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Rogers receives state grant to start Fire Watch program for Veterans, service members
Posted on 04/30/24 12:29:pm
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - With the goal of increasing access to effective behavioral health treatment for an underserved population, Rogers Behavioral Health is excited to announce a new program specifically tailored for Veterans and active military service members.
Using a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), Rogers is developing Fire Watch. The virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP) will meet three hours a day, five days per week, for four to six weeks, targeting challenges unique to Veterans, such as moral injury as well as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms.
"For those who have served, it is crucial to have accessible and affordable mental health treatment when they need it," says WDVA Secretary-designee James Bond. "I'm grateful to the community partners like Rogers Behavioral Health, who are creating thoughtful and targeted programs that consider the unique needs of our state's Veterans. With a network of mental health care professionals across the state, Wisconsin Veterans will have more resources to live their best civilian life."
Dr. Rae Anne Ho Fung, PhD, Rogers' executive director of clinical integration and an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, will closely oversee the program.
“My experiences deployed in Iraq are part of what motivated my life’s work: pursuing a career in mental healthcare with the goal of connecting people in need with effective, evidence-based treatment. I am thrilled to continue my mission at Rogers, where the Fire Watch program will fill unmet needs and offer accessible services to an underserved community,” says Dr. Ho Fung. “We are committed to building trust with Veterans and service members, as well as designing the program specifically for them so we can provide the high-quality care they deserve. This is a huge milestone. I’m deeply grateful for the WDVA grant, and I couldn’t be more excited for Fire Watch to begin serving fellow Veterans.”
For the program, Rogers will hire team members who have the necessary skills, understand military culture, and are passionate about serving this population. The Fire Watch program is expected to serve the first Veteran by early August.
“Our goal at Rogers is to create a culture of care for those with lived experience in service who have a combination of mental health concerns," says Cindy Meyer, MSSW, Rogers' president and CEO. “We are drawing upon our own proven treatments as well as other successful programs for Veterans and service members to design the most effective, accessible program possible. That includes an emphasis on trauma-informed care, strong support systems, and strengthening partnerships with other Veterans organizations and community resources. We hope Fire Watch is just the beginning of expanded offerings for Veterans and service members.”
Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation secured the grant with the expertise of Dr. Ho Fung and Elizabeth Erickson, vice president of operations for West Allis.
About Rogers Behavioral Health
Rogers Behavioral Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit provider of mental health and addiction services. Rogers offers evidence-based treatment for adults, children, and adolescents with depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, addiction, OCD and anxiety disorders, trauma, and PTSD. In addition to locations in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Washington, Rogers operates three inpatient behavioral health hospitals, 17 residential programs and eight centers offering PHP and IOP treatment in Wisconsin. Outpatient services for medication management and psychiatric evaluations are offered virtually and in person in Wisconsin.
The System also includes Ladish Co. Foundation Center, home to Rogers Research Center, the Rogers Foundation, and the Ronald McDonald Family Room®. In addition, Rogers leads the nationwide WISE coalition with the goal of eliminating stigma related to mental health and substance use disorders. Learn more at rogersbh.org.
Contact:
Maddy O’Neill, Communications and Public Relations Lead
262-599-4542