Recently, CEO Mandy Baker, had the opportunity to share her insights and experiences on the John Sterling Show podcast. As a guest on the show, she delved into the transformative impact of BRC Healthcare’s veteran’s initiative, shedding light on how it is changing lives in the underserved veteran community. On bridging the cultural gap, Mandy said, “A combat Vet and I may not have the same experiences, but we can find common ground through recovery and open conversation. Humanity is our common ground.”
One of the key themes that emerged during the interview was the importance of finding common ground. Mandy emphasized that while combat veterans and individuals like herself may have divergent life experiences, the path to recovery is a shared journey. By fostering open conversations and promoting compassion, we can transcend our differences and recognize our shared humanity. This realization is at the heart of BRC Healthcare’s veteran’s initiative, creating an environment where veterans can feel understood, supported, and empowered.
Being supported also means being seen and understood. Knowing intimate challenges like daily scheduling structure that can plan such a big role for Vet’s post military lives is key. “Veterans often choose BRC for their recovery because of the structure it provides. In the military, structure and routine help to keep people safe. This same safety translates into emotional regulation and safety in recovery. When veterans know what to expect, they don’t have to fear the future. This allows them to focus on their recovery and what’s really happening inside of them.”
Discussing the unique appeal of BRC Healthcare’s programs for veterans, Mandy highlighted the significance of structure in their recovery process. Drawing parallels between the military and recovery, she emphasized that structure and routine offer a sense of safety and emotional regulation. By providing a familiar framework, BRC Healthcare allows veterans to focus on their healing without the fear of the unknown. This structured approach empowers veterans to delve deep into their journey of recovery, uncovering the underlying causes of their substance use disorders.
“Veterans have a shared experience that creates a sense of community. When veterans meet, they often feel an instant connection because they understand each other’s experiences. This is similar to the sense of community that people in recovery share. Both veterans and people in recovery have a language, culture, and understanding that is unique to their group.”
The profound sense of community that arises from shared experiences is an important theme of Baker’s leadership at BRC. Veterans, much like individuals in recovery, possess a unique language, culture, and understanding that unites them. BRC Healthcare recognizes the power of this connection and fosters an environment where veterans can come together, relate to one another, and build a strong support network. This shared sense of belonging enhances their recovery journey, providing a safe space to express themselves and receive invaluable support.
“When we talk about the importance of being competent in treating veterans, I challenge other industry leaders to do the same thing I did. I looked at our data and compared the outcomes for veterans to the outcomes for the general population. I found that we could do better. I challenge you to do the same and make sure that veterans are responding to your efforts as well as everyone else.”
Mandy’s interview serves as a call to action for industry leaders to prioritize competent care for veterans. By examining data and comparing outcomes, BRC Healthcare identified areas for improvement and made it a priority to enhance their services. Mandy urges fellow leaders in the recovery space to take the same introspective approach and ensure that veterans get the care they need and deserve.