Veterans find healing waters through fly fishing

Being in rhythm with nature is often a life-changing experience for Veterans healing from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

VA Salisbury Health Care has partnered with Project Healing Waters (PHW) Fly Fishing, a national nonprofit, to give Veterans a no-cost way to connect with nature and each other through fly fishing. Veterans take part in classes, local and regional trips, and hands-on activities like fly-tying and rod-building.

Navy Veteran Rickie Woodson, 74, knows the healing power of this connection. “We don’t have to talk about what took place, but we can still relate and give each other support,” he said. “It’s changed my life with my family.”

The Whole Health team at VA Salisbury supports these efforts by partnering with PHW to offer classes and events in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, such as weekly fly-tying sessions and seasonal outings.

Dr. Christina Vair, VA Salisbury clinical director of Whole Health, notes that research confirms the health benefits of community and nature-based activities. “This idea of community represents that outer ring of the Whole Health circle,” she said.

Army Veteran James Smith, who served in Vietnam, has participated for over 15 years. “Before joining the group, I stayed home a lot,” he said. “The friendships and camaraderie have been priceless.”

The Winston-Salem PHW chapter now includes about 40 Veterans and 30 volunteers, with hopes to grow.

Air Force Veteran B.J. Farmer, who helped connect PHW with VA, sees it as a natural extension of care. “Sometimes with PTSD, [Veterans] need a way to escape. Nature calms you down, and the camaraderie helps in ways therapy alone can’t,” she explained.

Many VA medical centers nationwide now collaborate with PHW and other community organizations to support Veterans’ mental health through recreational therapies. Contact your local VA to explore Whole Health opportunities near you.