Guardian Hills Veterans Healing Center

Since 9/11, over 2.5 million US service members have been deployed in the Global War on Terror (GWT). As a result, there has been an alarming increase among service members in PTS, Moral Injury, difficulties in assimilating into civilian relationships and suicides. VA sponsored studies have noted a 13.5% overall incidence of PTS in GWT veterans whether they were deployed or not. This rises to as high as 40% for those in combat zones. In 2016, the VA estimated there were 8100 GWT veterans in Missouri alone meeting the criteria for PTS/MI. In the immediate 6 state region, there were a total of 34,000 GWT veterans dealing with these issues. Even more staggering, this does not include Vietnam veterans, of which there are over 161,000 in Missouri alone.
PTS and Moral Injury can significantly impact an individual's wellbeing and ability to lead a healthy, productive life. The consequences of untreated PTS/Moral Injury to veterans, families and society at large are substantial. Most salient to the general public are the rates of veteran suicide, with current estimates demonstrating between 22 and 24 per day.
Guardian Hills offers, free of charge to participants, 1 week residential programs for veterans in a 28 acre rural campus setting. The program utilizes immersive educational and therapeutic experiences with the goal of providing the greatest benefit in the shortest period. This aids in the formation of coping skills and recovery activities that are then utilized by their local support & treatment centers, as well as by the the veterans themselves. Follow up support and assistance is provided by regularly scheduled contacts and identifying the appropriate level of ongoing intervention. Retreat based programs have been proven to be an effective modality for veteran PTS in numerous published studies from the constraints of mental health issues. Expansion of programs to include couples, families and military sexual trauma is planned. By learning positive responses and coping mechanisms for PTS and Moral Injury while seeking appropriate assistance, veterans can become healthier and more productive citizens. From their military training and experience, veterans possess valuable skill sets that can be beneficial to their communities if unfettered from the constraints of mental health issues. In contrast, if left unaddressed, at its worst PTS can result in reduced employability, domestic crises, substance abuse, homelessness and other negative financial and social impacts on the community at large.

Recruitment of participants will initially involve working with regional Veteran focused and service organizations. Professionals from the University of Missouri, the VA Hospital system and nationally recognized experts in veteran PTS are involved in program management and implementation. Program participants are carefully selected and form the basis for core mentor faculty. Subsequently, outreach and digital targeting of veterans service organizations and the public at large will begin with the existing website being enabled for online application. Depending on initial response, additional marketing may be required. However, based upon early research, there is a substantial need and waiting lists for no charge retreat programs with applications far outpacing available positions.
As alluded to above, the first phase of operation in 2024 consisted of 5 pilot programs. In 2025, there are 11 one week retreats scheduled with 6-8 participants each.
Determination of program efficacy will require routine follow-up of participants. Intake instruments assessing the individual's mental health status have been developed in conjunction with the University of Missouri Department of Occupational Therapy and the Truman State University Department of Statistics. The participant completed form will be reviewed prior to acceptance into a program to determine suitability for a retreat based program and as a baseline assessment. At the conclusion of the week long program, the facilitators will determine what level of ongoing assistance the participants will require in their healing process and assist in arranging appropriate contacts with local professional therapists, Vet Centers, peer to peer partnering, etc. Guardian Hills will then contact each participant at 3 month intervals for a minimum of 2 years to monitor progress and record status. Program content will be modified based upon documented outcomes. Guardian Hills is partnering with academic and professional centers to assist with follow up analysis.

See Business/Strategic Plan

Construction of the facility was completed in the Spring of 2024 with the 5 Pilot programs scheduled that Summer/Fall. Key Staff and Facilitators have been selected and trained. An Executive Director/Facility Manager was hired in August 2024. Funding has been secured for the 2024 Program SSchedule.