BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Retreat will host the third annual Ride for Heroes event starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. The motorcycle ride starts at the Brattleboro Retreat and ends with a barbecue lunch at the Retreat campus.
This event supports the Retreat's growing Uniformed Service Program (USP). USP was founded in 2009 to offer specialized trauma and addiction treatment for people who are, or have been, active military, police officers, fire fighters, veterans, EMS, and corrections personnel.
According to the USP data, professionals in uniform are more likely to have witnessed or experienced life-threatening events and human tragedy that can lead to serious stress disorders and other duty-related problems with alcohol and drug addiction, anxiety, and depression.
“We are very proud of the growth of our Uniformed Service Program and the many people in uniform, present and past, who have sought help and treatment in our program,” said Dr. Robert E. Simpson, president and chief executive officer of the Brattleboro Retreat. “We are working every day to help veterans and brave first responders, police, and fire fighters who put their lives on the line during every shift but rarely receive or ask for the help they need to cope with the stresses of the job.”
People who come to the USP for treatment can take advantage of the quiet, campus-like setting of the Brattleboro Retreat during their stay. The USP has received national recognition for its work in treating men and women for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as studies show that all men and women who answer the call of duty are at higher risk for PTSD.
“It is events like the Ride for Heroes that truly allow us to support and grow our Uniformed Service Program,” added Simpson. “We're looking for hundreds of riders to come and take part and enjoy a summer ride here at the Retreat for a great cause to help our everyday heroes.”
The ride will take bikers on a route through southern Vermont's scenic hills and valleys, rivers, and historic villages. Registration for the ride is $20 per person and includes both the ride and barbecue lunch. The first 200 riders to register will receive a free T-shirt.
The afternoon will include music and vendors as well as raffles and prizes with many items donated by local businesses. This is an alcohol- and smoke-free event, and will be held rain or shine. While participants must be 18 years of age or older to ride, all adult riders and types of motorcycles are welcome.
For more information and directions, contact Biz Dana at 802-258-4318 or bdana@brattlebororetreat.org. Or, visit www.brattlebororetreat.org/rideforheroes.