African American veterans in Pontiac, MI have a fellow vet that they've always been able to rely on to advocate for them, this advocate is Holbert Bill Maxey CEO of the Pontiac Urban Institute (PUI).
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| Holbert Bill Maxey |
Mr. Maxey has been a veteran advocate for decades, especially fighting for service attention to be placed on Black and other marginalized veterans; those who are poor, unemployed, homeless, and have substance use and mental health issues.
Over the years Mr. Maxey has assisted veterans with getting their VA benefits; he provides meals and clothing for veterans. In the winter months he provides warm - insulated coveralls for homeless veterans.
Recently, Mr. Maxey has taken up the dramatic rise of veteran suicides in general and Black veterans in particular who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that follows exposure to an overwhelming traumatic event. The main features are intrusive thoughts including flashbacks, avoidance of things that recall the trauma, hyper-arousal, sleeplessness, restlessness, and irritability.
According to a recent study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are more likely than typical Americans to die of causes including suicide and accidental injuries.
Mr. Maxey whose a member of Black Hearts Matter 'Heart Disease Reduction Task Force', has learned PTSD is linked to increased risk for chronic health problems like heart disease.
A 2019 study by St. Louis University School of Medicine cites that veterans with PTSD were 41 percent more likely to develop circulatory and heart disease than those without PTSD. Moreover veterans with PTSD have a higher than normal risk of developing hypertension a major risk factor for heart disease.
Through his consistent community education Mr. Maxey has highlighted that not only do African American veterans experience combat related PTSD, their military PTSD is compounded by the stress of racism, living in violent neighborhoods where there is a lot of Black-on-Black violence and murders.
Mr. Maxey advocates that since African American veterans suffer from combat-related and community trauma, their treatment needs are unique, specific, and warrant adequately trained health care providers who are prepared to meet these needs.
Maxey says although mental health services may be provided to African American veterans and their families, they are often not provided in a culturally appropriate manner or adapted to the unique needs of this population.
To address veteran PTSD, heart disease and other related chronic diseases Mr. Maxey is in the process of creating a culturally competent wrap around health services based in the community for veterans at the local American Legion Post called 'Fan Out'.
Over the years Mr. Maxey has assisted veterans with getting their VA benefits; he provides meals and clothing for veterans. In the winter months he provides warm - insulated coveralls for homeless veterans.
Recently, Mr. Maxey has taken up the dramatic rise of veteran suicides in general and Black veterans in particular who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that follows exposure to an overwhelming traumatic event. The main features are intrusive thoughts including flashbacks, avoidance of things that recall the trauma, hyper-arousal, sleeplessness, restlessness, and irritability.
According to a recent study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are more likely than typical Americans to die of causes including suicide and accidental injuries.
Mr. Maxey whose a member of Black Hearts Matter 'Heart Disease Reduction Task Force', has learned PTSD is linked to increased risk for chronic health problems like heart disease.
A 2019 study by St. Louis University School of Medicine cites that veterans with PTSD were 41 percent more likely to develop circulatory and heart disease than those without PTSD. Moreover veterans with PTSD have a higher than normal risk of developing hypertension a major risk factor for heart disease.
Through his consistent community education Mr. Maxey has highlighted that not only do African American veterans experience combat related PTSD, their military PTSD is compounded by the stress of racism, living in violent neighborhoods where there is a lot of Black-on-Black violence and murders.
Mr. Maxey advocates that since African American veterans suffer from combat-related and community trauma, their treatment needs are unique, specific, and warrant adequately trained health care providers who are prepared to meet these needs.
Maxey says although mental health services may be provided to African American veterans and their families, they are often not provided in a culturally appropriate manner or adapted to the unique needs of this population.
To address veteran PTSD, heart disease and other related chronic diseases Mr. Maxey is in the process of creating a culturally competent wrap around health services based in the community for veterans at the local American Legion Post called 'Fan Out'.
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