Each year, approximately 200,000 service members transition from military to civilian life. Between 44% and 72% of them experience high levels of stress during the process. VA is committed to helping them, and one way it does this is with non-monetary partnerships. These partners act as “force multipliers” that expand resources for Veterans and other beneficiaries.
VA partners with the ETS Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP) to help Veterans address social determinants of health (SDOH) associated with mental health resiliency and improved health outcomes. Facilitated by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP), it provides individualized support for all service members before, during and after their transition from military service.
“VA strategic partnerships with community organizations, health care providers and stakeholders expand resources supporting Veterans’ SDOH, such as food security, mental health support, and employment and education assistance,” said Chien Chen, HAP chief officer and nurse executive. “Together with the community, we’re addressing the root causes of disparities to achieve health equity for Veterans and their families.”
The Onward Ops program pairs service members with trained volunteer peers prior to separating from the military. Here, VA and ETS-SP can address employment, transition and education needs.
- Employment Support: The VHA-ETS-SP partnership supports military spouses through job training, resume writing assistance and job placement services.
- Education and Training Support: Military spouses have access to education resources and training opportunities to advance current or future careers.
- Transition Support: The Onward Ops program pairs transitioning service members and Veterans with peer sponsors in their communities. Sponsors are trained to provide effective one-on-one support throughout the transition process, including information about VA benefits, and local and regional community resources.
“The Onward Ops program effectively bridges the gap for transitioning Veterans and their families by connecting them to the health care and benefits they earned in uniform and providing support through a trained community sponsor,” said Danielle Bracco, ETS-SP director of operations. “By addressing common issues such as spouse employment and school evaluations, this program alleviates the burden that new Veterans and spouses often face alone.”
VA partnership resources
Early research indicates that participation in community-based interventions and sponsorship programs decreases suicide risk factors, increases positive SDOH and improves military-to-civilian transition outcomes. VA partnerships provide Veterans and their families with resources, such as food and transition support.
- Nutrition and Food Services offers meal planning tips, nutrition guidance from registered dietitians and assistance for food insecurity.
- Transition Assistance Program provides information, resources and tools to help service members, families and caregivers transition successfully.