Hampton Roads is home to one of the largest concentrations of active-duty military personnel (100,000+) and Veterans (200,000+) in the nation. Combined with civilian emergency personnel who experience similar occupational stress and health challenges, there is an opportunity to connect ODU’s talented faculty with these vibrant populations to help enhance their health and resiliency. ODU has pockets of faculty working with these populations, but a systematic approach to synergize and elevate this effort has not yet been undertaken. Our HEROES [Health Enhancement & Resiliency for those who Serve(d)] Initiative is an effort that will address this unmet need by building and leveraging connections in the region with scholars and clinical practitioners at ODU in ways that are aligned with our Forward-Focused: Where Innovation Meets Possibilities Strategic Plan.
The HEROES Initiative focuses on enhancing the health and resiliency of those who protect(ed) and serve(d) the public, including Active-Duty/Veterans/trainees from all military branches, as well as civilian police, fire, and other emergency personnel. The HEROES Initiative will connect the vast military population and civilian emergency personnel in the Hampton Roads region with research opportunities at ODU to enhance force readiness and engage our Veteran and retiree population via our Mission, Vision, and Motto.
Mission
The mission of the HEROES Initiative is to develop and support innovative research focused on enhancing physical, mental, and social health in those who protect and serve(d) the public.
Vision
With one of the largest Active Duty and Veteran concentrations in the country (300,000+ in the Hampton Roads region), and thousands more civilian emergency personnel, the HEROES Initiative strives to be a world-class leader in health-related research that enhances the lived experience of those to serve(d) the public. This vision will be supported via external grants, collaborations with local constituencies, and industry partnerships.
Motto
Enhancing health for those who served us.