MacKenzie Scott donates generous $15 Million to support wounded veterans
Veteran Yolanda Poullard received help from Wounded Warrior Project to help with her PTSD (Credit: WWP)
(EEW Magazine News) Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) received a $15 million donation from MacKenzie Scott to support the needs of post 9/11 wounded, ill and injured veterans.
The gift, which is the largest ever given to WWP by an individual, will help fund life-saving mental health and brain health programs and services.
"We tackle the most critical needs of our nation's wounded heroes, with a significant focus of our work targeting mental health and wellness," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "We are incredibly humbled and grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her generous contribution that will enable us to reach more veterans in need."
Wounded, ill and injured veterans face many challenges when leaving service. In WWP's recently released 2021 Annual Warrior Survey, the top three most common mental health issues reported among veterans serviced by the organization are: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (75%), Anxiety (74%), and Depression (72%). Nearly one in four (24.8%) reported suicidal thoughts in the last 12 months.
It is estimated more than 600,000 veterans live with symptoms of PTSD, according to WWP. The challenges associated with repeatedly reliving traumatic experiences can make the transition to civilian life even more daunting.
MacKenzie Scott's $15 million gift to Wounded Warrior Project will help fund lifesaving mental health and brain health programs and services. (Credit: WWP)
Access to quality care and support is a major concern for veterans. The Warrior also survey found that about one in five veterans have had trouble or delays in receiving or continuing professional mental health care. Of those surveyed, two out of three said they feel embarrassed or ashamed about receiving such care, and nearly three out of five don't know where to find it.
Scott, who gave the massive donation, is the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to whom she was married for 25 years. They divorced in mid-2019, and she received 25 percent of his Amazon stake.
WWP said her gift will boost the investments they are able to make in mental health support for wounded veterans. Current programs include a spectrum of services to help veterans heal from the visible and invisible wounds of war such as emotional support calls, group-based adventure-based learning, and intensive outpatient treatment.