From staff reports
The WarriorWOD Foundation, a resource for veterans dealing with the consequences of their service, announced an expansion of its programs Wednesday, Dec. 20 with an $8,000 grant from The Beaufort Fund of Coastal Community Foundation.
This funding is targeted at combating the escalating issue of invisible wounds among veterans, encompassing Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), depression, and associated challenges like substance abuse and the distressingly high rates of veteran suicide.
Research paints a concerning picture: 30% of veterans are afflicted by PTS, with a staggering 6 million living with various forms of invisible wounds. Disturbingly, about 22 veterans commit suicide each day, with an additional 20 losing their battles to substance abuse.
WarriorWOD’s initiatives are meticulously crafted to directly address these pressing matters, providing a crucial support system for veterans spanning from the era of the Vietnam War to more recent conflicts such as Operation Enduring Freedom.
WarriorWOD’s commitment to assisting veterans extends to tackling Post Traumatic Stress head-on, a condition that dramatically heightens the risk of suicide and substance abuse. This complex situation is further intensified by an increased risk of fatalities linked to substance abuse in this demographic. Through its focused efforts on PTS recovery, WarriorWOD actively works towards reducing the instances of veteran suicide and deaths related to substance abuse. This approach serves to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems and significantly contributes to improving the overall health and well-being of the veteran community.
With the veteran population in South Carolina nearing 398,000, and 27,590 in the Southern Lowcountry region alone, the foundation’s inclusive and comprehensive strategy ensures that every veteran receives the support and attention they deserve.
“Our nation’s heroes, who have sacrificed so much, deserve nothing less than our unwavering support and dedication,” said Philip Palmer, Executive Director of the WarriorWOD Foundation. “This generous grant from The Beaufort Fund of Coastal Community Foundation is a game-changer, allowing us to extend our reach and intensify our efforts in helping veterans overcome the invisible wounds of their service.”
For more information about the WarriorWOD Foundation’s programs or to contribute, visit their website at www.warriorwod.org.
