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Wounded Warrior Project Chief Program Officer testifies before the U.S. House Committee on Veterans

Jacksonville — Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Chief Program Officer Jennifer Silva recently testified before the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month. Silva shared how the onset of COVID-19 and the Afghanistan withdrawal has elevated the challenges for organizations like WWP in reducing veteran suicide.

Not her first time in the spotlight, Silva said that she was honored to represent WWP and interact with the Veterans’ Committee who seemed “truly passionate” about collectively working to end veteran suicide.

“Wounded Warrior’s Project is called to provide insight and data to the Committee,” she said. “I’m honored at the opportunity to do so and grateful to be a part of the warriors that we serve.”

Silva presented methods of preventing veteran suicide that include removing barriers to care; investing in the power of peer support, connection, and training; expanding telehealth; and recognizing the impact of poor sleep and physical pain on mental health.

She explained that during the initial months of COVID, WWP made almost 40,000 outreach calls to veterans, an effort that led to a 38% percent increase in referrals to mental health programs and more than “50,000 hours of clinical care by the end of the last fiscal year.”

Silva also learned that a majority of the warriors felt disconnected and isolated. Following suit for those deployed to Afghanistan, WWP has made more than 15,000 calls and once again, mental health programming is the leading request.

“This is why it’s so important to decrease obstacles for providers across state lines,” she continued. “We need to invest in the power of peer support and connection with a local community such as Jacksonville. We need to train those who interact with veterans in suicide intervention and recognize how poor sleep and chronic pain impacts the warriors we serve.”

While the WWP does not take federal or state funding, Silva hopes that grant money will be given to organizations that focus on veteran suicide.

“For the entities that fight veteran suicide at the community level, federal and state funding is important,” she said. “Congress must put pressure on state lawmakers to decrease the barriers for mental health practitioners so we can expand telehealth and recognize the power of the upstream efforts in peer connection opportunities.”

Silva described the issues as complex and national efforts as complicated. Through their annual survey, WWP provides information so the VA and local lawmakers can understand the challenges faced by warriors.

“Our annual survey outlines the biggest challenges for veterans; where we can lower the barriers to care; and where we can be of service,” she said.

At that point, she explained, it’s in the hands of the VA and the lawmakers to make the necessary changes for veteran care and suicide prevention.

“Suicide in general is not an easy fix,” she continued. “Mental health treatment works, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. WWP’s approach includes mental health care and support, whole health and wellness, financial security, and connection and social support.”

Since 2003, WWP has addressed the needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers to help them achieve their “highest ambition.” Not only is WWP a part of a collective that works in Jacksonville to connect warriors, they operate in all 50 states and beyond.

“We all share a sacred obligation to serve our nation’s veterans,” Silva concluded.


Lucia Viti

Lucia Viti

Lucia Viti is a seasoned journalist, photojournalist, and published author and works as a reporter for WOKV News. Lucia is a graduate of the University of West Virginia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism.

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