Be Well Community: Honoring veterans today and every day

Burrell’s Be Well Community recognized servicemen and women during its live Wednesday segment.

"Without each and every one of you, we would not be here today,” said Dr. Shelly Farnan, Vice President of Be Well Initiatives.

Members of the Be Well Community shared the following notes of gratitude to Burrell team members who have served in the military, as well as those across the globe:

• "There aren’t enough words so – Thank. You. Sincerely."
• "Deep admiration, appreciation and gratitude. You are seen, you are valued, you are amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
• "So proud of and grateful for many friends and family who have served or are serving. Thank you – what a gift and sacrifice!"
• "As a military family member, I am so proud and honored. Thank you all!"
• "I am appreciative of the veterans in my family, because they bring such insight and knowledge to my life. I love that they can teach me."

Dr. Farnan discussed Burrell’s commitment to caring for veterans and their families. There is a mental health crisis affecting them:

• 30% of active duty and reserve military personnel have a mental health condition requiring treatment
• Less than 50% of returning veterans in need of help receive any mental health treatment.
• The Veterans Administration reports that approximately 22 veterans die by suicide every day.
• Lengths of deployments are associated with more emotional difficulties among military children and more mental health problems among U.S. Army wives.

"We want to be able to facilitate healing for those who have sacrificed everything for our freedoms and this great nation,” Farnan said.

Burrell Behavioral Health is dedicated to promoting veteran wellness and preventing suicide among them. It is the least we can do, to serve our veterans with excellence, for the sacrifice they have made for each of us.

Farnan said, among all the things we're navigating – such as the prolonged pandemic, changing seasons and anxiety over upcoming holidays – we all clearly unite for peace and the love of country.

In a memo to staff on Thursday, Burrell President and CEO C.J. Davis wrote, “As we continue to work for the betterment of our team and our communities, and amid all of our daily stress and necessary changes and improvements, let us remember we all have a role shaping a better nation and society, one our veterans have so selflessly helped us create.”