As AmeriCorps members in the Social Work and Community Health Department at RUSH, we’ve had the privilege of working with diverse communities through programs aimed at addressing health equity. Last November, leading up to Veterans Day, our AmeriCorps cohort took time to deepen our understanding of veterans’ health—an issue that intersects with systemic inequities, social determinants of health, and community well-being.
At the Illinois National Guard Armory, we distributed winter supplies to veterans, many of whom were food insecure. During this event, we became inspired to take a deeper dive into veterans’ issues and witnessed firsthand the unique challenges they face, including housing insecurity, mental health struggles, and barriers to accessing coordinated care. We engaged with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and witnessed their collaboration with local organizations serving veterans, such as shelters, food banks, and community health initiatives. One significant observation was the number of veterans who expressed frustration with navigating fragmented resources available to them. Many found themselves overwhelmed by disconnected services and unclear pathways to access benefits. This experience appears emblematic of broader challenges in veterans’ healthcare coordination, where despite numerous available resources, the lack of integrated systems and clear navigation support creates barriers to care. These observations have strengthened our commitment to addressing these challenges and inspired this discussion on veterans’ health in Chicago and beyond.
Contextualization of Veterans Health
Veterans returning from service encounter a multilayered web of health and social challenges that extend far beyond immediate medical needs. These challenges intersect with and amplify each other, creating complex barriers to wellness and stability. From navigating fragmented healthcare systems to overcoming socioeconomic obstacles, veterans face unique hurdles in maintaining their physical and mental health. The following statistics highlight the scope and severity of these interconnected issues:
- Homelessness: 15% of Chicago’s homeless population are veterans, with many experiencing chronic homelessness due to mental health issues and economic instability.
- Mental Health: An estimated 44 veterans die by suicide every day in the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for mental health resources.
- Health Disparities: Veterans of color and female veterans are less likely to access healthcare services and are more likely to report poor overall health.
- Access to Preventive and Specialized Healthcare: Many veterans struggle to receive preventive care and specialized healthcare services, particularly for chronic conditions related to their military service, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and exposure to hazardous substances like Agent Orange or burn pits.
- Barriers to Access: Many veterans struggle to access federal benefits, including healthcare and housing support, due to bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of awareness about available resources.
- Mental Health Stigma: Ongoing stigma around seeking help for PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues exacerbates veterans’ struggles.
- Coordination Gaps: Disconnected efforts among federal agencies, NGOs, and local organizations often leave veterans without comprehensive support.
These sobering statistics reveal a healthcare crisis that demands immediate attention and comprehensive solutions. The complexity of veterans’ health challenges requires a coordinated response across multiple sectors, including healthcare providers, social services, government agencies, and community organizations. By understanding these challenges as interconnected rather than isolated issues, we can develop more effective, holistic approaches to supporting veterans’ health and well-being. This calls for not only expanding access to existing services but also reimagining how we deliver care to better meet veterans’ unique needs.
Recommendations for Improving Veterans’ Health
Upon our research efforts, we have identified some key areas for potential policy and systemic change.
- Encourage Veterans to Pursue Careers in Medicine:
- Continue to develop scholarship and loan repayment programs specifically for those who commit to careers in veterans healthcare.
- Partner with medical schools and training institutions to create veteran-friendly pathways into medicine, including mentorship programs and tailored support services.
- Enhance Coordination Between Agencies:
- Build stronger partnerships between federal health programs, NGOs, and social service organizations to create integrated care pathways.
- Develop a centralized database to track veterans’ needs and services received, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
- Expand Access to Resources:
- Advocate for increased funding for veteran-specific housing programs and mental health services.
- Partner with community organizations to provide outreach and education on available federal benefits.
- Create Veteran-Centered Care Models:
- Establish care teams that include healthcare providers, social workers, and peer support specialists who understand veterans’ unique needs.
- Develop trauma-informed care practices tailored to address the physical and emotional impacts of military service.
- Leverage Technology for Outreach:
- Use digital platforms to connect veterans with resources, including telehealth services, job training programs, and peer support groups.
- Develop apps that streamline the application process for benefits and provide real-time updates on case status.
- Address Homelessness at Its Roots:
- Implement Housing First initiatives that prioritize stable housing as a foundation for addressing other health and social needs.
- Expand access to job training and placement programs, such as those offered through VA Vocational Rehabilitation, to help veterans achieve financial independence.
Moving Forward: Our Commitment to Veterans’ Health
Through our AmeriCorps service, we’ve gained insights into the challenges veterans face and the critical importance of coordinated, comprehensive care. Our experiences—from distributing winter supplies at the National Guard Armory—have shown us that meaningful change requires both direct service and systemic transformation. By continuing to build partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and veterans themselves, we can create more accessible and integrated support systems. Our role extends beyond immediate assistance to include advocating for policy changes, reducing barriers to care, and ensuring veterans’ voices shape the services they receive. This work honors not only veterans’ service but also upholds our nation’s commitment to their well-being and that of their families.
As part of our recommendations for moving forward, we believe it is essential to underscore the shared responsibility—particularly that of government—to ensure veterans receive the comprehensive care and support they deserve. Veterans have upheld their commitment to our country, and it is our collective duty to honor that service through responsive, well-coordinated systems of care. This includes not only expanding access to services but also improving public awareness of available resources, streamlining communication, and supporting both public and private initiatives that prioritize veterans’ long-term health, stability, and social well-being. As we’ve witnessed firsthand, too many veterans fall through the cracks due to bureaucratic challenges or insufficient outreach. Addressing these gaps requires a united effort rooted in accountability, compassion, and respect for the sacrifices veterans and their families have made.
Camron Mahdavian was an AmeriCorps Member in the 2024-2025 cohort of the C4P AmeriCorps Program at RUSH. He is now pursuing his medical degree at Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker MD College of Medicine in Kalamazoo, MI.
Click here to learn more about our AmeriCorps program and how to apply for the 2026-2027 cohort!