M-SPAN has engaged in regional and national initiatives that address gaps in services and that include evidence-informed intervention development, research, and program evaluation, as well as models for sustainability and dissemination. M-SPAN aims to reach underserved sub-populations within the veteran space. To date, these have included National Guard and Reserve, student veterans, women veterans, military spouses, and military families with young children, and to work with these groups to build resiliency skills and enhance wellness. Buddy-to-Buddy, M-SPAN's first initiative, was launched in 2009 in partnership with the Michigan Army National Guard to provide outreach, peer support and linkage to resources for National Guard soldiers who often deploy multiple times, and who face the challenges of navigating both the military and civilian worlds. The mission of the Buddy-to-Buddy Program is to use trained peers to help military service members and veterans overcome the stigma around asking for help and to link those who are facing challenges with appropriate resources that will optimize their quality of life.
