Onvida Health is expanding behavioral health services to better support veterans in the region, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS).
The funding will allow Onvida Health to enhance its Inpatient Behavioral Health Center and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) with a strong focus on addressing the unique needs of veterans and Native American veteran populations. The expanded services will support veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and other service-related mental health challenges.
“Each year, 6,000 veterans and service members are lost to suicide, leaving an enduring impact on the loved ones and communities who cared for them. This investment helps us further strengthen the support we offer veterans throughout our region,” said Dr. Kristina Diaz, Onvida Health Medical Group President. “Many veterans face unique and complex mental health challenges related to their service, and we remain deeply committed to ensuring they receive compassionate, specialized care close to home.”
In addition to expanding services, the grant will support workforce development for Onvida Health’s behavioral health team. The funding will provide training and specialized certifications for both current and future staff to ensure they are fully prepared to meet the needs of veteran patients.
Onvida Health will train trauma-informed licensed mental health counselors, along with nursing and behavioral health support staff. Every team member will complete military cultural competency training, including education on Native American traditions and the impacts of historical trauma, ensuring care is both clinically effective and culturally responsive.
These new investments build on the strong foundation already in place to support veterans in the region. The new VA Outpatient Clinic and the involvement of Onvida Health medical residents who will regularly round at the clinic will further strengthen coordination of care for local veterans.
Through these collaborations, veterans will benefit from more seamless access to behavioral health services and a coordinated care team dedicated to their well-being.
“At the core of all this is our ongoing promise to the veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving others,” added Dr. Diaz. “Expanding our programs is just one more way Onvida Health is investing in a healthier, more supportive future for those who have given so much to our community.”
