#United States #mental health #Veterans #Washington D.C. #Grunt Style

Grunt Style Foundation's Bold Initiative

On June 4-5, 2025, the Grunt Style Foundation will convene the 'War Cry For Change' summit in Washington, D.C, aiming to address the critical issue of medication overprescribing among veterans, contributing to the soaring suicide rates within this community. In partnership with organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), this two-day event promises to be a beacon of hope and advocacy.

The statistics are daunting. Approximately 68% of veterans receiving services from the Veterans Health Administration are prescribed psychiatric medications to deal with mental health disorders, such as PTSD. Alarmingly, many of these veterans are not adequately informed about the potential side effects of these treatments, including suicide-related warnings from the FDA. The summit aims to shine a light on these critical issues and advocate for urgent reform in how mental health care is administered to veterans.

A Two-Day Journey Towards Change

Day 1: Film Screening and Discussions

The summit will commence with a compelling screening of the documentary 'Medicating Normal', which critiques the widespread reliance on psychiatric drugs and highlights their often-overlooked consequences. The screening will be followed by a panel featuring experts in the field:

• - Dr. Peter Gøtzsche, a co-founder of the Cochrane Collaboration.
• - Robert Whitaker, an investigative journalist behind the platform Mad In America.
• - Lynn Cunningham, the filmmaker of 'Medicating Normal'.
• - Angie Peacock, a combat veteran and one of the film’s subjects.

This interactive panel aims to provide insights into the intricacies surrounding mental health medications and stir discussions on potential solutions.

Day 2: Hiking for Awareness

The second day will kick off with a 'Hike to Heal' event organized by the Irreverent Warriors. Starting from the VFW Headquarters, the hike will make its way past Capitol Hill, concluding at the National Mall where a powerful public art installation will be unveiled. This installation symbolizes the struggles faced by veterans, inviting attendees to express solidarity by throwing empty prescription bottles into a skull, representing the fight against the overprescribing of medications.

Following the hike, an official press conference led by Congressman Jack Bergman will take place at the U.S. Capitol, further emphasizing the importance of instituting effective changes in veteran care.

Roundtable with Key Stakeholders

Later in the day, the summit will culminate in a roundtable discussion with congressional members, veteran service organizations, medical professionals, and families of veterans. This session is set to delineate actionable solutions to the pressing issue of overprescribing, including:

• - Implementing informed consent protocols to ensure veterans are fully aware of potential medication risks.
• - Developing safe and effective deprescribing practices.
• - Exploring alternative treatment modalities that prioritize a holistic approach to mental health.
• - Proposing comprehensive reforms within the Veterans Affairs system to enhance care quality.

William Wisner, Executive Director of the Grunt Style Foundation, expressed the foundation's commitment to not merely pointing out problems but actively proposing solutions. He stated, "Every veteran deserves access to healing that honors their service and respects their unique needs without inflicting additional harm."

About the Grunt Style Foundation

Established in 2021, the Grunt Style Foundation operates as a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, service members, and their families. The foundation seeks to address various issues ranging from mental health and wellness to food insecurity and homelessness. For more information about the foundation and its initiatives, visit Grunt Style Foundation.