Mental Health | Bob Woodruff Foundation

Mental health is health.

We invest in best-in-class mental health resources to support the veteran and military community. Our veterans and military families are resilient and they don’t have to bear their burdens alone.

Bob Woodruff was working as a reporter in Iraq in 2006 when his armored vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.

He survived thanks to the quick actions of brave soldiers, medics, and military medical professionals, but sustained life-threatening injuries including a traumatic brain injury. During his recovery, the Woodruffs got to know the families of service members dealing with the impact of visible and hidden injuries, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. Their experience inspired their family to start the Bob Woodruff Foundation. Over the past 16 years, the foundation has grown to invest in the overall health and wellbeing of our wounded warriors and their families.  

The 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal coupled with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated issues related to veteran and military mental health. In response, BWF expedited a series of mental health and wellness grants in 2021 to provide immediate support where it was needed. Through this expedited funding, BWF addressed a variety of veteran mental health needs, including substance abuse treatment, peer support services, counseling and crisis intervention, evidence-based veterans PTSD support, and suicide prevention. 

With your support we will continue to help veterans and military families in 2022 and beyond. Join us in telling them, “We’ve Got Your Six.

Impact Stories
STRIVE’s Dedication to Suicide Prevention
Our Got Your 6 Network partner Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans (STRIVE) offers hope in the fight against suicide in veteran communities, and is recognized for its dedication… Read More
Impact Stories
COVID-19’s Lingering Toll on Youth Mental Health
Calls for Targeted Interventions among Military Families The COVID-19 pandemic may be officially over, but we are only starting to understand its long-term on mental health, including school closures, social… Read More
Impact Stories
Tuesday’s Children: From Pain Comes Purpose
Tuesday’s Children was founded in December 2001 in response to the devastating emotional effects felt by victims of the attacks, to provide long-term support and youth mentoring services. As the… Read More
Impact Stories
Family Finds Support in wear blue: run to remember 
If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of isolation or contemplating suicide, reach out to someone at the Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988, then press 1, or text… Read More
Press Release
The Bob Woodruff Foundation Highlights Issues, Challenges Related to Military Children’s Mental Health
Recognizing the seriousness of military children’s mental health issues and the importance of addressing them, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has published a related issue brief: “Stand SMART for Heroes: Spotlight… Read More
Impact Stories
Addressing Military Children’s Mental Health
Children’s Research Triangle and Military Children’s Mental Health The mental health crisis in America is hitting startling and unprecedented levels. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and… Read More
Got Your 6
Using Art to Help Veterans and Military Families Heal and Reintegrate
Marine Corps Veteran Chris Cline longed for the camaraderie he experienced during his service from 1992 to 1997, and that’s how he discovered the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP). ASAP… Read More
Alive Day
From Marine to Reporter: Thomas James Brennan
Thomas Brennan thought journalism and the military didn’t mix. Read about his Alive Day and the War Horse Symposium with Jon Stewart.
Press Release
Craig Newmark Philanthropies Announces $3 Million Grant to Bob Woodruff Foundation to Support Veterans and Military Families
NEW YORK, March 28, 2023 — Craig Newmark Philanthropies today announced a $3 million grant to the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), once again demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the military/veteran… Read More
Got Your 6
Our Top 5 Stories of 2021
As we reflect on 2021, we are awed by the incredible stories of resilience from our community. Through a continued global pandemic, defined by urgent issues from food insecurity to… Read More
Press Release
Bob Woodruff Foundation Expedites Funding for Organizations Providing Mental Health and Social Support to Veterans
(NEW YORK, NY) September 15, 2021 – The current events in Afghanistan have been devastating to many service members, veterans, caregivers, and survivors. To address the growing and urgent need,… Read More

Investing in solutions

We partner with organizations that work to improve mental health outcomes for veterans and service members.