If you’re a healthcare professional thinking about a career at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the paycheck is only one benefit to consider. VA has successfully built one of the most generous education benefits ecosystems in the federal government, which can help you fund your education, pay off loans and enter into a VA…
Don’t let misleading advertising upend your homebuying experience
Veterans are too often targeted during one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives: buying or refinancing a home. Because their earned VA home loan benefits offer meaningful advantages, some lenders try to exploit them with misleading or predatory advertising. These deceptive tactics can make an offer appear official or endorsed by VA while hiding or distorting important information about the loan itself. A…
Patriotic Kenny Foundation launches new “Because of the Scooter” initiative
Editor’s note: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering. Kenny Jary knew what it felt like when his world started getting smaller. The then-84-year-old Navy Veteran, whom millions of people came to know…
More than a program: MOVE! community is changing Veterans’ lives
A supportive group helping Veterans stay engaged and motivated At the Orlando VA Healthcare System, the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans (MOVE!) has become more than a health initiative, it’s a community of Veterans whose weight management journeys have changed lives in extraordinary ways. MOVE! Program Coordinator Kristin Van Workum has witnessed that transformation…
Closing the gap: Telehealth is bringing suicide prevention care to every Veteran
VA reduces barriers to care by providing evidence-based suicide prevention treatment via telehealth Imagine a Veteran living in rural Montana who survived a suicide attempt three weeks ago. He’s not in danger right now, but he knows he needs mental healthcare to be proactive and stay safe. However, the closest VA clinic is three hours…
Time is brain: Baltimore VA earns primary stroke center status
Baltimore VAMC is redefining stroke care for Veterans When it comes to stroke, every minute counts. “Time is Brain” remains the most critical medical mantra for stroke treatment because the longer it takes to recognize stroke symptoms and access treatment, the greater the adverse effect on the brain. Rapid medical intervention can make a huge…
Rural community profile: Exploring Fargo, North Dakota
With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality healthcare close to home is more important than ever. At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we’re actively working to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities for them to live happy and healthy lives. Today, we’re checking out the…
Playing from the heart: Finding healing and connection through music
A lifelong composer shares how creativity and therapy shape his experience Music is widely adored by those who listen, but for the composer, it reveals a world unto itself, a space where inward wanderings are transposed into outward brilliance. For more than 70 years, Army Veteran Daniel Bremer has reveled in this space. This year, the…
Break the job search stall with a free ACP mentor
The future can feel intimidating, especially when you’re facing the uncharted territory of the civilian job market. You might wish you knew exactly where your skills fit in, how to communicate your value and what it takes to land the perfect opportunity. But when it comes to navigating the job search, there is a way…
Support your mental health, one app at a time
Explore VA’s virtual mental health resources Stop for a moment and think about all the things you do every day to take care of your physical health. It can be as simple as brushing your teeth before bed, eating a balanced meal at dinnertime, or scheduling an annual checkup. You don’t have to be under…
Minutes that matter: Federal EHR gives nurses time back for patient care
Streamlined workflows at Dayton VA medical center enhance nursing efficiency Just after VA’s Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) went live at the Dayton VA Medical Center, Emily Allan, chief of Mental Health Nursing Service, was rounding with the team. They were done with their morning charting by 10 a.m. That 10 a.m. finish was a…
Veterans open up about their keys to recovery
Veterans speak directly about how they found effective treatments and overcame setbacks How do you start your path to recovery from addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges? How do you find effective treatments, deal with setbacks, keep moving forward and begin to heal? For National Recovery Month this September, VA is sharing…