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

How Free Bus Passes Address Veteran Economic and Mental Health Barriers

Imagine the return of a veteran after years of dedicated service. Their world, initially involving camaraderie and clear directives, has been replaced by the complex civilian world. For some veterans, this transition may be eagerly anticipated, but it can come with unforeseen battles fought on the streets on which they live and in their own minds. These can lead to both economic hardship and/or mental health challenges. For those veterans, the availability of accessible public transportation is a critical, albeit sometimes overlooked, factor that influences both financial stability and psychological well-being.

Issues Facing VeteransLaura Heltz, Executive Director & U.S. Army VeteranJune 18, 2025Veterans Outreach CenterVeteran support, Veteran Resources, Veterans Outreach Center, VOC, RTS, Free Bus Passes, Bus passes for veterans, veteran bus passes, Monroe County VSA Comment

Why Economic Stability is a Critical Issue for Female Veterans

Rochester—and the nation as a whole—has come a long way in recognizing and honoring military veterans, especially those from the Vietnam era who still carry the pain of a difficult homecoming. But beyond the welcome home lies a deeper, ongoing challenge—particularly for women veterans transitioning back into civilian life: the fight for economic stability.

Issues Facing VeteransLaura Heltz, Executive Director & U.S. Army VeteranApril 18, 2025Female Veterans, Veteran support, Veteran housing, Veterans Health, Veteran homelessness, Homeless Female Veterans, Veteran ResourcesComment

Understanding the Female Veteran Homelessness Crisis

For female veterans, the transition to civilian life can be full of unique challenges, and for some, it leads to the devastating reality of homelessness. This isn't a simple issue with easy answers; it's a complex web of trauma, economic hardship, and systemic barriers. To truly understand and address this crisis, we have to look deeper than the surface and recognize the specific struggles faced by women who have served.

Issues Facing VeteransLaura Heltz, Executive Director & U.S. Army VeteranMarch 13, 2025Women veterans, Veteran homelessness, Veteran housing, Military Sexual Trauma, MST, PTSD, Veterans Outreach Center, Otto's Phoenix House, Veteran support, Women's health, Veteran resourcesComment

The Long-Term Effects of Low-Level Blasts: New Legislation Offers Hope for Disability Benefits

Many veterans experience repeated exposure to low-level blasts during their military service, both in and out of combat. These exposures can cause subtle damage to the brain and body that may not be immediately apparent and can have lasting health impacts that may not manifest until years later.

Over time, this damage can show up in a variety of ways, impacting veterans' physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

Issues Facing VeteransLaura Heltz, Executive Director & U.S. Army VeteranMarch 7, 2025Veterans Outreach Centerlow-level blast exposure, veterans health, blast injury, TBI (traumatic brain injury), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), military disability benefits, veteran legislation, veterans healthcare, mental health effects of blast exposure, physical health effects of blast exposureComment