The journey of Sergeant First Class Chris Scott Retired Army Veteran Chris Scott’s journey took an unexpected turn on Nov. 3, 2023, following a live fire exercise with SEAL Team 8. Feeling nauseous that evening, he went to bed, only to wake up from a coma three days later after a severe hemorrhagic stroke. Initially…
VA Health Connect helps Veterans with pharmacy benefits in disasters
Program can help provide medications to Veterans via local pharmacy If you’ve ever lived through a natural disaster—a flood, wildfire or hurricane—you know how quickly access to medications can be cut off: Power may be out, roads may be closed and pharmacies may be unreachable. That’s why VA offers the Disaster Pharmacy Benefit for enrolled…
The history of addiction treatment at VA, Part 2
Morphinism and the National Homes, 1880-1916 Over the past 250 years, America’s Veterans have faced challenges that are persistent, yet unique to each generation. Substance abuse and addiction are examples of challenges that have long affected Veteran communities. America’s first opioid crisis is widely considered to have started during the Civil War, and it severely…
Survive and thrive through self-compassion
December marks the beginning of a very merry and bright season for many, filled with lights, traditions and joyful events. But the final month of the year often carries a heavier side, too—including financial pressure, hectic schedules, complicated family dynamics, loneliness, grief and even seasonal depression. VA understands that December can be demanding for everyone,…
See the Difference: Radiology careers at VA
Radiology professionals at VA connect diagnoses with treatment to enable the highly personalized care Veterans deserve. From capturing images on state-of-the-art equipment to collaborating with clinical teams on the proper treatment, radiology specialists at VA play a vital role in delivering high-quality care to those who served our nation. Keep reading to learn more about radiology at VA and…
Remarkable centenarian: Honoring Carl Wier, American hero
A century of service On Oct. 12, 2025, in Mauston, Wisconsin, a heartfelt celebration unfolded beneath the modest ceiling of St. Patrick’s parish basement. This gathering was not just marked by colorful balloons and cake—this was a tribute to a man whose century-long journey embodies duty, resilience and boundless love: Carl Wier, who had just…
Live Whole Health #295: Sink into relaxation
If your health care team suggested a body scan, you might immediately tense up imagining yourself sliding into a coffin-like machine. Good news—this isn’t that! The kind of body scan we’re talking about can provide complete and total relaxation. This is one you should add to your well-being routine! Head-to-toe relaxation In this video, retired…
A lifetime of service: Healing others and overcoming cancer
Mark Denney is a physician assistant at Oklahoma City VA Health Care System (OKCVA). When something felt wrong in his throat, he turned to the same place where he helps fellow Veterans heal. Denney served in the Army from 1986 to 1991 as an operating room technician. He worked in a trauma hospital in El…
Veteran volunteer gives 28,000 hours
Veteran and volunteer gives back through art “It all started with art,” said volunteer Maggie DeRee. That’s how she began what is now a 25-year relationship with VA, clocking in nearly 28,000 volunteer hours. DeRee, also a Veteran, went to basic training at a time when women were still referred to as “WACs,” the Women’s…
Standing together against breast cancer
Early detection saves lives Breast cancer is most treatable when caught early. That’s why VA strongly encourages eligible Veterans, both women and men, to schedule regular screenings and mammograms. VA follows national screening guidelines, recommending annual or biennial mammograms for most women beginning at age 40, or earlier for those with family history or increased risk. Veterans…
‘VA treatment gave me a new lease on life’
93-year-old Virginia Veteran is home and thriving after VA treatment Army Veteran William Huff is a resilient man who, with the help of the Salem VA Health Care System (SVAMC), defied the odds to return home to continue doing the things he loves most. But in January 2025, the future for the 93-year-old Veteran was…
Managing stress in the holiday season
Learn how to identify and manage your stress For many, the end of the year marks a period of observance and celebration. We each have our own time-honored traditions, often gathering with friends and family to focus on what matters most with those most important to us. The holiday season is a time of warmth,…