Empowering Veterans Through Outdoor Adventure Medicine​

The Outdoor Adventure Medicine Institute (OAMI) recently made waves at the American Public Health Association (APHA) 2023 annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. Composed of the dynamic trio Dr. Jenevieve Peecher, Andrew Michalik, and Linda Williams, the OAMI team played a pivotal role in leading the Veterans Caucus at the conference. Their dedication and passion for supporting veterans and those affected by global conflict or war were evident in the various activities they organized.

At the forefront of their involvement was the coordination of two oral sessions and two poster sessions that brought together a variety of esteemed speakers highlighting research on veterans health. Their topics ranged from mental health, to substance abuse, to innovations in female health in the military. The Veterans Caucus also witnessed its first business meeting in caucus history, marking a significant milestone for the organization. The OAMI team’s active participation in the Caucus collaborative round table discussion further showcased their commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, where they engaged with leaders from other caucuses to expand outreach.

Following the resounding success of the conference, the OAMI team is now working closely with the Veterans Caucus to serve as a valuable resource for veterans nationwide. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with a history of military service, the OAMI team is working to implement wilderness training programs for returning veterans in a train-the-trainer format. These programs will help utilize skills learned from the military to continue education and develop their careers. Along with these training programs, each service that OAMI provides includes underlying elements of therapy to assist veterans in overcoming mental health obstacles.

Excitement abounds as OAMI looks forward to an enduring engagement with the Veterans Caucus. Together, they plan to expand their support network and reach more veterans across the nation. By combining their expertise in outdoor adventure medicine with the Veterans Caucus’s dedication to empowering those who have served, OAMI is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and contribute to their holistic well-being.