STHS Behavioral To Host ‘A Salute To Valley Veterans’ Concert & Community Fair

The free celebration will honor Rio Grande Valley veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces while helping break the stigma surrounding mental health within the veteran community

Reflecting on the bravery, dedication and sacrifices made by those in the United States Armed Forces, Veterans Day is an important holiday that gives Americans the opportunity to come together as a nation to express their gratitude for those who have served in the military, both living and deceased, for their courage, sacrifice and dedication to protecting the nation’s freedoms.

Due to factors like rigorous training, long deployments, and exposure to trauma, serving in the military can have serious and enduring consequences for both physical and mental health.

While some make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, others return to their communities with their physical health seriously compromised.

Meanwhile, the mental health challenges veterans face as they transition from military service to civilian life can be overwhelming with enduring “invisible wounds,” as labeled in a landmark study by research organization RAND.

More than 400,000 traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have been reported among U.S. service members since 2000, according to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), with more than 185,000 veterans using healthcare services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs having at least one TBI diagnosis.

Upon returning from combat, veterans can experience a wave of mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and substance use disorder, which may be compounded by the pressure to maintain a stoic image.

In the United States, an estimated 41% of veterans need mental health care programs every year, according to a study in the National Library of Medicine, with the rate of PTSD up to 15 times higher among veterans than among civilians.

In its steadfast devotion to helping Rio Grande Valley veterans prioritize their mental health, South Texas Health System Behavioral will host its third annual “A Salute to Valley Veterans” concert and community fair on Saturday, November 8, the weekend before Veterans Day.

“To improve overall quality of life, reduce the risk of suicide and successfully reintegrate into civilian life, it’s imperative that veterans give precedence to their mental health,” says Brenda Ivory, Interim Chief Executive Officer, STHS Behavioral. “Addressing their mental health needs helps veterans manage trauma, build resilience, maintain relationships and find fulfilling activities, all of which support their overall well-being and allow them to thrive after life in the military. Unfortunately, failing to seek treatment for mental health issues can result in grave consequences, making proactive care essential for both the individual and the veteran community. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in our community through events like this one shows our beloved veterans know that they are not alone – that we’re here to support them through any challenges they may be facing. Together, we can help ensure those who served in the military get the help and support they need.”

Taking place in the main parking lot of STHS Behavioral from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., the special Veterans Day event will honor the sacrifices of all who’ve served in the military while continuing to raise important awareness about the enduring mental health struggles within the veteran community. All local veterans and their family members, as well as STHS staff members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, are welcome to attend.

The event will feature free food, live music, games and a community fair to help highlight veteran services and resources available throughout the Valley. STHS Behavioral representatives will be on hand to talk about the COMPACT Act, which expands inpatient and outpatient mental health services for veterans experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as the services available at the facility.

Additionally, STHS will reveal its STHS Veteran of the Year, an annual award presented to a member of the STHS staff who proudly served in our nation’s military.

For more information on STHS Behavioral’s “A Salute to Valley Veterans” Concert & Community Fair, visit the STHS Facebook Events page.

About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.