Annually, during mental "health awareness month" in May, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument holds a Veterans' Mental Health Fair inspired by the story of Captain Daniel M. Stearns of the 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and his dog Harvey. Harvey was a valiant war dog and part of the reason the regiment was known as the "Barking Dog Regiment," but it was his service to the men and particularly Daniel as a comfort animal that inspires us today. Daniel suffered from undiagnosed PTSD after the war and was said to only be himself when he was with or caring for Harvey.
In honor of Harvey the Mental Health Fair seeks to bring together community resources that step outside traditional therapy. Sometimes it can be hard to say you need help, but it can be easier to say you like a hobby or activity and maybe by doing that activity with others who have common backgrounds can make it easier to prioritize your mental health.
We encourage you to visit our vendor's websites and contact them directly, they would be very happy to talk with you.
Music helps decrease anxiety, increase self-esteem, and reduce episodes of panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks. A research study of Guitars 4 Vets students showed a 21% improvement in PTSD symptoms and a 27% decrease in related depression symptoms. The study attributed learning and playing guitar as the primary catalysts for these improvements—and we want to ensure as many vets as possible have that opportunity.
More simply, playing a guitar can help veterans safely connect with their surroundings and other people.
Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County are The Ohio State University Extension-trained volunteers empowered to educate residents of Cuyahoga County with timely, environmentally sound, research-based gardening information. We are affiliated with The Ohio State University Extension, part of the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Science.
Paddle for Heroes
CITY DOGS Cleveland is the adoption and volunteer program for Cleveland Animal Care and Control. Our adoption counselors are ready to help you find a great fit for your family and lifestyle.
The American Veterans' Sailing Program - AVSP - is founded to bring the joy of sailing to veterans in the Great Lakes region through hands on experience. We will take veterans sailing - at no cost to them. We are excited to hoist the sails on this new mission, providing the veteran community with a positive outlet where new skills can be learned and lasting bonds can be forged at sea.
Serving military personnel, veterans, first-responders, and civilians who struggle with the emotional effects of trauma, post-traumatic stress, and other challenges. The naturally intuitive nature of horses can offer a therapeutic experience; a path to resilience, self-awareness, and hope. Surrounded by nature in the safety of our sanctuary, discover the transformative power of equine-assisted healing.
VA has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options and more—all accessible to Veterans, Veterans’ supporters and the general public. Explore the pages below to learn more about a specific mental health topic or to find information specifically tailored to your needs. You can also visit the Get Help page to explore VA resources that address the unique stressors and experiences that Veterans may face.
Cultivated Wellness is a group of holistic health & wellness practitioners aligned with the common goal to introduce resonant approaches to wellness for cultivation of improved self sustainability, community and corporate culture.
To support positive civil-military relations by creating and maintaining a strong, meaningful, and direct bond between citizens of northeast Ohio and the crew of USS Cleveland (LCS 31).
To send USS Cleveland to the Fleet with the greatest start possible, to support the ship and crew throughout her service life, and to welcome her home to Cleveland at the completion of her Naval service.
The mission of Irreverent Warriors is to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.
Irreverent Warriors knows that the best support network for veterans, is other veterans. We bring a community of warriors together through therapeutic events across the country. We also work with other veteran organizations who provide services such as job placement, training, housing, service dogs and more.