Latest Articles

Who’s the biggest foe: COVID or Addiction?

COVID-19 with the “Delta” variant, along with the newest variant “Omicron,” has inflicted devastation on public health around the world; disrupting all aspects of life globally. As the unknown future of this ever-mutating virus continues, a largely unmasked nation walks the line of a “new normal;” celebrating the return to near-ordinary life with children returning…

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Medication Assisted Treatment For Opioid Addiction: A New Perspective

When Americans are asked to recognize U.S. service members, law enforcement and first responders, the feelings of reverence honoring those men and women are of unity and appreciation. The recognition that these heroes sacrifice their safeties in daily battles is generally met with gratitude and celebration. But these heroes are fighting even after their life…

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Strength in Support: How Law Enforcement Officers Face Addiction and PTSD

Law enforcement officers, and other members of the first responder community, have a mission to protect and serve the lives of those who are placed in harm’s way. The immeasurable pressure to remain composed and diplomatic in moments of extreme stress can be too difficult for the average person to bear. Law enforcement is a…

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Caring for Our Caregivers during Isolation

Working within high stress environments is familiar for first responders, law enforcement, emergency room and intensive care staff. Frontline workers have been trained to maintain a level of composure while performing complicated procedures like gunshot wounds, heart attacks, and patients coding. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a new challenge to this group of professionals; a chronic…

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Jiu-jitsu Is More Than What It Appears

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu developed from the work of two brothers named Carlos and Helio Gracie who learned the techniques from a Japanese man named Mitsuyo Maeda who migrated to Brazil around 1917. Jiu-jitsu is not what it appears. When people learn that I study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a common response I get is, “Oh you do MMA.”  They think of me as a fighter in a cage or ring. This is a narrow perception of…

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STAYING AFLOAT IN A SEA OF UNCERTAINTY

By Dr. Rick Boone Clinical Director, Warriors Heart As the constantly-evolving news of the Covid-19 pandemic sweeps across the nation and covers our world with apprehension and conflicting points of view, we at Warriors Heart are taking a thoughtful, balanced approach in an effort to protect ourselves and our clients from careless exposure to illness…

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Through Their Eyes

Team Work

We all remember where we were on 9/11. Most of us, watched in complete helplessness as the twin towers fell. Overwhelming emotions echoed throughout the country, and the rest of the world. We felt angry, anxious, fearful and sad. But for Chad*, a now retired member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, the memories tell a different story;…

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Through Their Eyes: PTS

Warrior (n): a person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage or aggressiveness. Trauma (n): a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. It had been over five years since *Marc slept peacefully for more than one night at a time. The knowledge of the inevitable flashbacks of what he’d experienced during is seven years in…

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Through the Eyes of a Hero

When Marshall Thompson*, a Columbine, CO Police Officer, smells a pizza, his mind transports him to April 20, 1999 — a seemingly normal day – at Columbine High School, when 12 people, including 1 teacher, were shot dead by two young men who subsequently committed suicide following the massacre. “When everything happened, it was pandemonium,”…

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My Why

My Why: Frances Byrd

With a sister who was a long time addict, who committed suicide in 2017, a husband who bravely and productively lives with PTSD, and a personal history of my own demons and PTSD, I am a huge advocate for holistic medical care, and bringing awareness to mental healthcare improvement. Psychiatric nursing is where my heart is drawn.…

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My Why: Pam Scharmen

I was a military wife for most of my life. I became interested in the medical field while working for a local doctor so I went to Emergency Medical Technician school and later became an “intermediate” level EMT, which is no longer in existence. My main reason for wanting to become a part of Warriors…

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My Why: Christine Ramirez

I found out about Warriors Heart through my family. My mother and both grandparents work for Warriors Heart and have nothing but positive uplifting things to say about it. I have always been the “go-to” in my circle of friends and family when it comes to advice or simply someone needing a shoulder to lean on. No…

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My Why: Nathan Mittlestadt

Providing for the warriors that walk through those gates has been such a privilege. After serving over a decade in the military myself, I know that we give up time with our family, friends, as well as time for ourselves to accomplish the mission. I want to give back to those who have served and…

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My Why: Adriana Ruiz

I am passionate about spreading awareness about mental health and wanting to make it a part of our day to day conversation. It can be difficult to take that first step into seeking professional help, I know I’ve been there.   Growing up in a Hispanic household, I did not know what “self-care” or “self-love”…

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My Why: Astrid Dippold

I feel that coming to Warriors Heart was like coming full circle in my life. The US Military was the first family that welcomed me with open arms into my professional life. It is where I met my husband, who was a Military Policeman, and it is where two of my three sons found a…

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My Why: Kara Walker

PTSD has had a large effect on my life. With my many family members that struggle with PTSD including my mother. I feel like Warriors Heart would be a great place for me to grow and better myself as well as others. I have heard nothing but good about Warriors Heart. I’m truly honored to be…

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My Why: Caroline Locke

I bring a wealth of professional and personal experiences to Warrior’s Heart.  My passion for helping people has culminated in over 20 years of work experiences in the field of social services including: behavioral health; child welfare; corrections; crisis stabilization; medical; and substance abuse treatment. I am motivated to provide support to individuals and families…

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