Honoring Our Heroes: Supporting Veterans and First Responders This November

Veteran wearing a Fake Is Real shirt

Every November, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country and continue to serve our communities. Veterans Day reminds us of the sacrifices made by our military members, first responders, and their families — and the importance of supporting them not only on this day, but all year long.

Here in Northampton County, we’re proud to have organizations dedicated to helping our local heroes heal, connect, and thrive.

Local Organizations Making a Difference

Tails of Valor Paws of Honor Program
Located in Coopersburg, Tails of Valor pairs service dogs with veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. Each dog is trained to support both emotional and physical healing, providing a loyal companion that helps restore confidence and independence.

Victory House of Lehigh Valley
Victory House offers transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans and men in need. Their goal is to help individuals regain stability through employment, counseling, and a path to permanent housing.

Northampton County Veterans Affairs Office
The Northampton County VA connects veterans with the benefits they’ve earned — from healthcare and housing to education and job assistance. Their team works one-on-one to ensure veterans and their families have access to the resources and respect they deserve.

Veterans Brotherhood and Veterans Court Program
The Veterans Brotherhood helps veterans navigate challenges such as legal issues, addiction, and reintegration through peer support, mentorship, and community resources. The Veterans Court program offers an alternative path for veterans in the justice system, focusing on recovery and rehabilitation instead of punishment.

 

Protecting Those Who Protect Us

Our veterans and first responders dedicate their lives to keeping others safe — but too often, they face hidden battles when the uniform comes off. Chronic pain, stress, trauma, and the lingering effects of service can lead to prescription use and, in some cases, accidental misuse. The Fake Is Real campaign exists to raise awareness about these very dangers — especially the deadly presence of fentanyl in fake pills and illicit drugs.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin. It’s now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States — often found in counterfeit pills that look identical to legitimate prescriptions. Many people who overdose never even realize what they took wasn’t real.

That’s why Fake Is Real empowers community members — including veterans, first responders, and their families — with life-saving tools and information.

Carry NARCAN. NARCAN (naloxone) can reverse an opioid overdose within minutes. It’s easy to use, safe to carry, and can be obtained for free through the Fake Is Real program. You never know when you might be in a position to save someone’s life — whether it’s a friend, family member, or fellow veteran.

Dispose of unused medications safely. Old or leftover prescriptions can be a silent risk at home. Using a Deterra Drug Deactivation Pouch is a quick, eco-friendly way to deactivate and dispose of medications, keeping them out of the wrong hands and out of our environment.

The Fake Is Real campaign in Northampton County creates awareness, provides training, and makes overdose prevention resources accessible to everyone. Protecting those who protect us starts with education, action, and compassion.

This Veterans Day, Let’s Give Back

The best way to honor those who’ve served is to show up — to support them, listen to them, and connect them with resources that make life safer and healthier. Whether you volunteer with a local veteran organization, carry NARCAN, or simply check in on someone who’s served, your actions can save lives.

Together, we can build a community that stands strong for our veterans and first responders — not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

In Search of More Information?

You can visit our resource center to learn more about the fentanyl epidemic and have quick and easy access to a variety of sources that can solve what you're looking for.