Business Plan to Implement a Resource Center for Veterans, Military Servicemembers, and Their Families: The alliance has developed a business plan that outlines a phased-in development of a resource center for this important population. The resource center is proposed to be virtual in its launch and then, in time, a bricks and mortar facility at a location that is centrally located within the county, easily accessed, and that offers support services on site—and virtually.

Based on national and state data, and the study of successful resource centers in other locations, mental/behavioral health and medical resources are foundational, priority needs for this population in every community of the U.S. The National Academy of Sciences reports that, “They need a full spectrum of health care services—including prevention, diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, education, counseling, and community support—to deal with a wide-ranging set of physical and medical issues.”[i] A foundational service of information and referral for medical and mental health needs will be a launching pad from which other services will be designed, resourced, and offered.

As our World War II and Vietnam veterans pass away, the national and local trend suggests that while the total number of veterans is decreasing, the number of veterans with multiple service-connected conditions is dramatically increasing[ii]. The proposed resource center will recruit employees and volunteers that are sensitive to, and trained in, the multi-faceted needs of military, veterans, and their families.

The VAMSA proposes launching a virtual resource center by Veterans Day (November 11) 2022. Following the web-based service will be a “traveling” center with key resources/information offered in facilities such as the American Legion, VFW and other locations that can periodically/regularly host staff and receive service patrons on site. The ultimate goal is to operate a centrally located, easily accessible bricks and mortar resource center.

To execute this business plan, financial and planning support will be solicited from municipal and county government agencies, veteran service organizations, social service agencies, VA staff, and Guard/Reserve leaders. While donations of any size will of course be welcome, it is crucial that the center attract donors that can commit sizable contributions sufficient to operate the center in perpetuity. This manner of funding has been the hallmark of similar resource centers across the nation that have maintained their longevity. In the early phases of the project, VAMSA members will work together to apply for grants, draft letters requesting support from civic organizations, and host fundraising events.

[i] “What Are the Biggest Problems Facing Veterans Returning Home from Conflict;” National Academy of Sciences; accessed June 20, 2022. Web Site HERE

[ii] “Balancing Demand and Supply for Veterans' Health Care: A Summary of Three RAND Assessments Conducted Under the Veterans Choice Act; accessed August 28, 2022. Web Site HERE (“Since 1980, the size of the U.S. veteran population has declined by 21 percent. At the same time, the number of veterans using VA health care has increased substantially. The increase is largely due to expanded eligibility and greater reliance on VA health care by recent cohorts of veterans.”

Veterans, Military Servicemembers, and Their Families: When the founding members of VAMSA initially came together in September 2021, the initial goals were to assess the needs of this community and build solutions around the results of the needs assessment. According to the U.S. Census (2020) there are 3,480 veterans living in Queen Anne's County. To ensure survey results are statistically significant, the alliance hopes to surpass a 10% response rate (348 or more responses). Apart from collecting demographic information (age, branch of service, etc.), the survey asks respondents to assess the sufficiency of resources for the Guard/Reserve, those serving on active duty/Title 10 orders, veterans, and their family members. To prioritize VAMSA programming, this survey also asks respondents to self-report the extent to which they need specific services/resources.The assessment can be completed online in 3 minutes or less at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/386D5GP