Standing Beside Those Who Served: Veterans & the Power of Connection

How community partnerships are saving lives across East Tennessee

For many Veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life can bring invisible challenges, feelings of isolation, depression, or struggles with substance use. The VICTOR Project (Veterans Improving Connections in Tennessee for Opioid Recovery) is working to change that.

Through collaboration with Frontier Health, the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (Mountain Home), and local Veteran coalitions, VICTOR connects Veterans with recovery programs, peer-support groups, and suicide-prevention resources tailored to military life.

A simple phone call can be the first step toward healing. The Veterans Crisis Line - Dial 988, then Press 1 - provides 24/7 confidential support for service members and their families. Locally, Veterans can also access in-person help through Tennessee Mobile Crisis Services or Frontier Health’s Turning Point Crisis Unit in Johnson City.

Every conversation matters. Every connection saves lives.