Starbucks x Headstrong Veterans Day Partnership
By: Headstrong Project
Tags: Starbucks, Veterans, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Wellbeing

This Veterans Day, Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. Starbucks stores on Nov. 11. Starbucks is also donating 25 cents for every cup of hot brewed coffee sold nationwide on Nov. 11 to be divided evenly between Team Red, White & Blue and Headstrong to support the mental health and the wellbeing of military communities.

“COVID brings a whole new host of stresses and challenges, especially for veterans and military families,” said Matt Kress, senior manager of Veteran and Military Affairs for Starbucks who served more than 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. “Seeking mental health treatment and providing opportunities through organizations like Headstrong and Team Red, White & Blue are an important way to help veterans meet the challenges that are happening this year.”

Headstrong: No-cost counseling for veterans

Headstrong helps veterans heal the hidden wounds of war with confidential and effective mental health treatment for post-9/11 veterans and their families. Through a network of providers in 20 major metropolitan communities, Headstrong connects veterans with rapid, no-cost counseling services (through virtual visits these days) with mental health professionals who have been trained in treating military veterans, including combat-related post-traumatic stress. Starbucks partnered with Headstrong earlier this year for Military Appreciation Month in May, and is helping Headstrong open up a new Seattle-area network of providers in December.

“As a national-facing mental health treatment practice committed to delivering care to the nation’s members of the armed forces, veterans, and their family members, Headstrong remains focused on those we serve, regardless of circumstance or challenge. In the middle of this pandemic amid unrelenting demand and need, we’re thankful for partners like Starbucks pausing to help us sustain our efforts. True partners show up when times are tough, and Starbucks has been there to help us continue healing the hidden wounds of war,” said retired Army Col. Jim McDonough, Headstrong’s Executive Director.

Team Red, White & Blue: Strengthening the mind-body connection

The mission of Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans. Team RWB offers events, workouts, and challenges at 200 locations nationwide and through the Team RWB App for veterans and supporters. Starbucks has worked with Team RWB since 2017 to support their work in building a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and inclusiveness for more than 400,000 veterans.

“Team RWB is forging the leading health and wellness community for our nation’s veterans,” said Bana Miller, Director of Marketing and Communications for Team RWB. “Physical activity plays a critical role in veterans’ overall mental health and well-being. We are honored to partner with Starbucks to support more veterans on their mental health journeys by offering activities, challenges, and events to challenge mental health stigma while keeping them moving.”

About Starbucks Veterans Day offer

To receive your free cup of hot brewed coffee, visit your neighborhood Starbucks. To find one near you, use the store locator feature on Starbucks.com or on the Starbucks app. Offer must be redeemed in person (not available using Order Ahead or Delivery) at participating U.S. Starbucks locations on Nov. 11, 2020. Starbucks is also donating 25 cents for every cup of hot brewed coffee sold nationwide on Veteran’s Day to support the mental health and the wellbeing of military communities.