A six-month study provides proof that Team RWB's community-based initiatives offer a real solution for creating a healthier future for veterans.
Study results, released July 30, demonstrate significant improvements in the physical and mental health of veterans participating in the non-profit’s programs.
“This study unequivocally proves that Team RWB is the best-positioned nonprofit to help stakeholders improve veteran health and wellness," said Team RWB's Incoming Executive Director, retired Army Col.Michael "Sully" Sullivan.
The research, which used blood biomarkers, fitness trackers, and the Enriched Life Scale, shows measurable health gains, including reductions in at-risk biomarkers and improved BMI, for participants who were initially less healthy than the general population.
"Our programs offer a proactive solution to the health crisis facing our veteran population, leading to substantial improvements in both physical and mental well-being, added Sullivan.
At the outset of the study, newly joined Team RWB members were less healthy than the general population, with over 90 percent classified as overweight or obese. They also displayed higher baseline inflammation, poorer lipid profiles, and elevated glucose levels.
However, after taking part in Team RWB activities for six months, the study found that 80 percent of participants improved their ELS scores by an average increase of 18 percent. Developed with Syracuse University, ELS measures enrichment across physical and mental health, genuine relationships, and a sense of purpose. The most significant improvements were seen in physical health, with an increase of 25 percent, and mental health, which showed a 21 percent increase.
“This isn't just about fitness; it's about building a community that empowers veterans to lead healthier, more purposeful lives," said Sullivan.
The study also found that 53 percent of participants improved their biomarkers in some way, as 41 percent reduced their at-risk biomarkers, and 33 percent had more optimized biomarkers. In addition, 68 percent of participants improved their BMI, with an average reduction of nearly 2 percent across all participants.
The findings have profound implications for veteran programming, services, and policy, according to Sullivan. With only 0.1 percent of the VA's medical budget currently allocated to Whole Health programming, the U.S. healthcare system for veterans is almost entirely reactive.
Sullivan said Team RWB's community-driven, holistic approach, which emphasizes physical activity, mental well-being, and social connection, offers a proven model for prevention and improved long-term health outcomes.
Sullivan said he wasn’t surprised the study found that community-based initiatives such as Team RWB’s improve veterans’ overall health and well-being.
"While it may seem obvious and intuitive, the data did not exist to really show that empirically, “ he said. “We wanted to see if we could truly find data to support what we all already knew to be true."
Read the full report here. teamrwb.org/research.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.