Hero’s Story by Televeda

Televeda is promoting healing across American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Veterans to build resilience and reduce social isolation and loneliness, both important for preventing Veteran suicide. The first mental health community-based platform developed for AIAN populations, Hero’s Story hosts culturally appropriate and evidence-based interventions such as talking circles and storytelling while protecting user privacy. AIAN communities answer the call to serve at five times the national average—but AIAN Veterans are also one of the highest at-risk populations for suicide.

Advancing access to local mental health resources for AIAN Veterans

The design of Televeda’s platform has been and will continue to be informed directly by AIAN communities. By blending diverse methods of strengthening emotional support and individual resilience, Televeda aims to promote overall health and create a community of strength. 

Hero’s Story reduces social isolation and loneliness by connecting Veterans with each other through community-based sessions. In addition to using a validated framework, the platform’s wide array of technical capabilities—including video conferencing, data analytics, and class management software—enable Hero’s Story to help Veterans access mental health resources both in-person and virtually.

What comes next: Expanding access in isolated communities

Televeda is now working with VA and tribal experts to scale Hero’s Story for AIAN communities—as well as consider how the solution can reduce social isolation and loneliness among Veterans and Americans more broadly.

To learn more about VA benefits, services, and other resources, visit va.gov/contact-us/.