On Veterans Day, we take time to honor former military members for their willingness to make sacrifices for our nation. Support for all of our nation’s Veterans is a prominent component of the broad range of services provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Emphasis on veterans’ behavioral (mental health and substance use disorder) care is based on the organization’s recognition of the unique needs of this population and the collective national commitment to support those who have served. If you ask a group of veterans why they chose to serve, you’ll hear a variety of answers. Veterans may describe a role model who served in the military, a family legacy of service, feelings of patriotism, a sense of duty to protect others, and unique opportunities offered by military service. These opportunities may include seeking new experiences, traveling to new places, gaining job skills for the future and financial security. In fact, the military is among our nation’s most diverse employers.
The diversity of our Nation’s Veterans
During World War I and World War II, American Indian people were recruited by the US military to develop secret combat communications using their indigenous languages. The “code talkers” as they became known, are credited with contributing to the victories of the United States and its allies. During the draft of World War II, more than a million Black black men and thousands of women entered the military, serving in all branches and all theaters of operations. There is evidence that one in five transsexual Americans have served in the military, which is significantly higher than the percentage of the general US population. The Department of Defense Demographic Survey shows that 18.4 percent of active-duty service members in 2022 were Hispanic or Latino. Additional, women are the fastest growing veteran group and are expected to make up 18 percent of all Veterans by the year 2040.
The Strength, Resilience, and Patriotism of Minority Veterans
Minority veterans, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women, have demonstrated strength, resilience, and patriotism. Minority Veterans have served honorably in every military conflict even before they had the right to vote in this nation. This history of service also influenced a history of breaking down barriers and righting wrongs. In 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 banning segregation in the military and paving the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which 16 years later outlawed discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, and national origin throughout the United States. Although LGBTQI+ people have faced barriers to open service throughout history, in September 2011 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed and in June 2024 President Joseph Biden issued a proclamation thanks to service members previously court-martialed based on consensual same-sex relationships.
Minority Veterans and the Impact on Mental Health
Each year, approximately 200,000 men and women leave US military service and return to civilian life, and each of them faces unique challenges during the transition. Data from SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (PDF | 1.6 MB) indicates that in 2022, approximately 5.8 million veterans reported experiencing a behavioral condition. Despite their legacy of service and contributions to our nation, minority veterans are more likely to be affected by psychosocial stressors and behavioral health conditions. In 2021, veterans who identified as American Indian or Alaska Native had the highest suicide rate rates (PDF | 2 MB) of all racial groups. Among veterans receiving health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), one in three women and one in 50 men report having experienced military sex wound. Additionally, the data shows that Black Veterans are disproportionately affected unemployment (PDF | 341 KB) and imprisonment (PDF | 400 KB) after their military service. It is also critical to consider the needs of military-connected families. A recent one overview of Veterans and their spouses reported that their top concerns include access to care as well as civilian understanding of military/veteran issues.
How to best serve the cultural needs of our veterans
To provide the best care and services to each of our nation’s Veterans and military-connected family members, it is important to consider their unique life contexts and cultural identities through the lens of intersectionality. When behavioral health providers and community-based organizations plan efforts to serve Veterans, it is important to consider the unique characteristics of Veterans in your community. Multiple data tools including Measurement communities* data portal, provides insight into the unique demographics and needs of military-connected veterans and families in their respective communities across the nation. In addition, veteran leaders create equity-focused veteran-serving organizations such as Minority Veterans of America,** which prioritizes ensuring that “all Veterans receive the care, recognition and support they have earned.”
A promise of care for those who have served in our Nation’s military and their families, caregivers and survivors
In 1959, the VA adopted a mission statement based on President Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address: “To provide for him who shall have undertaken the battle and for his widow and orphan.” In March 2023, the VA announced an updated version: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and their families, caregivers and survivors.” This revised statement honors and recognizes all who served and the family members and supporters who served with them.
Let’s all work together to strengthen culturally responsive and equitable health care for all of our nation’s service members, Veterans and their families.
How you can help
*The Measuring Communities data tool from Purdue University’s Military Family Research Institute uses data from more than 30 government and non-government organizations.
**Minority Veterans of America is presented above as an example of a veterans-serving organization that serves the public and is consistent with SAMHSA’s mission. Many similar non-profit organizations exist throughout the country.
