The Elizabeth Dole Foundation recently held its 9th Annual National Convening on September 24, 2024, shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked community of military and Veteran caregivers. These hidden heroes, made up of spouses, parents, family members, and friends, are responsible for caring for America's wounded, ill, and injured service members and Veterans. The foundation, established by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, has been a driving force in empowering, supporting, and honoring the 5.5 million military caregivers across the nation.
At this year's convening, a new RAND report was unveiled, offering fresh insights into the challenges faced by military and Veteran caregivers. Building on a groundbreaking 2014 study, this new data reveals alarming gaps in critical areas of support, demonstrating how the population of hidden heroes has evolved over the past decade. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger support systems to address the physical, emotional, and financial toll on caregivers.
Key partners in this initiative, including Wounded Warrior Project, AARP, the Lilly Endowment, and Lockheed Martin, joined national leaders, public health experts, and caregiver advocates to discuss the report’s findings and push for immediate action. Several panels during the convening focused on the caregiver experience, the state of health care, and the evolving needs of Veterans and their families. These discussions emphasized the importance of comprehensive care and mental health support for caregivers, many of whom face increasing challenges without adequate resources.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation remains committed to advocating for military caregivers by working alongside public, private, and nonprofit leaders. By raising awareness through events like the National Convening, the Foundation continues to push for policy changes and increased recognition of the invaluable service these caregivers provide. As the nation learns more about the struggles of hidden heroes, the need for meaningful action becomes clearer than ever.
