Amazing grace: Two VA nurses save a life during Sunday service On a quiet Sunday morning, sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows of a small Birmingham church while hymns of praise echoed gently throughout the sanctuary. The congregation held a quiet reverence as Pastor Roy Peterson stepped into the pulpit at Antioch Missionary Baptist…
Every survivor’s voice matters: Helping shape the future of suicide loss support
Behind every suicide loss is a family, a circle of friends and a community forever changed. For those grieving the death of a service member or Veteran, the experience can bring unique challenges, unanswered questions and a need for meaningful support that extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of the death. At the Tragedy Assistance…
Rural community profile: Exploring Salem, Virginia
With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality health care close to home is more important than ever. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) actively works to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promotes opportunities for them to live happy and healthy lives. The…
Trick or trust? Spot cyber fraud fast
Imagine Mary, a Veteran, getting a text that looks like it’s from VA. It warns of an issue with her benefits. The message tells her to click a link, verify her personal information and enter a code to “avoid delays” in her payment. There’s just one problem: The link leads to a fake website intended…
Transportation careers that move Veterans forward
Across the country, Veterans are finding purpose and opportunity in America’s transportation sector. The discipline, technical skill and mission‑focused mindset strengthened through military service translates naturally into the demands of aviation, trucking, maritime operations and the interconnected systems that keep our nation moving. As America modernizes its transportation infrastructure, Veterans are stepping in as the…
Behind the scenes: MEDVAMC engineer earns national recognition
Biomedical engineer named to 2026 TechNation 40 Under 40 class The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is proud to announce that Christie Pascue, biomedical engineer, has been named to the 2026 TechNation 40 Under 40 Class—a prestigious national honor recognizing 40 outstanding professionals across the country for their leadership, innovation and dedication to…
Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow shall stop Alaska VA
The Alaska VA Healthcare System will transition from its current health record system to the Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) system on Oct. 24, 2026. But first, Veterans need to learn about the changes they can expect. Preparing Alaska Veterans for the Federal EHR transition On Sept. 21, Alaska VA Healthcare System launched a mass-mailing…
Let’s talk stress: A simple conversation is changing care for Veterans
Supporting Veteran wellbeing at VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend The Primary Care “Let’s Talk Stress” campaign at VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System was launched in July 2026 to make brief, supportive conversations about stress a routine part of Veteran care and to connect those conversations to practical resources that improve health and wellbeing.…
VA opportunities for military spouses
Military life often brings change, including Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves that can require families to relocate and military spouses to navigate employment transitions. VA recognizes these challenges and offers programs, hiring authorities, resources and retention flexibilities designed to help military spouses build and continue their federal careers. VA values military spouses Military spouses…
Beyond the tray: VA Memphis earns nutrition excellence honor
First VA medical center chosen for prestigious national award The Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center has become the first and only VA medical center to earn the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Center of Excellence in Nutrition and Dietetics designation. The 2026-2031 designation places VA Memphis Healthcare System among six organizations nationwide…
Live Whole Health #339 Is your face giving you away?
Remember that taunt in middle school, “Does your face hurt, cause it’s killing me”? Well, sometimes our face does hurt because of the stress we are carrying around in our heads. Our foreheads are furrowed, our eyes are squinted, our jaw is clenched. Did you notice it as you were reading that? Paying attention to…
Beyond the headset: How immersive technology is reshaping Veteran care
Event highlights how virtual reality is being used in Veteran care Veterans at Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center recently had the opportunity to experience a new kind of care that supports their health and wellness: immersive technology. The D.C. VAMC hosted Immersive Demo Day, an event where Veterans could experience how immersive technologies can be…