Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN)
Story by Robert Hendrix - Oct 10, 2024
USAF Veteran
The VPAN organization was a pivotal force in my recovery from mental illness and addiction. Their comprehensive support, including benefits assistance, supportive housing, and counseling, significantly impacted my life. The financial assistance they provided was instrumental in helping me overcome three years of homelessness and address my mental health and addiction disorders.
Due to my illness and inability to find employment, I have dedicated hundreds of hours to volunteering and advocating for veterans through my creative design projects from home. My creative design projects, undertaken from my apartment, have allowed me to contribute to veteran advocacy while overcoming the challenges posed by my illness.
In partnership with Goodwill of Southern California, and Daniel Hermosilla with VPAN, they donated to me a brand-new color copy machine. This donation has opened new opportunities for me to pursue my creative talents in graphics and web design, which was a part of my life the past 25 years but was unfortunately put on hold for 4 years.
My creative work has allowed me to process and express my past trauma experiences, resulting in the creation of marketing materials, magazines, Veterans Day posters, books, presentations, and workbooks. These materials have been invaluable in supporting homeless veterans in Los Angeles County, providing them with resources and raising awareness about their needs.
The investment VPAN made in me allowed me to contribute to the veteran community in southern Los Angeles. I aspire to work with a non-profit organization, leveraging my creative talents to contribute to their success and make a meaningful impact on their communities.
Today, I was accepted into the Save a Warrior (SAW) program and am excited to be traveling to Ohio for their intensive rehabilitation program over the weekend. Thanks to my sponsors for making this possible.
Life in my HUD-VASH Community
When I moved into my new HUD-VASH housing facility, I was in a state of mental and physical distress, including emergency room encounters, detox, 5150 involuntary medical holds, loss of hope, and rehabilitation programs. Struggling to recover and reintegrate into the community, my goal was to also reunite with my three children. I believe that today this would not have been made possible without the opportunity to receive the color copy machine donation from VPAN. That was a second chance, a spark that I much needed that opened the doors and brought me to where I am today.
Instead of getting caught up in the distractions and challenges of the community, I was able to focus on my health and creative work thanks to the support provided by VPAN. The investment made by VPAN was instrumental in allowing me to prioritize my well-being and pursue my creative endeavors. I believe today that Daniel Hermosillo, running the VPAN office in his area, does not realize the impact of what he provided for my personal healing and growth.
A Family Crisis
When I reached out to the Los Angeles County Crisis Assessment Team (PMRT), which is part of LACDMH, they immediately recognized the distress in my voice. However, due to regulations and legal restrictions, their ability to intervene was limited. They knew that I loved my daughter deeply and understood that I was in trouble. While the situation wasn't initially considered too serious, they encouraged me to continue contacting them.
As I persisted in reaching out, the PMRT team began to recognize certain triggers and warning signs. Recognizing the escalating severity of my situation, they responded promptly.
The Los Angeles Department of Mental Health was a lifeline for me as a parent. In a crisis, there's no one else to turn to. The City of Los Angeles genuinely cares about its residents.
You must believe in yourself and the system. Be persistent, and never give up. These first responders understand your struggles, have compassion, and will support you.
The Los Angeles County Crisis Assessment Team (PMRT) acts as a bridge between individuals in crisis and law enforcement. Both parties prefer to avoid police intervention, especially when dealing with mental health concerns.
Out of compassion, law enforcement agencies generally avoid incarcerating individuals with mental illness. Los Angeles County is fortunate to have the PMRT as a valuable resource. This network of mental health professionals works collaboratively, providing 24/7 support and assistance to those in need.
Someone once said, "Los Angeles is the city that never sleeps." This is in part due to the tireless efforts of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. These dedicated first responders and medical professionals work around the clock to put the needs of others first.
On the homepage of the LACDMH website, there's a powerful video that emphasizes the message "You matter." This simple yet profound statement reminds us that every individual is valuable and deserves support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, don't hesitate to call (800) 854-7771. I personally make it a point to call this number before dialing 911. We must recognize and appreciate the invaluable work of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, as they truly matter to us more than we may realize.
The past year and a half have been a period of remarkable transformation for myself and my family. Thanks to the exceptional medical care provided by the VA, I've experienced a dramatic improvement in my well-being. My ex-wife, Monica, has witnessed this positive change firsthand.
Monica, on the other hand, has relied on the Los Angeles County Crisis Assessment Team (PMRT) on numerous occasions over the past few years. These dedicated professionals have provided invaluable support and resources for the sake of our children.
Our family's story serves as a living testament to the power of available services. From the 988 Lifeline call center, offering a crucial lifeline in crisis moments, to the LA County PMRT's crisis assessment expertise, and the comprehensive services provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, each point within this network played a vital role in our journey towards a stronger and healthier family unit.
These organizations have consistently provided us with support and peace of mind, especially when dealing with mental health disorders that we were unprepared to handle and lacked the necessary knowledge and training.
