ACMF is a non-profit organization in Arizona that works with public and private partners to build the state’s capacity to support Arizona’s 500,000+ service members, veterans, and their families with a collective impact model that uses an upstream approach to suicide prevention. | |
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Dear Friends and Supporters,
I am proud to share insights from our fourth biennial survey, conducted in partnership with the ASU College of Health Solutions. This 2023 Arizona Veteran Survey marks eight years of dedicated efforts to gather self-reported data that provides a holistic view of the well-being of our service members, veterans, and their families across Arizona.
The importance of conducting this survey cannot be overstated. It equips us with the necessary information to tailor services, develop and evolve services, and ensure that our programs effectively meet the evolving needs of the community. The survey yields critical insights that shape our initiatives in the coming years.
I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has participated in this survey and to our partners who helped us disseminate it. Each response adds to our understanding and strengthens our ability to serve. Together, we are building a more supportive, responsive, and understanding community for service members, veterans, and their family members.
For more information, please visit our website at www.ConnectVeterans.org/survey, where you can also find resources and get involved in our ongoing efforts to support Arizona's military and veteran communities.
Warm regards,
Thomas Winkel
Director, Arizona Coalition for Military Families
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Join Our Team! We're Hiring | |
Join our team as a Career Navigation Specialist! This full-time, remote position is based in Yuma or Sierra Vista AZ with some onsite work at partners such as military installations and regular travel throughout the state for training, outreach, and events. In this role, you will help make a difference by providing crucial career support and guidance to service members & veterans. Apply by July 29. Read the full job description. | |  |
Looking for a more meaningful career where you can truly make a difference? Join our team as an Outreach & Eligibility Specialist and help support Arizona veterans. This is a full-time, hybrid role that can be based anywhere in Arizona. If you have experience working with at-risk individuals in behavioral health, social work, or case management, we want to hear from you. Apply by July 29. Read the full job description. | | |
Join Us For An Inspiring Virtual Event | |
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From Battlefields to Healing: The Bipolar General's Journey
August 6 from 10 - 11:30 AM MST
Register by July 30 at FromBattlefieldsToHealing.eventbrite.com
Join us for a special virtual event with Gregg F. Martin, PhD, Major General, US Army (Retired), on August 6, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am MST. Gen. Martin will share his experience with bipolar disorder and his military career. Hosted by Be Connected and the Arizona VA Health Care Systems, this event offers valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by veterans.
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A Family's Mission: The Brandon Act | |
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One Arizona family, the Casertas, knows all too well the pain of losing a loved one to suicide. Their son, Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, ended his life while serving in the U.S. Navy. Moved by their profound loss, grieving parents Teri and Patrick Caserta were driven to ensure that no other service member suffered as their son did. Their commitment led to the passage of The Brandon Act, which aims to provide service members with easier and more private access to mental health services.
The Brandon Act applies to all branches of the United States Armed Forces. It is designed to ensure that every service member, regardless of rank or position, has the right to confidentially initiate mental health support without going through their direct chain of command. This is particularly significant to service members who may have previously been reluctant to report due to fear of repercussions. The Brandon Act can be invoked for issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as substance use issues, gambling problems, and sexual assault or harassment.
By stating, "I need to talk to someone about the Brandon Act," an individual can access medical or Family Services without further questioning. This confidentiality ensures no retaliation or negative repercussions upon their return to duty, promoting a secure environment for seeking help.
The Brandon Act serves as a proactive suicide prevention approach that emphasizes early intervention and potentially life-saving support. It is a monumental step forward in ensuring that mental health and wellness are on equal footing with physical health and wellness.
“Any kind of help that they are needing, they just invoke The Brandon Act, and they are supposed to get immediate help. All we want to do is to save lives,” said Terri Caserta.
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The Bridge Forum on Mental Health is an initiative hosted by the HeroZona Foundation. This event brought together state leaders, including Governor Hobbs and Representative Greg Stanton, to discuss the importance of providing access to mental health services and support across Arizona.
Thomas Winkle, Director of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, joined the panel of distinguished colleagues including:
- Carmen Heredia, Executive Deputy Director, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
- Celia Nabor, Assistant Director, Prevention Services, Arizona Department of Health Services
- Justin Chase, CEO, Solari Crisis and Human Services
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Real Successes for Arizona Veterans | |
If you know of a veteran in Arizona who might benefit from connection to resources and support, call 866-429-8387 Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM. | |
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Food and Financial Assistance
A veteran called and was in need of food resources and financial assistance resources. They also stated that, due to a recent surgery, they were having a hard time accomplishing daily life tasks. The veteran specialist connected the veteran to the Department of Economic Services veteran program to assist the veteran with filling out applications for assistance. The specialist also assisted the veteran with food delivery services until they received the gift card. Then, the specialist assisted the veteran in filling out a Be Connected grocery request form. Due to the veteran's rural location, the specialist worked with the Arizona Coalition for Military Families to secure a grocery gift card for the veteran.
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Veteran Court: A Transformative Journey | |
Veterans Treatment Court isn’t just a program; it’s a transformative journey for those who have served our country. This special court system takes a unique approach to helping veterans facing legal issues by combining rigorous oversight with a high level of support tailored specifically to veterans’ needs. | |
Get ready for a series of exciting upcoming events that promise to bring the community together. From important historical observations, thought-provoking discussions to engaging activities, there's something for everyone to look forward to – mark your calendars and join us for memorable moments ahead! Visit ConnectVeterans.org/events for more information on these and other events. | |
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The Arizona Coalition for Military Families works collaboratively with government agencies, community members, and partner organizations to form an Ecosystem of Support that Arizona's service members, veterans, and their families can access through the Be Connected support line, 866-4AZ-VETS, and ConnectVeterans.org. Be Connected offers no-cost support and connections to resources and has trained more than 6,000 community members to provide resource navigation services. | | | | |
