Operation REACH Offers Comprehensive Support for Franklin County Veterans

There are currently 13,095 veterans residing in Franklin County. Many of these individuals need emergency or transitional housing, food, clothing, and toiletries, according to Franklin County Veterans Affairs. “Without basic needs met, it’s difficult for a veteran to focus on their overall health and wellness. Operation REACH will help meet needs so that veteran participants can be successful,” said Justin Slep, Director of Veterans Affairs.

Operation REACH, which stands for “Relief for Emergency Assistance through Community Help,” is a program offered through a partnership between Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol, Franklin County Veterans Affairs Office and Franklin/Fulton Mental Health/Intellectual Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention. The program focuses on a holistic approach to meeting the comprehensive needs of the veterans.

Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller said, “We've been trying to do more to serve veterans. Operation REACH builds on the success of our recent efforts like Save a Vet, Save a Pet and other programs to help Franklin County's veterans, who are true heroes in our eyes."

Operation REACH plans to serve 120 veterans who are struggling with substance use and/or co-occurring disorders. Available services include substance use and/or co-occurring treatment, and housing support/assistance. Additional support services will be available and include emergency services (food, clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc.), transportation, child care, and legal assistance.  

Operation REACH Case Managers will provide care coordination services to the veteran participants. Through the program, veterans and their families will be able to focus on their journey to wellness by receiving the basic necessities in order to do so.  “We are excited to partner on the development and implementation of Operation REACH and to see the potential impact on our veterans’ health and wellbeing in Franklin County,” said April Brown, Administrator for Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol.

This program is funded through the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Veterans Treatment Services Initiative. For more information on Operation REACH please contact Justin Slep, Director of Veterans Affairs at (717) 263-4326.

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