What would the County of Los Angeles be like today without the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health?
Without the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles County would be a vastly different place, perhaps resembling the chaotic and dystopian world portrayed in the film "Escape from LA." The LACDMH has made a profound and life-altering impact on countless families within the county.
Our law enforcement officials are on the frontlines, experiencing firsthand a wide range of crisis situations. As members of our community, they also rely on these resources to perform their jobs effectively and ensure the safety, security, and mental well-being of everyone in our community.
What kind of extreme pressure would local law enforcement face if they did not have anyone backing them up? The LACDMH helps alleviate that pressure to allow law enforcement to go home to their families with a greater sense of satisfaction and peace of mind.
Without the support of the LACDMH, local law enforcement would face immense pressure and stress when responding to crisis situations. The LACDMH helps alleviate this burden, allowing law enforcement officers to return home to their families with a greater sense of satisfaction and peace of mind.
The impact that LACDMH has on Los Angeles County
Without LACDMH, our city would be faced with the following epidemic:
Increased Homelessness: The Department of Mental Health plays a crucial role in providing housing and support services to individuals with mental health conditions. Without these services, homelessness rates would likely increase significantly.
Higher Rates of Incarceration: Many people with mental health conditions end up in the criminal justice system due to a lack of adequate care. Without the Department of Mental Health, this trend would likely worsen.
Increased Suicide Rates: Access to mental health services can be lifesaving. Without these services, individuals struggling with mental health issues may be more likely to attempt suicide.
Worsening Public Health Crisis: Mental health issues can have a significant impact on overall public health. Without the Department of Mental Health, the county would likely experience a worsening public health crisis.
Reduced Quality of Life: Mental health conditions can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Without access to mental health services, many people in Los Angeles County would experience a significant decline in their quality of life.
The healthcare professionals at Sepulveda VA consistently demonstrate unwavering dedication and compassionate care, making a profound impact on the lives of veterans.
After enduring three years of homelessness on the streets of Van Nuys Boulevard, my life took a dramatic turn when a VA social worker intervened. Thanks to their dedication, I was never homeless again. The VA provided immediate access to crucial resources: healthcare, rehabilitation, group therapy, shelter, and HUD-VASH housing. Throughout the following 18 months, my social worker's intensive case management, compassion, and unwavering support were instrumental in my recovery journey.
Discovering a brighter future by transforming my scars into strength & healing
Rebuilding my faith & reclaiming hope was made possible through 988Lifeline.org, VPAN, and LACDMH medical professionals.
Despite facing ongoing challenges with reintegrating into the community, I was ultimately presented with a transformative opportunity by VPAN and the staff at Sepulveda VA Medical Center and Operation PTSD Peer Support Group. A chance to re-engage my dormant creative skills through designing print media and websites for non-profit organizations, becoming instrumental in my recovery. The significant strides I've made in mastering new creative skills are a testament to the unwavering support and comprehensive resources provided by the VA.
Their compassionate and highly trained staff guided me from the depths of addiction to the discovery of my boundless creative potential, instilling hope and a second chance at a fulfilling life. This newfound creative mindset has become my most powerful tool for conquering adversity.
Beyond fulfilling passion, this creative outlet has become a therapeutic lifeline. I've replaced the shackles of addiction, depression, and PTSD with an insatiable hunger for positive creative expression. My relentless pursuit of boundless possibilities has become my new, healthy obsession. No longer reliant on substances, I'm now fueled by the thrill of artistic exploration and an unwavering determination to push creative boundaries.
The VA's health and wellness program is my battle cry, a powerful tool for Veterans like me to transition from past struggles to a thriving future. I'm done letting labels like AUD, SUD, PTSD, IOC, or ABC define me. I embrace the power of being creative, a force that fuels my well-being and propels me forward. Any lingering symptom or diagnosis from the past loses its hold. My focus is unwavering health and boundless creativity, the chance to design, draw, or paint a vivid picture of overcoming challenges. Being creative is a powerful tool, concise and impactful, not a disorder. Any other excuses, symptoms, disorders, or diseases the VA has abbreviations, I no longer allow its powerful influence trigger more anguish and failure in my life.
This journey has instilled a renewed sense of hope and purpose, motivating me to give back to the VA community.
By utilizing my artistic talents for a positive impact, I have found peace of mind and a path towards overall wellness. I am committed to maintaining this positive trajectory, avoiding past pitfalls, and embracing a fulfilling future focused on creativity and community contribution. Only through the compassion from my VA social workers, battle buddies, peer support specialists, and doctors who never quit on me.
I am deeply grateful for the invaluable support from VPAN, Sepulveda VA, and my social workers who recognized my potential and provided the platform for me to flourish. My experience serves as a testament to the transformative power of creative expression and the unwavering commitment of the VA to Veterans' well-being.
