​June 27th is recognized as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day. PTSD is a mental health problem that people can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event like combat, a natural disaster, car accident or sexual assault. It affects about 1 in 10 men and 2 in 10 women who have had a traumatic event in their lives. For those who serve or have served in our military, experiencing combat and stressful situations is not uncommon, and in turn, can put military members at an elevated risk of being affected by PTSD. 
The Checkered Flag Foundation recognizes the importance of supporting veterans suffering from PTSD. As a part of their overall mission to aid our nation’s heroes, they have worked to implement programs and fundraising efforts that assist military members who are affected by this mental health condition. ​
​Since 2017, The Checkered Flag Foundation has developed a partnership with Black Paw Canine; a veteran owned and operated company that trains canines to become both service and law enforcement canines.  Together they have been able to raise donations and implement programs that support military members and their families in their road to recovery. Programs include opportunities to provide service canines free of cost to select veterans who have selflessly served our country on the frontlines. 
 
Watch the below video to learn more about this partnership and how a Black Paw Canine trained service animal can benefit those suffering from PTSD.

Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation relaunched the United2Gether initiative to support those fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. What started in 2018 as a program to support hurricane relief in eastern North Carolina, United2Gether has since expanded its reach into supporting natural disasters and crises.
With the help of Atrium Health Cabarrus and Mr. C’s restaurant in Concord N.C. BKCFF was able to bring a little positivity to healthcare heroes. As a small thank you, BKCFF provided meals to those working tirelessly on the front lines of COVID-19. Through the generosity of donors and the amazing staff at Mr. C’s, BKCFF was able to feed over 1,000 Atrium teammates! Thank you to those who have supported United2Gether. We will continue to thank those who are serving us during this uncertain time! 

CONCORD, N.C. (Jan. 6, 2020) — NorthEast Foundation is pleased to announce a grant it received from NASCAR Driver Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation that will fund an inaugural Veterans Recognition Program at Atrium Health Cabarrus.  The program, set to launch in early February, was a need identified by caring, committed and dedicated nurses advocating for veteran patients.  Like the Checkered Flag Foundation, Atrium Health Cabarrus wants to honor and assist those who have sacrificed greatly for our country through the establishment of the Veterans Recognition Program. 

“As a veteran Army nurse, it is an honor to be a part of this program,” said Kate Grew, Vice President of Nursing at Atrium Health Cabarrus. “A heartfelt thank you to the Checkered Flag Foundation, Brad and Paige for their support.”

The Atrium Health Cabarrus Veterans Recognition Program will ensure every identified veteran patient experiences a special welcome upon hospital admission as well as recognition and appreciation for their sacrificial service during their hospital stay.  Veterans will be provided with a special “Welcome Kit” along with an American flag being placed outside their door and on their bed during their stay.