Hampton Roads is home to one of the largest concentrations of active-duty military personnel (100,000+) and Veterans (200,000+) in the nation. Combined with civilian emergency personnel who experience similar occupational stress and health challenges, there is an opportunity to connect ODU’s talented faculty with these vibrant populations to help enhance their health and resiliency. ODU has pockets of faculty working with these populations, but a systematic approach to synergize and elevate this effort has not yet been undertaken. Our HEROES [Health Enhancement & Resiliency for those who Serve(d)] Initiative is an effort that will address this unmet need by building and leveraging connections in the region with scholars and clinical practitioners at ODU in ways that are aligned with our Forward-Focused: Where Innovation Meets Possibilities Strategic Plan.
Collaboration Tools
The HEROES Initiative takes a holistic and integrative approach to health research such that those pursuing physical, mental, and/or social health topics connected to those who serve(d) the public are invited to participate. To support interdisciplinary research, we invite you to use the Research Exploration and Collaboration Hub (REACH) to search for faculty and projects connected to your area of interest. You must be an ODU faculty or staff member to use the REACH tool.
Join Us
If you would like to be a part of our ever-growing interest list to stay abreast of HEROES Initiative events and activities, please contact Dr. Christopher Rhea.