This article by Ashlee Nolan was originally published on Weedmaps, and appears here with permission.
One military nonprofit believes that video gaming can be a therapeutic escape for veterans. Founded in 2015 by Army veteran Stephen Machuga, Stack Up aims to use the power of video games to help U.S. and Allied military members and veterans who are struggling with the stress of deployment or reintegration into civilian life.
According to Brian Skatch Snyder, Director of Communications at Stack Up, “Our stated goal is to end veteran suicide. We know that’s a lofty goal, but it’s what we’ve chosen.” The 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report stated that in 2019, there was an average of 17.2 veteran suicides each day, an increase of 4.5% since 2001.
Stack Up combats these statistics through four unique services.
