From Surviving to Thriving: How Rush’s Road Home Program Is Transforming Veteran Mental Health Care
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Healing from trauma is not a straight line — and for many veterans, service members, and their families, access to the right care at the right time can change everything.
The Road Home Program: The National Center of Excellence for Veterans and Their Families at Rush is redefining what effective, compassionate care for post-traumatic stress disorder looks like. Blending evidence-based treatment with deeply personalized support, the program delivers lifesaving care at no cost.
Impact You Can Feel — and Measure
Over the past year, the Road Home Program experienced a 15.4% year-over-year increase in the number of veterans, active-duty service members, and family members receiving care. This growth wasn’t driven by scale alone. It was made possible by philanthropic support that allowed the program to expand appointment availability without compromising quality.
Just as importantly, the program continues to refine innovative treatment approaches that lead to meaningful symptom reduction, improved emotional regulation, and stronger coping tools — outcomes that directly affect daily life, relationships, and long-term well-being.
Tom’s Story: When Care Meets the Moment
For U.S. Army veteran Tom, PTSD once shaped every aspect of his life — oftentimes, without him even realizing it.
Through the Road Home Program, Tom gathered the courage to prioritize his well-being in civilian life and gained access to tailored care that helped him understand his symptoms, rebuild trust in himself, and reconnect with the people around him. What began as treatment became transformation — a shift from simply getting by to moving forward with clarity and confidence.
Read Tom’s full story: https://www.rush.edu/news/surviving-thriving
Care That Extends Beyond the Individual
What sets the Road Home Program apart is its holistic approach. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation — which is why the program:
- Supports families and caregivers, recognizing their critical role in recovery
- Builds community partnerships that address housing stability, connection, and long-term support
- Creates space for candid conversations about PTSD, reducing stigma and fostering understanding
Stories like Fitha Dahana-Ellis and her husband’s journey, or the program’s collaboration with A Safe Haven Foundation, show how comprehensive care strengthens not just individuals — but families and even entire communities.
Learn more:
- Speaking Candidly About PTSD: https://www.rush.edu/news/speaking-candidly-about-ptsd
- Building Connection and Hope: https://www.rush.edu/news/building-connection-and-hope
Why This Work Matters
The Road Home Program proves that when treatment is personalized, accessible, and grounded in evidence, healing is possible — even after profound trauma.
We’re honored to help amplify this work and the people behind it. Because impact isn’t measured by reports alone — it’s measured in lives reclaimed, families strengthened, and futures restored.


