05/15/2026
I recently attended the Headstrong Mission in Action Summit (), an initiative focused on expanding access to mental health care for service members and veterans. Headstrong provides no-cost mental health treatment through licensed professionals, funded entirely by private donations rather than government support. Veterans and service members do not need VA benefits or TRICARE to qualify- individuals simply need to be seeking support related to trauma in order to connect with care.
One of the most encouraging takeaways was the program’s ability to connect individuals with a provider in an average of just 12 days, helping bridge critical gaps in access to care.
The summit also highlighted the importance of increasing awareness and community investment in veteran mental health across Virginia. Currently, only a small percentage of Headstrong’s donations come from within the Commonwealth, and organizers hope to strengthen local support so more Virginians can directly invest in the mental health and well-being of the veterans who have served our communities and country.