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
Building Awareness of the Effects and Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury 
Dr. Michael Sorna highlights his takeaways from the Bob Woodruff Foundation 2024 Summit, effective strategies to treat veterans with TBI, what everyone should know about TBI, and more.
Impact Stories
Transforming Lives and Building a Supportive Veteran Community  
Since its founding in 1993, the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation of Indiana (HVAF) has provided housing and support services to homeless veterans.  
Impact Stories
STRONG STAR-Strong Families: Helping Military Families Heal from PTSD 
STRONG STAR’s Strong Families Strong Forces Support & Prevention Program helps military and veteran families in the Fort Cavazos, Texas area.
Health
Returning Veterans Project: Serving Those Who Served with Free Health Care
Carol Levine, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Portland, Oregon founded the Returning Veterans Project (RVP) in 2005. Levine envisioned a veteran support system that offered free mental health… Read More
Impact Stories
United Way of Maryland’s Work to Keep Veterans out of Prison
United Way of Central Maryland supports veterans participating in a Veterans Treatment Court to address the underlying issues, such as mental health or substance abuse disorders, that contributed to their justice… Read More
Impact Stories
The Unseen Sacrifices of Military Caregivers  
Taking on the role of caregiver is often something that happens, to borrow a phrase from Lee Woodruff, “in an instant.” Often partners, spouses, parents, and children are thrown into… Read More
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
The Mission Continues Empowers Veterans Through Service
The transition from military service to civilian life can be challenging, and organizations that focus on the well-being of veterans while empowering them to continue their service are important. The… Read More
Impact Stories
Illuminating the Path to Stronger Mental Health for Children in Military Families 
Amid the sacrifices of military life, there are often-overlooked struggles faced by the children in these families that need our attention. The mental well-being of children of military families is… Read More
Impact Stories
Friendship Place is Here For LGBTQ+ Veterans
It’s been over a decade since the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), yet LGBTQ+ veterans are at greater risk of economic insecurity, housing instability, and mental health issues… 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

Investing in solutions

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