In just six months, September 2020 through February 2021, the Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) served 34,789 veterans or veteran family members; plus, MVPN engaged with 6,720 justice-involved veterans. Additionally, MVPN conducted 196 training events; and trained 642 Texans in Basic Military Cultural Competency Training and Suicide Prevention Training.
“The steadfast commitment of our Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) Peer Service Coordinators and Peer Volunteers to serving Texas service members, veterans, and their families during this unprecedented time is self-evident,” said Arlene Perez, Army veteran and Texas Veterans Commission Veteran Mental Health Department Peer Coordinator.
Perez, pictured, noted that as Texas continues to reopen from the COVID pandemic, “Veteran peer support groups, training opportunities, and community events offered through our MVPN are steadily returning from online to in-person delivery.”
Members of MVPN are trained in mental well-being; plus, they know the variety of resources available to veterans in their area such as financial assistance, health care and how to connect with the community. They also provide the opportunity for veteran-to-veteran conversations, either one-to-one or in groups.
Veterans may connect with a Peer www.milvetpeer.net/page/custompage_map
There are approximately 50 Peer Service Coordinators (PSCs) across the State and a few PSC and volunteer positions are available. Those interested in becoming a part of MVPN can visit www.milvetpeer.net or email TVC’s Mental Health Department at VMHD@tvc.texas.gov.
