If someone wants to talk, she will lend an ear and listen carefully. If someone asks for a favor, she will do the best she can to fulfill it.
It was no wonder why she eventually entered the psychology and counseling field. She wanted to dedicate her life to professionally helping people.
And that is exactly what she does today as the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization 22Zero.
22Zero’s mission is to heal and train veterans, first responders, and Gold Star Families using a non-invasive, non-clinical, peer-to-peer, holistic intervention to save lives and families of our heroes while ending suicide and trauma with the Trauma Resiliency Protocol (TRP) and Emotions Management Process (EMP).
But Dr. Arnell wasn’t always the one to offer help, she once needed it herself.
“I had two calls when I was a reserve deputy and three calls at the Giles County Fire and Rescue that were problematic. Once I went through the TRP and EMP process, I felt an immediate shift and no longer had triggers from the events,” she said.
Dr. Arnell felt compelled to help others, especially because of the community she is in.
“I have many family members who were veterans or first responders that had trauma, and they were not able to get the help or healing they deserved,” she said.
One such person was someone closest to her, her late husband Jerome, who passed away from cancer associated with burn pits he was exposed to during Operation Desert Storm.
“My husband served in Desert Storm and had trauma, and a colleague, Nick, worked with Jerome at an event we attended. Nick ran him through the healing process and was able to make the last few years of his life a blessing,” she said. “The night after Nick worked with Jerome was the first night he slept all night and was able to sleep without nightmares related to his time in Desert Storm. He was able to sleep without nightmares up until he passed away in July of 2023.”
Having seen the change within both her and her husband, Dr. Arnell continues to help others with the nonprofit organization 22Zero. She helps connect veterans and first responders with 22Zero because she understands what struggling is like.
“If you are struggling, please know there is healing available for you. 22Zero does not report to the VA or your employer and is 100% confidential. The process is non-invasive, non-clinical, is fully remote using a peer program and I assure you, it will not be reported. What would it look like if you no longer struggled or had trauma? Imagine how that would be for you and your family,” she said.
As a psychological professional, Dr. Arnell also understands that veterans and first responders may not feel they need any help. She has a message for them (or you!) too.
“As a first responder, we tend to ‘protect’ our family, but if your family tells you that you need help, please reach out to 22zero. They only want healing for you and healing for the family,” she said.
To learn more about 22Zero visit their website https://22zero.org/
It could save a life.
A Message from Trudy Jacobson
“Dr. Pamela Arnell’s story is one of resilience and determination. She is committed to helping our heroes who protect our communities and our nation and that’s what makes her a Great American Warrior.”
– Trudy Jacobson
Subscribe to Trudy Jacobson’s YouTube channel to watch the other Great American Warrior interviews at https://www.youtube.com/@trudyjacobsonta
