Equest Patron Party Showcases Panel on Veterans’ Mental Health
Approximately 50 guests gathered at the home of Greg Nieberding for the Boots & Salutes patron party benefiting Equest’s fastest growing program, Hooves for Heroes.
Amongst the 1950’s décor, wine, and hors d’oeuvres, guests learned about the healing power of the horse and the human-horse connection through a panel discussion led by Dr. John Burruss, CEO of Metrocare, the largest provider of mental health services in Dallas County, serving more than 57,000 adults and children annually. Equest’s Hooves for Heroes program helps warriors and their family members achieve optimum wellness and successfully transition to civilian life through equine-facilitated therapies and activities.
The panel – featuring Dr. Burruss, veteran Joe Lucido, Equest Director of Clinical and Veterans Services Jeff Hensley, and Equest Program Counselor Christa Collum – discussed numerous topics including mental health challenges veterans face upon their return from deployment and what is preventing some veterans from seeking help.
The Joe M. and Doris R. Dealey Family Foundation pledged $100,000 per year for three years to Equest Hooves for Heroes. Joe Dealey, a 29-year Army veteran who continues to donate his time at the VA hospital, and daughter Beverly Dealey were both in attendance.
Boots & Salutes, a USO-style fundraiser for Equest’s fastest growing program, Hooves for Heroes, will be held for its second year on July 20 at Equest at Texas Horse Park.
