On our worst days, in moments of tragedies, who do we call on? First responders–our firefighters, police officers, paramedics. Their job is to run into traumatic situations, stay calm, and help others on their worst days. But who do first responders call on when all that trauma builds up?
That’s where Exculta Health and Wellness comes in, a community wellness organization dedicated to supporting service members, first responders, and their families. Founder Maeghan McKinney is married to an Air Force Security Forces veteran and former police officer. She is no stranger to the weight those experiences have on service members, first responders and their families. “I have seen how a career of service doesn’t simply end when someone takes off the uniform,” Maeghan shared. “The experiences they carry can follow them into their marriage, parenting, relationships, and everyday life.”
Exculta did not come together in one dramatic moment. Rather it grew from a collection of experiences, conversations, and stories Maeghan couldn’t unsee: men and women who spent their lives showing up for others, yet struggled to find support when they needed it.
Exculta For Our Heroes
Maeghan dreams of making Exculta a one-stop community wellness organization and changing the culture surrounding mental health in the military and first responder community. “Our mission is to make mental health and wellness services affordable, accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally competent,” she explained. “At the end of the day, it comes down to ‘No One Fights Alone.’ Seeking support should not be seen as a weakness, but rather an essential part of taking care of yourself and your family.”
When asked what she wishes more people understood about the challenges faced by those she supports, Maeghan shared: “Being good at functioning doesn’t always mean someone is okay.” Veterans and first responders are often exceptionally good at continuing to perform under pressure. But sometimes, they are carrying things no one can see, and the same is true for their families.
Exculta For the Family
“The person wearing the uniform isn’t the only person affected by the job.” Maeghan shared. “Trauma doesn’t always stay neatly contained within the person who experienced it. It can affect marriages, parenting, communication, relationships, and the overall rhythm of the family.”
This is why Exculta provides care for not only the individuals serving, but for their spouses and children as well. And their support doesn't stop at counseling.
Exculta also provides community health workers and resource-navigation services, connecting individuals and families with resources for food, utilities, financial assistance, healthcare, and other community needs. They offer wellness programming, community education and outreach, while continuously developing partnerships with organizations throughout West Central Missouri “so that families don’t have to navigate complicated systems alone.”
Maeghan understands that offering all these resources is only one part of the puzzle. They’re not helpful if the ones who need it the most can’t afford it. That is why affordability is so important to her. The practice uses a sliding-fee model so an individual’s ability to receive care is not determined whether they have the ‘right’ insurance or can afford a large co-pay. “We never want finances to be the reason someone decides not to ask for help.”
Exculta To the Community
This month, as we honor those who serve and have served on Veterans Day, Maeghan wants people to remember that gratitude of any kind is important. One of the greatest ways we can thank veterans and first responders is by ensuring they have access to the support they need during and after their service.
“Appreciation doesn’t have to be complicated,” Maeghan said. “Learn their names, check on the spouse, include the kids, hire a veteran, and support organizations serving these communities.”