Why we Exsist

Many veterans face challenges with resilience and experience a disconnect from nature after their military service. RVA helps bridge that gap by reconnecting veterans with the healing power of the outdoors while fostering healthy, positive coping strategies. Through outdoor-based therapeutic experiences, RVA empowers veterans to strengthen resilience, improve overall well-being, and build lasting skills that support successful lives beyond service.

 Over 5 million U.S. veterans experience a behavioral health condition. Approximately 14-16% of post-9/11 veterans face depression or PTSD, and veterans are over 50% more likely to die by suicide than civilians. Notably, more than 50% of veterans with mental illnesses do not receive treatment. 

Key mental health statistics for U.S. veterans include:

• Depression: About 33% of veterans experience some symptoms, with 1 in 8 diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). 
• PTSD: Rates range from 9% to 15% depending on the deployment era, with female veterans experiencing higher rates (13%) compared to male veterans (6%). 
• Substance Use: Over 3.7 million veterans experience a mental health condition and/or Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Nearly 90% of those with a SUD do not seek treatment. 
• Co-Occurring Disorders: Veterans with a dual diagnosis (e.g., PTSD and SUD) are up to 23 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those without. 
• Suicide Rates: Veterans are over 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than non-veteran adults, with over 6,000 veterans dying by suicide annually.