Promoting Recovery Through Collaboration and Compassion

Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET

Substance use among Veterans and Service Members continues to be a critical behavioral health challenge that intersects with trauma, pain management, and the transition to civilian life. Veterans are at significantly higher risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) as compared to non-veterans.  Veterans with SUD are also more likely to suffer from a mental illness or experience homelessness (Lloyd, Prakash, and Terplan, 2024). Federal, state and local agencies  are continually working to reduce the prevalence of SUD among Service Members, Veterans and their families (SMVF).

This webinar will explore evidence-informed strategies, emerging trends, and innovative models that support recovery and resilience among SMVF. Presenters will discuss the importance of coordinated care across systems including the Department of Veterans Affairs, state health authorities, and community-based organizations. The presenters will highlight programs that are improving access to effective substance use treatment and long-term recovery support.

Join us for this conversation as we bring together leaders from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the SAFE Project, and the Oregon Health Authority to share practical tools, lessons learned, and resources for those working to address substance use and promote wellness across the military and Veteran continuum of care.

This webinar will be followed by a learning community series exploring each of these topics in greater detail. If you are interested, you can get further information via upcoming issues of our monthly enewsletter, “Topics in the News” or from our Upcoming Events page.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about federal and state resources that can enhance coordination of recovery services and community partnerships.
• Understand current trends in substance use among Veterans and Service Members, including co-occurring mental health and trauma-related conditions.
• Explore effective approaches and treatment models supported by VA, the SAFE Project, and state partners.