by Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc

In May, at month’s end we celebrate a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Pathways is honoring the fallen by reaching out to all veterans–those who have recently returned from Iraq as well as veterans of the Vietnam War–and offering acupuncture treatments for free.

We all know that our veterans deserve to receive the care they need to overcome the stress, anxiety and other problems related to their military service. But, sadly, that care is not always available to them.

At Pathways our mission is to provide high quality holistic care to all those in need. For nearly 20 years our AIDS Care Project has provided acupuncture treatments to people with HIV/AIDS. And now, our Veterans Community Acupuncture Project (VCAP) will ensure that vets also have access to care.

We need to raise $20,000 to fully implement this program over the next few months. Can you give $50 or more to help us bring the healing power of acupuncture to our veterans? (Click here to donate now)

Our practitioners have a good deal of experience in treating the veteran population. Just last year, at the Veterans Benefits Clearinghouse’s annual stand-down in Boston, Pathways provided two days of free acupuncture treatments to over 70 veterans.

We also recently completed a study, funded by the Department of Defense, on the use of acupuncture and relaxation to help veterans deal with stress and improve their quality of life. During the course of the study, the results of which were extremely positive, we treated homeless vets at the Veterans Administration Domiciliary in Bedford, MA.

In early May Pathways kicked off the VCAP program by holding several mobile clinics in different towns that provided free acupuncture and workshops to veterans and their loved ones.

We’ve seen first-hand how acupuncture has helped heal these veterans—that’s why we created this new program. And, with your help we can ensure its success by providing access to acupuncture for veterans in need.

Thanks so very much for your continued support and generosity.

In health, naturally,

Kristen E.Porter, MAc, LAc

P.S. Most of us will soon receive a tax rebate check of $300 to $600 as part of the President’s economic stimulus plan. Please consider donating a portion of your rebate to help heal our veterans and improve their quality of life. Thanks again for your support!

Donate online now or mail your check to us at 1601 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118. Please indicate VACP on your check or online.