About this episode
This episode features Derek Blumke discussing his advocacy for veteran mental health reform and the challenges faced in addressing the overprescribing crisis.
As part of Grunt Style’s Featured Veteran campaign, this episode of the American Grit Podcast shines the spotlight on Derek Blumke, Veteran Impact Fellow at the Grunt Style Foundation, and a leader on the front lines of veteran mental health reform. The Featured Veteran campaign exists to honor the men and women who continue to serve long after they hang up the uniform by showcasing their missions, their impact, and their leadership in their communities. Derek’s journey, from a 12-year Air Force and Michigan Air National Guard veteran with multiple deployments to Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, to a national advocate for mental health accountability, is a powerful example of what service looks like beyond the battlefield.In this episode, Derek breaks down what he’s uncovered over the last two years while leading the fight against the veteran overprescribing crisis: the VA’s heavy reliance on psychiatric drugs, resistance to reform, and the push for informed consent and safer treatment practices. He also shares how WarCry for Change summits have brought together families, lawmakers, and medical experts to confront the realities behind veteran suicides and demand change. About Featured…
People in this episode
Guest: Derek Blumke
Topics covered
- veteran mental health
- advocacy
- community leadership
- overprescribing crisis
- veteran support
Keywords
- veteran
- mental health
- advocacy
- overprescribing
- Grunt Style
- Derek Blumke
- VA
- suicide prevention
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Grunt Style Foundation, Grunt Style, VA
Places: Uzbekistan, Afghanistan
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