Military Support Programs and Networks at the University of Michigan (M-SPAN)

Military Support Programs and Networks (M-SPAN) Awarded Grant for Resiliency Interventions for Military Caregivers

Washington, D.C.  –  University of Michigan’s Military Support Programs and Networks (M-SPAN) was awarded a grant from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Fund today, in support of its efforts to impact the lives of military and veteran caregivers through its Virtual HomeFront Strong program. M-SPAN is among thirteen organizations nationwide receiving funding for innovative and evidence-based programs that address the long-term needs of military caregivers, the spouses, parents, and loved ones caring for wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans at home.

“Through the Hidden Heroes Fund, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation continues to build a strong, nationwide network of support for America’s military caregivers,” announced Senator Elizabeth Dole, president of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “This year’s recipients are some of the most respected organizations working on behalf of the veterans’ community and caregivers, and together, they will help ensure our nation supports our hidden heroes for years to come.”

M-SPAN is a collection of programs within the University of Michigan Depression Center and Department of Psychiatry dedicated to military and veteran mental health and wellness.  With the generous support from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, M-SPAN will add Virtual HomeFront Strong to its portfolio of initiatives for caregivers. HomeFront Strong is an evidence-based resiliency intervention designed for military and veteran spouses/partners.  Funding from the Dole Foundation will support the first virtual delivery of the program specifically for caregivers.

“We are so excited to bring Virtual HomeFront Strong to caregivers of post-9/11 veterans across the country,” said Dr. Michelle Kees, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry. “HomeFront Strong is a well-established resiliency program for military and veteran spouses, but this is our first opportunity to deliver the program virtually to caregivers – to bring the program directly to families via technology – and to support those who are caring for our country’s wounded veterans.”

For a full and detailed list of Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s 2018 Hidden Heroes Fund Grant recipients, click here. If you are interested in interviewing Elizabeth Dole Foundation leadership or grant recipients, please contact Katie Haswell at [email protected] or 202-414-0799.

 

Military Support Programs and Networks (M-SPAN) is a collection of programs within the University of Michigan Depression Center and Department of Psychiatry dedicated to military and veteran mental health and wellness. M-SPAN integrates innovative approaches to outreach, overcoming stigma, and decreasing isolation, and includes the design and delivery of programs for service members, veterans and their families. M-SPAN includes 5 flagship programs: Buddy-to-Buddy, Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE), HomeFront Strong, Strong Military Families, and After Her Service. Each flagship program was developed in response to identified gaps in services, and includes evidence-based approaches that have been tailored for specific populations. A rigorous program evaluation is also integral to each program.  www.m-span.org