Veteran's Podcast Helps First Responders and Service Members Seek Mental Health Support

Navy veteran's nonprofit provides free resources, counseling to those struggling with PTSD, depression and other issues

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A Navy veteran in South Carolina has launched a nonprofit called Day1Week1 that provides free mental health resources, financial services and couples counseling to first responders and veterans. The organization also hosts a podcast where guests share their personal struggles with mental health challenges. The goal is to break the stigma around seeking care and provide tangible support to those in need.

Why it matters

Active-duty service members occupied more hospital beds for mental health disorders than any other affliction in 2023, and an average of 17 veterans die by suicide every day. Stigma remains a major barrier preventing military personnel and first responders from seeking the care they need. This initiative aims to address these critical issues by offering free resources and a platform for open discussion.

The details

Navy veteran Billy Bowering founded Day1Week1 in June 2023 to provide free mental health resources, financial services and couples counseling to first responders and veterans. The organization also hosts a podcast where guests share their personal battles with PTSD, depression and other mental health challenges. One guest, former paramedic Parker McBryde, was able to get help for her eyesight issues through the nonprofit after appearing on the podcast.

  • In 2023, active-duty service members occupied more hospital beds for mental health disorders than any other affliction.
  • An average of 17 veterans die by suicide every day.
  • Day1Week1 was launched by Navy veteran Billy Bowering in June 2023.

The players

Billy Bowering

A Navy veteran who launched the nonprofit Day1Week1 to provide free mental health resources, financial services and couples counseling to first responders and veterans.

Parker McBryde

A former paramedic who shared her battles with PTSD and depression, as well as her struggle with losing her eyesight, on Bowering's podcast. The nonprofit was able to help her restore her eyesight.

Dr. M. David Rudd

A psychologist at the University of Memphis who stated that stigma is a major barrier preventing military personnel and first responders from seeking mental health care.

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What they’re saying

“Stigma is a huge barrier to care. It's what prevents people from reaching out.”

— Dr. M. David Rudd, Psychologist, University of Memphis (kxii.com)

“I wanted to do something different. I didn't just want to talk about, 'Hey, let's have awareness.'”

— Billy Bowering (kxii.com)

“A few days later, he called back, and he said, 'I've secured it. We're gonna help you,' and so it was such a huge relief to know that, you know, my eyesight was finally gonna at least be restored, or at least to a level where I'd have glasses or something that I could at least see. So, very thankful for 'Day1.'”

— Parker McBryde, Former Paramedic (kxii.com)

What’s next

The organization plans to continue expanding its free mental health resources and support services for first responders and veterans in need.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the critical need to address the mental health challenges faced by those who serve our communities and country, and the importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding seeking care. By providing free, accessible resources and a platform for open discussion, Day1Week1 is making a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with PTSD, depression and other issues.