In today’s episode, we’re honored to feature Myra Fields-Rouse, a retired army officer with 22 years of service. After being injured during her deployment to Afghanistan in 2003-2004 and dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, Myra has channeled her experiences into helping other veterans.

Today, she serves as the Veterans Initiative Manager at the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS) in Philadelphia. In this role, she oversees a holistic approach to supporting veterans, addressing everything from housing and food security to mental health and substance use treatment. She also talks to us about her work in Veterans Court, which offers veterans an alternative path through the criminal justice system that focuses on treatment and rehabilitation.

Tune in to hear Myra’s inspiring journey, message of hope, and to learn more about the resources available to veterans through DBHIDS and other organizations.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 - Intro
1:18 – Getting to know Myra
5:46 – Myra’s role with DBHIDS
10:15 – The Veteran’s Court
15:21 – Housing assistance for homeless veterans
17:26 – Myra’s message: There is always hope

Myra Fields-Rouse

Check out Myra's bio HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Get in touch with Myra

Email: myra.fields-rouse@phila.govor
Work Cell: (215) 498-8671

DBHIDS
https://dbhids.org/

DBHIDS on X
https://x.com/dbhids

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.