Foundation donates $50,000 to transform lives of veterans

Listen to this article

WarriorWOD, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence Foundation.

The grant, provided as part of the foundation's goal to improve health care quality in the Carolinas, is intended to empower WarriorWOD to extend its mission and amplify its impact on veterans’ lives, according to a news release.

WarriorWOD's “Exercise is the RX” was designed to help veterans battling invisible wounds. These wounds, often stemming from traumatic experiences during service, can lead to increased substance abuse, self-destructive behaviors and  suicide, the release said. With a focus on exercise, nutrition and mentorship, WarriorWOD is tackling those issues, offering veterans a path to recovery and a chance at renewed purpose.

One in five veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan experiences post-traumatic stress or major depression, and the veteran suicide rate is 57.3% higher than that of their non-serving peers, the release said. One in 15 have a substance abuse disorder.

WarriorWOD's program addresses those challenges by providing veterans with tools to regain control over their lives. Through a six-month fitness regimen tailored to individual needs, bi-weekly support from certified nutritionists, and mentorship from fellow veterans who understand their experiences, participants see an average 18% decrease in PTS symptom intensity. By focusing on exercise and nutrition, WarriorWOD also works to reduce dependency on anti-depressants, alcohol and illegal drugs.

With the additional funding from CCME Foundation, the organization aims to expand its reach, potentially doubling the number of veterans it supports from 150 to 300.