possible care," said Todd Berrios,
USMC and Army veteran, VETS Ambassador and grant recipient.
The VETS Ambassador Program is a testament to the organization's
commitment to engaging with the community and driving
purpose-driven healing. By providing support mechanisms for grant
recipients and raising awareness about the VETS mission, the
program ensures a brighter future for veterans and underscores the
transformative power of psychedelic-assisted therapies.
For more information on Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions
(VETS), visit vetsolutions.org.
About VETS
Founded in 2019, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to end the veteran
suicide epidemic by providing resources, research, and advocacy for
U.S. military veterans seeking psychedelic-assisted therapies for
traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), addiction, and other health conditions. VETS envisions a
world where our veterans have access to the most advanced
healthcare options to heal from the mental and physical wounds of
war.
Media Contact
Brad Burge, Veterans Exploring
Treatment Solutions (VETS), 1 650-863-6887, brad@vetsolutions.org,
vetsolutions.org
Maria Petsanas, KCSA Strategic
Communications, 1 9176926673, vets@kcsa.com, kcsa.com
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SOURCE Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)