From rebuilding his life to helping others: A Marine veteran’s journey
Austin's story
Austin Pollard’s commitment to helping others is rooted in the support he received when he needed it most.
A U.S. Marine veteran, Austin is now a senior clinical program manager at Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid, where he helps people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity connect with resources and support.
Finding his way forward
Growing up in Yuma, Arizona, Austin gravitated toward sports and the outdoors. College didn't seem like the natural next step, but the military did.
“For me, being a Marine was everything,” Austin said.
The Marine Corps gave him an opportunity to leave his hometown, see the world and find a sense of purpose. But transitioning out of the military was difficult.
After his service ended, Austin struggled with physical injuries, untreated mental health challenges and a loss of identity. Prescription painkillers eventually led to addiction and homelessness.
“The worst part of addiction is the isolation,” he said. “Family starts getting pushed away. Friends no longer want to be around you. The loneliness starts settling in.”
His recovery wasn't defined by a single turning point. Austin eventually entered a treatment program in northern Nevada, where he initially struggled. When his future in the program was up in the air, the program's director sat with him and asked a simple question: “Is this what you want?”
Austin chose to stay, ultimately spending 86 days in the program and beginning to rebuild his life.
Turning experience into purpose
Austin began volunteering with a program called "Rise and Grind,” helping people in recovery find strength through physical fitness — which played an important role in his own recovery.
A peer support program at the University of Nevada, Reno, then opened a door he once doubted was possible: higher education.
“I knew I wanted to use my experiences to help others,” Austin said. “The idea of being one of those helpers that has helped me just made a lot of sense.”
He went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and later completed an MBA. Today, he uses both his education and lived experience to offer others the kind of support he once received.
Helping others find stability
At Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid, Austin and his team help members experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity find stable housing and navigate the health system.
“For me, having those experiences and being where I'm at today is a constant reminder that this doesn't have to be somebody's situation,” Austin said. “It can continue to get better.”
That perspective also shapes how his team supports members through setbacks. Austin recalls one member with complex medical and behavioral health needs who was facing eviction during a personal crisis. Austin’s team connected the member with crisis support and behavioral healthcare while working with the property owner so the member could stay in their home.
“We didn’t just house somebody,” Austin said.
It’s an example of how his team continues to work with members to help them regain stability, not just address a problem.
The opportunity to grow
Today, Austin’s sense of purpose extends beyond his work. He’s also a proud husband and father of three, and coaches youth football and baseball.
“You can see such a huge difference from one season to the next,” he said of the young athletes he coaches. “But I think in all of our lives we have that opportunity to continue growing and keep being better than we were before.”
At his lowest point, Austin couldn't have imagined the life he has now.
“All of that darkness, all of that struggle, all of the growth has brought me to this moment,” he said.
It's a lesson he now shares with others who may be struggling.
“There's people that will believe in you before you can believe in yourself again,” Austin said. “But never give up. There's always opportunity. You can get through it.”
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If you or someone you know is struggling
Free, confidential support is available. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Veterans, service members and their loved ones can call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. For help finding mental health or substance use treatment, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit FindTreatment.gov.