Veterans’ Health

Project Title

Access to Veterans Treatment Courts, Phase 2

Grant Amount

$150,000

Priority Area

Veterans’ Health

Date Awarded

February 28, 2020

Region

NYC

Statewide

Status

Closed

Website

http://www.globalstrategygroup.com/

Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) serve as an alternative to incarceration for veterans with mental health or substance use issues, stop the revolving door of the prison system, and give veterans a chance to get their lives back on track.

VTCs are a proven way to address the unique needs of justice-involved veterans, lower recidivism rates, and help re-engage justice-involved veterans into society. In 2019, NYHealth awarded Global Strategy Group (GSG) a grant to spearhead a campaign to move New York State toward universal access for veterans to VTCs. In 2020, NYHealth awarded GSG a second grant to continue that work.

Under this grant, GSG continued to increase awareness of and access to VTCs in New York State. It educated policymakers about VTCs, including the Committee of Veterans’ Affairs in both the State Assembly and Senate; members who represent counties that do not have a VTC; and members who have personal connections to the military. GSG also shared stories of the benefits of VTCs through op-eds and veterans’ own narratives. Additionally, GSG amplified its messaging through a digital campaign on the need for universal access to VTCs for New York State veterans.