Clear Path for Veterans receives Excellus BCBS Health and Wellness Award

Excellus BCBS Utica Region Community Investments and Partnerships Manager Shayna Keller, Excellus BCBS CNY Region Community Investments and Partnerships Manager Robyn Smith, Clear Path Executive Director Alex Behm, Excellus BCBS Utica Regional President Eve Van de Wal, Clear Path Peer Support Program Regional Manager Lance Stenfeldt, and Clear Path Director of Operations Matthew Vanderwerken.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently awarded Clear Path for Veterans Inc. a $5,000 Health and Wellness Award to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Homefront: Mental Health Resources for Military Service Members, Veterans, and their Families program.

This six-session educational program is designed to assist families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans impacted by mental health conditions. Trained family members of service members and veterans lead the sessions helping participants learn to manage stress, support their family member, access services, and stay informed on the latest developments in mental health including treatments and therapies. The program assists those experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder.  Participants receive training to help navigate the challenges of mental health conditions, manage crisis, solve problems, and communicate effectively.

“Recovery is a journey and there is hope for all people affected by mental health conditions, including veterans and military service members,” shares Alex Behm, Clear Path New York executive director. “NAMI Homefront provides the opportunity for mutual support and shared positive impact. Program participants experience compassion and reinforcement from people who relate to their experiences. And through their participation, they have the opportunity to help others grow.”

Clear Path for Veterans’ mission is to enrich the lives of veterans while addressing the wellness and social issues they face through community, programming, and direct services. Veterans are provided the opportunity to connect, restore and grow.