Houston, TX, July 16, 2024— Cenikor, a leading nonprofit behavioral health treatment network serving over 14,000 people a year, is honored to announce the receipt of a $340,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), aimed at enhancing mental health services for veterans. The funds will allow Cenikor to establish “Project Veteran,” which provides clinical assessments to determine appropriate treatment as well as weekly support groups and individual counseling sessions for veterans across the foundation.
Approximately 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year, and the suicide rate among veterans is 1.5 times higher than civilians. The grant from TVC will play a critical role in addressing these issues by providing accessible, high-quality mental health care for veterans across Texas.
“Project Veteran” will also feature TVC-certified peer counselors, providing veterans with invaluable assistance from those with lived recovery experience who have also undergone specialized training. These peer counselors are similar to recovery coaches, offering direct support through check-ins; mentoring; fun, sober outings; and help with tasks like transportation to appointments.
“We are deeply grateful to the Texas Veterans Commission for partnering with us to support veterans facing mental health challenges,” said Bill Bailey, President and CEO of Cenikor Foundation. “Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the care and support they deserve. This grant allows us to provide vital mental health services, free of charge, ensuring no veteran is left behind due to financial or geographical barriers.”
Since many veterans encounter barriers to accessing mental health care, including stigma, lack of resources, and geographical limitations, a key aspect of this initiative is its inclusivity and flexibility. Veterans can join the program from all levels of care, whether inpatient or on an outpatient basis. Furthermore, those who lack access to care due to geographical constraints will still be able to participate in groups through telehealth options.
Notably, this support is offered entirely free of charge, ensuring that all Texas veterans can access the care they need.
For more information about the program or to find a support group, please visit the Military Veteran Peer Network at https://veteransmentalhealth.texas.gov/military-veteran-peer-network/.
About Cenikor
Cenikor believes in behavioral health for all. Named a Center of Excellence for SUD by Evernorth, a Cigna corporation, Cenikor combines quality, evidence-based care with affordable services for life-changing outcomes. More than 300,000 lives have been changed in the process.
For more information about this news release, please contact Maddie Profilet, Marketing and Media Relations Director, via email at media@cenikor.org. If you or someone you know is seeking treatment for substance use disorder, call Cenikor today at 1-888-236-4567.
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