Mililani Clinic Marks Five Years of Support for Veterans

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Mililani, Hawaii, marked its fifth anniversary on September 27, 2023. The clinic has been a vital resource for veterans and military families, providing mental health services to those who may face barriers in accessing care. Since its establishment, the clinic has conducted over 25,000 clinical sessions, according to Anthony Hassan, president and CEO of the Cohen Veterans Network (CVN).

Founded by billionaire hedge fund manager Steven Cohen, the clinic is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the mental health crisis among military personnel and their families. Cohen’s commitment stemmed from his personal experience, as his son served in the Marine Corps and highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support. Hassan stated, “Cohen has invested $400 million to ensure that military personnel and their families receive quality, accessible help.”

The clinic primarily focuses on veterans and service members who enlisted after the events of September 11, 2001. Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicates a troubling rise in suicide rates among veterans during the last two decades. Between 2001 and 2020, the suicide rate among veterans aged 55 to 74 increased by 58.2%, while for those aged 18 to 34, the rate soared by 95.3%.

State Representative Trish La Chica, who represents Mililani, emphasized the clinic’s importance in a community with a strong military presence. She remarked, “It represents a lifeline to many who may be deploying or transitioning into the islands.” La Chica, with a background in public health, stressed the need for integrated mental and physical health care, stating, “You can’t function, you can’t live a full life if you don’t care for yourself and your spirit.”

The clinic’s director, Holly Scanes, highlighted the unique challenges faced by veterans and their families living in Hawaii. She noted that those in remote locations, like the Hawaiian Islands, often experience limited access to mental health services. “It’s not just mental health care,” Scanes explained. “We have a community liaison and a case manager who assess needs from the moment a veteran walks in the door.”

With a focus on holistic support, the clinic addresses various needs, including food access, housing, and transportation. Scanes mentioned the importance of providing resources for veterans to thrive in their community. The clinic features a play therapy room for children, individual appointment offices, and community spaces accessible to local organizations and nonprofits.

Access to care remains a critical issue for veterans across Hawaii, where the VA’s Pacific Island Healthcare System is strained. John Alamodin, director of the state Office of Veterans Services, noted that veterans living on other islands face significant challenges in obtaining care, stating, “Access to care, to say it’s an issue, is an understatement.”

To enhance access, the clinic offers telehealth services throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Scanes pointed out that the clinic’s lead clinician serves residents of Kauai, ensuring that support is available even in more isolated areas. “We are licensed for Hawaii and have additional support from sister clinics in Texas, allowing for quicker access to therapists,” she added.

Unlike many VA programs, CVN clinics also accept veterans with dishonorable or “other than honorable” discharges, allowing them access to much-needed services. The clinic defines military family members broadly, acknowledging the importance of non-traditional family structures, including hanai relatives, as part of the support network.

As the Mililani clinic reflects on its past five years, it remains committed to its mission of providing essential services to military families and veterans. With ongoing support and resources, it aims to continue making a significant impact in the community.