Veterans across the Brazos Valley will soon have access to experienced mental health care – something that wouldn’t be possible without a $25,000 donation from gaming company IGT. The money will be used to fly Dr. Carrie Elk to Brazos Valley; according to Brazos Valley Cares chair Amanda Fleming. Dr. Elk is an expert in treating PTSD in military combat veterans.
“Most of the traditional methods of treating PTSD are simply working on the symptoms and trying to mitigate the symptoms, as opposed to fixing the actual root of the problem,” Dr. Elk noted in a 2021 interview with KBTX. Dr. Elk has been involved in the Brazos Valley before for several years, working to fill the gap in care.
“I think the closest base is over two hours away. So where normally you would see a large population like this, of veterans who would have direct access to VA Hospital, VA care and bass care. They don’t have that here. So, it becomes a responsibility of organizations like Brazos Valley cares and others,” Fleming said.
Dr. Elk produced remarkable results, according to Fleming. This is the second time in 2024 she’ll be flying out to expand her services for those who need it most.
“They’re professional, but they’re personal, but they really roll up their sleeves and they have a heart for veterans in our military, and they work very hard to raise money and find solutions to these kinds of problems,” Dr. Elk said about Brazos Valley cares.
Fleming said working with Dr. Elk is ‘one of the small things’ the nonprofit can do to support veterans in the area.
Brazos Valley Cares is hosting its annual fundraiser, Steak Your Support, in March of 2025.
IGT is a global leader known for electronic gaming tables and lottery machines.
This massive donation will help better the wellbeing of veterans across Brazos Valley. Let us know your thoughts on our social media pages, and keep it tuned to the ‘What’s Happening’ section of our website!
