NCDHHS and CHESS Health Launch Free Resource for Veterans to Support their Mental Health
Monday, October 20, 2025
(0 Comments)
Posted by: NASWNC Associate
NCDHHS and CHESS Health Launch Free Resource for Veterans to Support their Mental Health
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), CHESS Health and Diamond Mind, LLC, have launched an initiative to provide specialized resources and services for military veterans and mental health providers through the Connections app – the state’s free digital recovery platform.
The Connections: Recovery Support app puts peer-backed recovery support in the pockets of North Carolinians. The app provides 24/7 access to trained peers, moderated online communities, daily check-ins, and proven coping tools to support recovery. NCDHHS sponsors this free resource, which is available in English and Spanish and can be used by any North Carolinian, including providers who want to enhance their recovery-support resources. Click here to download the app.
North Carolina is home to more than 615,000 veterans, making up about 7.3% of the adult population in the state. The partnership with CHESS Health and Diamond Mind will bring culturally relevant and strengths-based support, focusing on their positive attributes and skills for military veterans throughout the state.
"We are committed to building a mental health system that serves all North Carolinians, including the many veterans that call our state home," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "Veterans face a distinct set of challenges when transitioning to civilian life, and these often increase the risk of substance use and mental health issues. We must remain committed in our service to them just as they committed to serving our nation."
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, North Carolina had 209 veteran deaths by suicide in 2022, the last year for which data is available. The suicide rate of 30.4 deaths per 100,000 is lower than the national rate for veterans (34.7) but still significantly higher than the rate for non-veterans (17.8).
"Veterans deserve mental health and recovery services that honor their unique experiences and treat them with dignity and respect," said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. "This initiative strengthens our statewide commitment to veteran-centered, accessible care and underscores the vital role communities play in supporting those who have served."
"Our veterans have served with courage and commitment, and they deserve a mental health system that serves them with the same dedication," said Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "This initiative ensures veterans have the tools and trusted connections they need to continue thriving at home. By linking digital recovery support with veteran-centered care, we’re closing gaps, reducing stigma, and reminding every veteran that help and hope are always within reach."
North Carolina Behavioral Health professionals are invited to a National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors accredited training session on Oct. 22. The session is designed to equip North Carolina clinicians and recovery staff with culturally competent and practical tools to better serve veterans. It is offered at no cost. Click here for details or to register.
North Carolina veterans are invited to participate in dedicated peer-led huddles on Nov. 10. The huddles foster safe, authentic conversation and are hosted inside the Connections app, which is available at no cost. To participate, download the Connections: Recovery Support app for free.
CHESS Health has previously partnered with NCDHHS to provide critical support for individuals working toward recovery from substance use disorders (SUD) across the state. CHESS Health’s proven eRecovery solution offers a comprehensive digital support system to foster and enhance long-term recovery. For more information, visit CHESS Health website.
***
About Garret Biss & Diamond Mind, LLC
Garret Biss is a retired Marine Corps pilot and dedicated advocate for veterans, specializing in mental health, resilience, and recovery coaching. After facing his own challenges with anxiety, depression, and addiction following his military service, Garret developed a unique approach to recovery that emphasizes self-worth, identity, and the inherent strengths veterans bring to civilian life.
As the founder of Diamond Mind, LLC, he delivers transformational workshops and coaching programs, including the Veteran-specific ValiantPath and Warrior Reset initiatives. Garret is the co-founder of an addiction recovery residence, providing leadership and developing a curriculum rooted in positive psychology. For more information, visit www.garretbiss.com.
About CHESS Health
CHESS Health is a leading digital health innovator delivering evidence-based solutions that strengthen providers, health plans, and public sector organizations in their response to the substance use disorder (SUD) crisis. Our solutions enhance prevention initiatives, facilitate care coordination, and deliver wraparound recovery support tools that boost care plan adherence and treatment retention, resulting in improved clinical and business outcomes.
|
Print Page
Email to a Friend
