Content creator 'Spraypaintguy' paints recovery message on Houston VA doctor's lab coat

A social media content creator known as "Spraypaintguy" visited the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston and painted the lab coat of a VA psychologist to promote a message of recovery, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VA said Liam Weis, who has more than 450,000 followers, built his platform by asking strangers to let him turn their clothing into a canvas. During his visit, he painted the white lab coat of Dr. Deleene Menefee, program director of Houston VA's PTSD Clinical Team.

According to the VA, Weis has spoken publicly about his own experience with substance abuse and recovery. He said his grandparents and uncle served in the military and that his recovery shaped his interest in mental health advocacy. "It was great to learn about all the help VA has to offer Veterans," he said.

Menefee, who has treated women veterans and veterans with PTSD, said, "We want Veterans to know that Houston VA is here for them, no matter what."

The VA said Houston VA is experiencing growth, with more than 1,400 new veterans enrolling for health care in August. The department said its PTSD team tailors evidence-based treatments to individual veterans.

The VA said veterans in crisis can dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255, at any time.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/881