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RESOLUTION AFFIRMING STOCKTON’S COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT MILITARY AND VETERAN CAREGIVERS
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution to become a Hidden Heroes City, affirming its commitment to support military and veteran caregivers.
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Summary
The Hidden Heroes designation would demonstrate Stockton’s support for military and veteran caregivers. More than 11,000 U.S. veterans of the nearly 2 million former military service members residing in the State of California live in the City of Stockton. Caregivers often are parents, siblings and friends providing care for the wounded, ill or injured who have served our nation. Their patriotic service often receives little support or acknowledgment.
Council is asked to approve a resolution recognizing their service and commit to seeking solutions to the incredible challenges needed to support military and veteran caregivers.
DISCUSSION
Background
The U.S. Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution in 2016 to encourage cities nationwide to develop ways to support and recognize military and veteran caregivers. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation created the Hidden Heroes Cities Program to motivate cities further to identify military and veteran caregivers and resources to support them. Today, more than 110 cities have already joined the initiative their support.
In 2014, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation commissioned a RAND study entitled Hidden Heroes: America’s Military Caregivers. It was the first national study of military and veteran caregivers.
The report found there are more than 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers in the United States. These hidden heroes place their lives on hold to assist former military service members in many ways including managing medication and medical appointments, providing emotional and physical support, and helping with other daily activities. It also revealed veteran caregivers provide $14 billion of uncompensated voluntary healthcare services annually.
The report also found caregivers experience more personal health problems, financial challenges, or damaged family relationships than non-caregivers. Caregivers caring for post 9/11 veterans suffer from depression at four times the rate of their civilian counterparts. The study listed seven areas requiring further attention: Mental and Physical Health; Community Support at Home; Respite Care; Education and Training; Interfaith Action and Ministry; Employment and Workplace Support; and Financial and Legal Issues.
Present Situation
On May 24, 2018, Mayor Michael Tubbs in the 20th Annual State of the City expressed Stockton’s commitment to support veterans and caregivers. A resolution would formalize the city’s commitment to providing vital support to caregivers.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There are no immediate financial impacts associated with approving this resolution.