The National Military Family Association (NMFA), a nonprofit that works
to strengthen and protect military families, received a $125,000 grant
from United Health Foundation supporting military spouses who are
pursuing health care careers.
This funding follows a 2014 United Health Foundation grant of $100,000
to NMFA to advance the careers and ease the financial burdens of
military spouses specifically entering the mental health profession.
After seeing the results of the initial grant, the scope of this funding
was broadened to primary care to lend assistance to even more military
spouses as they bring their unique skills to careers in health care.
There is a strong need in the United States for a greater number of
health care providers who are sensitive to both the physical and mental
health needs of the military community. A recent study sponsored by
United Health Foundation in partnership with the Military Officers
Association of America, and conducted by the RAND Corporation
highlighted the importance of providing culturally competent,
evidenced-based care to military service members and veterans. The
study, “Ready to Serve: An Assessment of Community-Based Provider
Capacity to Deliver Competent, Quality Care to Veterans and Their
Families,” found that few community-based care providers met criteria
for military cultural competency or used evidence-based approaches to
treat health issues commonly seen among veterans.
“United Health Foundation’s support helps level the playing field for
spouses seeking careers despite the challenges of the military
lifestyle, and spurs spouses into portable, high-demand fields that are
essential to career continuity in our very mobile lifestyle,” said Joyce
Raezer, executive director of NMFA. “We are very proud to announce this
grant as we celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8th.”
“Military spouses often must make large sacrifices, and these
scholarships support them in creating and developing their own career,”
said John Mateczun, M.D., president, UnitedHealthcare Military &
Veterans. “We recognize the increasing demand for qualified health care
providers to meet the unique needs of the men and women who have served
our country. United Health Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to
support NMFA and help foster a uniquely qualified and diverse health
care work force to meet those needs.”
United Health Foundation scholarship recipient Erin Marden, a mental
health counseling candidate, noted that the funds helped offset some
hurdles of the military lifestyle.
“It’s a challenge for spouses to continue education or a career while
dealing with moving, deployments and reintegration. We moved from one
small town to an even smaller, more rural area. It took months to find a
job in an otherwise high-demand field, and when I did, I had to complete
additional training and certification since the state I moved from had
different licensing requirements. This funding reduced the financial
burden created by some of the requirements I needed to become a
counselor.”
Marden expressed excitement about the ripple effect these scholarships,
and NMFA and United Health Foundation’s support, have in the military
and health care communities.
She added: “I’ve seen service members acquire disabilities, family
members struggle to adjust, and children that can benefit from
counseling during deployments and while adjusting to frequent moves and
new schools. It’s fulfilling to be a part of the health care industry
and the healing process. NMFA and United Health Foundation invested in
me, and I’m doing my absolute best to pay it as far forward as I can.”
For more information on NMFA scholarships, visit: http://www.militaryfamily.org/spouses-scholarships/.
About United Health Foundation
Through collaboration with
community partners, grants and outreach efforts, United Health
Foundation works to improve our health system, build a diverse and
dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being of local
communities. United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth
Group (NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation
dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, United Health
Foundation has committed more than $285 million to programs and
communities around the world. We invite you to learn more at www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.
About the National Military Family Association
The National
Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit dedicated to
serving the families who stand behind the uniform. Since 1969, NMFA has
worked to strengthen and protect millions of families through its
advocacy and programs. They provide spouse scholarships, camps for
military kids, and retreats for families reconnecting after deployment
and for the families of the wounded, ill, or injured. NMFA serves the
families of the currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen members of
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned
Corps of the USPHS and NOAA. To get involved or to learn more, visit www.MilitaryFamily.org.
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Copyright Business Wire 2015