Local Veterans and their families at the beach.
Local Veterans and their family members enjoy a Veterans Outreach event in Morro Bay.

SLO County Veterans Open The Door To Services At Escape Rooms

Author: Behavioral Health Department
Date: 9/20/2019 10:28 AM

Thirty local military veterans and family member are set to learn about mental health services and enjoy the escape rooms at The Puzzle Effect next Saturday.

Thirty local military veterans and family members are set to learn about mental health services and enjoy the escape rooms at The Puzzle Effect (583 Marsh Street) in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, September 28 from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Participants in the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Outreach program enjoy free exciting physical activities while becoming more informed on mental health resources available to them through the County Behavioral Health Department and other local health agencies. The Behavioral Health Department's Veterans Services Therapist attends all events to engage veterans that are unlikely to seek care at local mental health clinics on their own. Veterans Outreach collaborates with local organizations to host events that include ziplining, rock climbing, horseback riding, hiking, and surfing.

“It’s really hard for people to go to therapy.  But sometimes you need that individual to talk to.  It’s perfect to have someone who puts herself out there instead of you having to go find her,” said one Veterans Outreach participant.

There are approximately 17,000 veteran and military families living in San Luis Obispo County.  Active military personnel and veterans are at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance use, and domestic violence.

Veterans Outreach participants indicate they are 70% more likely to access counseling services after attending events.  Participants also report gaining knowledge of mental health challenges among veterans (80%) and reducing negative labels regarding those issues (90%). 

Media is invited and welcome to cover this exciting event.  For more information, please contact Gabe Granados, Veterans Outreach Coordinator, [email protected]; 805-781-4285.