Veterans Services

Service members, Veterans, and their families are important to HopeHealth, and our staff is committed to understanding their needs beyond a typical health care visit.We recognize that service members often face health conditions that may affect employment or healthy living, and we strive to care for those who have served our country selflessly. Veteran liaisons and staff experts are available by appointment to provide assistance with access to services, submitting claims, understanding benefits eligibility, and connecting with resources to improve overall quality of life.

Veterans supporting Veterans

What is a Veteran liaison?

A Veteran liaison is a veteran who understands the unique needs of service members and their families and can help them navigate health care services. This partnership helps veterans to connect with peers who they can relate to. Our liaisons specialize in helping veterans get connected to the local VA, understand benefit eligibility, submit a claim, or file for an appeal, along with many other services both inside and outside of HopeHealth.

Pictured above: Henry Humphries

Henry Humphries served 30 years in the military, including two tours in Vietnam and one in the first Gulf War. He serves as a liaison for Veterans, working with HopeHealth and other community partners to improve their health and well-being.

Did you know?

• 40,056 Veterans are homeless on any given night
• 1 in 10 homeless people are Veterans
• 20 Veterans reportedly die by suicide each day
• Veterans make up more than 14% of all suicides
• In 2017, the VA treated more than a half-million Veterans for drug-related problems
• 56,000 active duty troops meet the criteria for gambling disorder
• 360,000 Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003 suffered from a traumatic brain disorder
• Only 50% of returning service members who need mental health treatment seek it
• The rate of depression in military members or Veterans is five times higher than of civilians

Veteran Crisis Line: 988, press 1

Veterans with Hope Events

“Coffee with Joe” coffee hour is held the fourth Friday of the month at 9:00 am at our new Streater Community Center (301 N. Dargan Street, Florence, SC 29501) with coffee, doughnuts, and guest speakers. If you are a veteran or an active-duty service member, be sure to attend this fun and enjoyable social event.

VETERANS ART CONTEST– Each fall, students ages 6-18 are invited to participate in the Thank a Vet art contest to showcase their appreciation.

This year’s theme is “Salute to Service”. This contest aims to provide a platform for young artist to express their gratitude through creative artwork, while also thanking the men and women of our armed forces.

The contest is open to two age groups: 6-12 years old and 13-18 years old. It’s a great opportunity for your students to not only showcase their creativity but also pay tribute to those who have served or are serving our country. The first-place winner in each age group will receive a monetary prize of $75, the second-place winner will be awarded $50, and the third-place winner will be awarded $25.

We believe that participating in this contest will be a wonderful experience for your students. It will not only provide them with an opportunity to explore their creativity but also foster a sense of awareness and gratitude for our veterans’ sacrifices. Not to mention, your students will have a chance to win some great prizes!

Contest Details:

Theme: Salute to Service

Age Group: 6-12 year old and 13-18 years old

Submission Deadline: November 5, 2025

Artwork Requirements: 2D art with maximum size of 8.5’’ X 11”

Contact Deondra Burgess for pick-up information at dburgess@hope-health.org or (843) 667-9414, ext 1204.

“Brushes of Valor” Events and Art Therapy

Please fill out the form below if you are interested in Brushes of Valor.

Veterans program contact information:

Deondra Burgess
dburgess@hope-health.org
301 N. Dargan Street
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 667-9414, ext 1204