The Shared Comb Project

Based on the VA’s HIVES program, the Shared Comb Project is a trauma-informed mindfulness group focused on healing and wellness. With beekeeping as its core, the Shared Comb Project aims to help airmen who have experienced trauma by providing a safe place to focus on somatic (body-based) awareness. This method helps regulate the nervous system, release stored tension, and build a sense of safety and empowerment. Utilizing mindfulness-based attention training, a program contextualized for the military, has been shown to to improve operational performance, reduce attentional lapses, and enhance emotional regulation with consistent practice.

We brought this program to SJAFB to bridge the gap. Not everyone has consistet access to mental health resources, and our overall community lacks group resources. Mindfulness groups can help with connectedness, growth, restoration, and healing. We recongnize that beekeeping is not for everyone, so we have combined an apiary with a community garden for individuals who want to engage in a mindfulness group but may not be open to beekeeping.

According to the HIVES program at Manchester VA Medical Center:

-Veterans who participated in the program have had statistically significant improvements in anxiety and depression and overall health scales between pre- and post-session surveys.

-Veterans who participated in the program have seen decreases in loneliness, sadness, and pain—all factors that impact the risk of suicide.

-Veterans who participated in the programs expressed a decreased need for mental health therapist appointments and pain medications.