Surveying Service Members in West Virginia to Improve State Resources

West Virginia Veteran Survey

Challenge

The Interim Select Committee on Veterans Affairs (the Committee) of the West Virginia (WV) Legislature conducted a 2007-2008 study on WV Veterans that looked at issues related to readjustment following military service, including the challenges of depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD), and unemployment. The Committee authorized a follow-up study in 2012 aimed at identifying current needs of Service Members, past and present, from all eras, ages, and services, in order to better utilize state and federal resources to improve services and resources for military heroes and their families.

Solution

Atlas Research, in partnership with West Virginia University’s Joseph Scotti, PhD., professor of psychology, and Roy Tunick, EdD, professor of rehabilitation counseling and counseling psychology, designed the survey and analyzed the results. Both Drs. Scotti and Tunick, along with Atlas senior vice president Hilda R. Heady, conducted the 2008 survey.  The 2012 study, which examines health, work, education, family, retirement, and benefits, was offered to more than 8,000 service members and was conducted using an online survey tool and telephone interviews.  

Result

Atlas Research authored a report that includes a summary of findings as well as actionable recommendations.  The results will help build a strategic plan to facilitate critical steps toward expanding service access and promoting a better understanding of the daily lives and well-being of Service Members.

Related Services
Research and Evaluation
Related Areas of Expertise
Health and Health Care
Veteran and Military Health
Related Markets
Federal Government
Related Populations
Veterans
Families
Government Employees
Active Duty Military