Until recently, addressing the mental health of soldiers and first responders has not been a priority for our country. And yet,
1 in 5 veterans suffer from PTSD and/or depression
Roughly 70% of homeless veterans suffer from a substance use disorder.
National data indicate that about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men responded “yes” that they experienced MST, when screened by their VA provider.
And even more recently, we are beginning to recognize the mental health needs of our first responders:
80 percent of firefighters report being exposed to a traumatic event.
90 percent of police and EMTs report exposure to trauma.
49 percent of first responders were offered “Psychological First Aid” after traumatic events.
85 percent of first responders experienced symptoms related to mental health issues.
According to a 2011 Straits-Troster study, almost 40% of our returning troops suffer from depression, anxiety and PTSD. Not only do these poor mental health conditions negatively impact the lives of the veterans and their families, they can also increase the likelihood of unemployment, poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, and suicide.
In evaluating the need and benefits of Equine Therapy and Learning for these groups, Founder and Executive Director Shannon Knapp points to a pilot study at Fort Carson, CO. The study showed that equine therapy and learning reduced the risk of violence by veterans by 24%. Even more remarkable, the rate of suicide was reduced by 62%. Through the work of Heart of Horse Sense, Knapp is seeking the same level of dramatic results as the Fort Carson Pilot Study.
Our goal is to Ensure Equine THerapy is available throughout Western north carolina to any veteran or first responder who has made the step to ask for help.
—Shannon Knapp, Executive Director of Heart of Horse Sense