Veterans and their families invited to Meet and Greet today
(Seguin) – Guadalupe County Veteran Services is expanding its list of resources available to local veterans and their families. The program is announcing the addition of a Whole Health Coach and expanded mental health services.
The new Whole Health program is designed to help veterans focus “on their overall well-being and develop practical tools for healthier habits, self-care and personal goals.”
Veteran Services Director Nancy Russell says Whole Health is not intended to replace traditional medical care, but to provide additional support.
“It’s not meant to be instead of your medicine, but it’s in addition to your health plan. It could be massage, moving your body, nutrition, acupuncture — there are a lot of different facets to the whole health,” said Russell.
The county now has a VA Whole Health Coach, Delinda Carheel, working out of an office at the Veterans Outreach Center. Russell says getting the service to Seguin took some time, but it gives local veterans another resource without having to travel elsewhere.
Whole Health can include cardio and strength activities, yoga and Tai Chi, as well as “mindfulness activities such as guided imagery and breathing techniques.”
Russell says the goal is to help veterans develop a plan that fits their individual needs.
“The Whole Health services takes a personalized approach to wellness and can help veterans create a plan based on their individual needs and goals,” said Russell. “We are always looking at ways to provide veterans with tools and resources to support positive changes in everyday life.”
Veterans and their families will have an opportunity today to learn more about the program and meet Carheel during a Whole Health Meet and Greet from 10 a.m. to noon at the Veterans Outreach Center
Russell says the meet and greet is a good opportunity to stop in and learn about Whole Health, but veterans don’t have to wait for a special event to take advantage of the center’s resources including its newly expanded therapist hours.
“You can stop by any day and find out what services we have available,” said Russell.
Russell says one of those expanded services is mental health care. She says the Ecumenical Center, which has therapists with offices inside the Veterans Outreach Center, now provides mental health services every day except Tuesday.
Veterans and their family members do not have to go through the VA to make an appointment, and the services are free.
Guadalupe County Veteran Services is located at 205 East Weinert Street in Seguin.