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St. Petersburg Today
By the People, for the People
Army Veteran Helps Fellow Vets Recover from Trauma and Addiction
Sarah Branyan uses her personal story to guide veterans at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Sarah Branyan, a Peer Support Specialist at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, is using her personal story of recovery from Military Sexual Trauma and drug addiction to help other veterans struggling with similar issues. Branyan leads group sessions for in-patient veterans, sharing her experiences and encouraging positive thinking to aid in their recovery.
Why it matters
Branyan's story highlights the challenges many veterans face, including trauma, mental health issues, and substance abuse. By sharing her own journey to recovery, she is able to connect with and inspire other veterans to seek help and take steps towards healing.
The details
Branyan suffered a Military Sexual Trauma while serving in the Army as a teenager, which led to a spiral of drug abuse, including meth, crack cocaine, and heroin. She was arrested numerous times over the next decade and eventually spent two years in prison, which she credits with saving her life by giving her the time to overcome her addictions. Now, Branyan works as a Peer Support Specialist at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, leading group sessions for in-patient veterans and sharing her story to encourage positive thinking and resilience.
- Branyan suffered the Military Sexual Trauma while waiting for a security clearance in the Army as a 17-year-old.
- Branyan was discharged from the military under a Chapter 11 discharge after the trauma.
- Over the next decade, Branyan was arrested numerous times and eventually spent two years in prison in Maryland.
- Branyan now works as a Peer Support Specialist at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The players
Sarah Branyan
A Peer Support Specialist at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, who is using her personal story of recovery from Military Sexual Trauma and drug addiction to help other veterans.
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital
A hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida that provides healthcare services to veterans.
What they’re saying
“When you are thinking positively you are not in fight-or-flight mode. So, you are more resilient. You are more able to find solutions. You are more creative. All the things that we give up and become self-fulfilling prophecies when we are focused in the negative.”
— Sarah Branyan, Peer Support Specialist (baynews9.com)
“Somebody who has been there, done that. Somebody that can understand where you have coming from.”
— Crystal Elerbee, Group Meeting Participant (baynews9.com)
The takeaway
Branyan's story demonstrates the power of peer support and personal experience in helping veterans overcome trauma and addiction. By sharing her own journey to recovery, she is able to connect with and inspire other veterans to seek help and take steps towards healing, highlighting the importance of mental health resources and support services for the veteran community.
