VOC Travels to D.C. to Advocate for Non-Opioid Prescriptions for Veterans

For more than a decade, I’ve been working with veterans who struggle with substance abuse. I’ve seen veterans at every stage of recovery – some of whom were able to overcome their addiction; others who relapsed; and, tragically, some who overdosed. In too many of these cases, this all could have been avoided if not for their reliance on prescription opioids. These brave servicemembers stood up for our country and freedoms only to be knocked down by addiction to medication that is supposed to help them manage chronic and post-surgical pain. This is an epidemic that is unfair to the people who served our country.

Issues Facing Veterans, Health & WellnessLaura Heltz, Executive Director & U.S. Army VeteranJune 30, 2025VOC, Veterans Outreach Center, Veteran Opioid Crisis, Veteran Health, Issues Facing Veterans, voc, Veteran health, Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, No Pain for Veterans Act, NOPAIN for Veterans ACTComment

Reinterpreting Veteran Needs for the Future of Services

Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) has witnessed the evolving lives of veterans since its inception in 1973, and in the same way our founders felt, we are compelled to continually reevaluate the traditional models of veteran services to keep up with their changing needs and preferences.

Health & WellnessVeterans Outreach CenterMay 23, 2025Veterans Outreach CenterVeteran Services, Future of veteran services, veteran peer support, veterans benefits, health and wellness, veteran health, holistic health, holistic veteran health, Veterans Outreach Center, VOC, veteran fitnessComment

Tips for Veterans to Build and Maintain an Exercise Routine for Lasting Mental Health Benefits

It goes without saying that physical activity is necessary to get fit. However, research also shows that it’s a good tool for supporting mental health. Moving your body can help manage stress from service, ease feelings of depression or anxiety, and build resilience. Getting started with an exercise routine can be a big step at first, but making it a regular habit will yield real benefits.

Health & WellnessChris Culver, Fitness Center CoordinatorApril 25, 2025Veteran Resources, Veteran Services, Health and Wellness, Physical Health, Veterans Outreach Center, VOC, Fitness, Fitness Center, Health and Wellness Services, Fitness for Vets, WorkoutsComment

How Outdoor Recreation Provides Relief for Veterans

Outdoor recreation offers a different approach that some veterans find liberating. Research continues to show that it is a powerful and effective tool for veterans.

Health & WellnessJeff Klein, Wellness Programs ManagerApril 11, 2025Veterans, Health and Wellness, Veteran Services, Veterans Health, Holistic Health, Therapy, Support Group, Camping, Hiking, Veteran Support Groups, Outdoor Recreation Comments

Top Tips to Beat Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression, also called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression related to the change in season. Typically beginning in the fall and running through the winter months, SAD can drain your energy, put you in a bad mood, and overall make this time of year harder to deal with.

Health & WellnessVeterans Outreach CenterFebruary 8, 2022Veteran Resources, Veterans, VOC, Veterans Outreach Center, Health and Wellness, Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Services, Seasonal Depressions, SAD, Mental Health, Physical Health, Exercise, WinterComment

Connect With Others to Build Your Resilience

Join a group. We often find strength in numbers. So, become active in a club, a faith-based organization, a civic group, or any association that offers human connections. Becoming a member of a group brings social support and a sense of purpose to our lives, building resilience.

Health & WellnessVeterans Outreach CenterSeptember 20, 2021Resilience, Resiliency, Veterans, Veteran Resources, veterans, Veterans Outreach Center, VOC, Support Group, Connection, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Services, VetsComment

Build Resiliency by Finding Your Purpose

Move toward your goals. Set realistic goals, perhaps small steps toward something you want to accomplish. Do something regularly that’s achievable. Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can accomplish today that moves me in the direction I want to go?”

Health & WellnessVeterans Outreach CenterSeptember 14, 2021Resilience, Resiliency, Veterans, Veteran Resources, veterans, Veterans Outreach Center, Mental Health, Purpose, Emotional Health, Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Services, PsychologyComment

Developing Resiliency Through Wellness

When we are resilient, we adapt well to adversity, trauma, or any significant source of stress, such as family problems or financial challenges. Being resilient means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences and regaining your balance. Even more, though, with resilience comes personal growth. Resilience helps you get through rough patches while also improving your life.

Health & WellnessVeterans Outreach CenterSeptember 7, 2021Resiliency, Resilience, Wellness, Mental Health, Veterans, Veteran Services, VOC, Veterans Outreach Center, Behavioral Health, Behavioral Health Services Comment