Exploring Rural VA Communities: Fort Harrison, Montana

At VA, we work to meet all our Veterans where they need us, whether that’s in the big city or—like more than 4.7 million Veterans—in rural communities around the country. Today, we’re taking a trip out west to celebrate the history of the gold rush that founded Helena, Montana, and the nearby Fort Harrison VA…

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PTSD Bytes: PTSD and HIV

In this episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, host Dr. Colleen Becket-Davenport discusses navigating treatment for HIV and PTSD in the Veteran community with Dr. Octaviana Hemmy, an integrated health psychologist, the section chief of Addiction Services at the San Diego VA Healthcare System, and the national coordinator for VA’s HIV and Liver Disease Psychology…

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New VA Resource Navigator: Finding VA resources

Veterans often have questions about VA services and benefits. Whether they have recently exited military service or have been separated for years, VA is here to help Veterans navigate benefit entitlements and take an active role in their health care. Answers to questions about VA benefits and services In an effort to provide the highest…

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Oklahoma City VA’s Raisin to retire

There are therapists who work to heal the mind and those who help mend the body. At Oklahoma City VA, Raisin has reported for duty each weekday morning to do a little of both for nearly nine years. Recreational therapist Sarah Sands (right) with supervisor of Therapeutic Recreation Kristy Doyle and Raisin Her official title…

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What you need to know about the Change Healthcare cyber breach

You may have heard in the news about the recent Change Healthcare (CHC) cybersecurity incident, which impacted many health care institutions across America. We at VA want to provide an update on what this incident could mean for you. CHC is one of VA’s vendors, and as soon we became aware of the breach we…

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Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day with VA

April 24 marks the celebration of National Administrative Professionals Day, and we know our teams wouldn’t be nearly as efficient without the support of these experts. As we recognize our important teammates, there’s also an incredible opportunity for you to bring your clerical expertise to VA. From entry level jobs to more complex roles, administrative…

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VA and American Kidney Fund partnership

Veterans have higher rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) than the general population. While kidney disease affects one in seven Americans, it affects about one in six Veterans, including more than 40,000 VA-enrolled Veterans with kidney failure. VA and the American Kidney Fund (AKF) collaborate to maintain and enhance health care resources and support for…

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Live Whole Health #218: Give me a (yoga) break!

I don’t know about you, but I often find that I go through my workday sitting in the same position—and often without much attention to my posture. We tend to spend a lot of time using computers or handheld devices, or in other activities that keep us in a slouched position. Being aware of our…

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A caregiver’s journey with advance care planning

Seventy-five-year-old Vietnam War Army Veteran Rick Tupper started experiencing complications from heart disease, diabetes and dementia. His challenges became more acute when he accidentally took too much medication one day. It was then that his wife Tina realized he needed more care and support, so she retired early to become his full-time caregiver. Tina soon…

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National Volunteer Week – April 21-27

This National Volunteer Week, VA’s Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) celebrates the more than 25,000 incredible volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to our nation’s heroes. Dr. Sabrina Clark April 21-27, VA will recognize the approximately three-million hours of service and more than $81 million donated on behalf of Veterans, their families,…

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VA and USDA food security initiatives

VA’s Food Security Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have partnered to improve food security, access to nutritious diets and healthful nutrition education for Veterans. This collaboration, facilitated by VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP), aims to advance Veteran well-being through enhanced food security measures. Food insecurity among Veterans The…

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Peer sponsorship increases success of military-to-civilian transition

One of VA’s top priorities is addressing suicide risk factors in part by providing support for transitioning service members (TSMs) and Veterans. Many TSMs and Veterans experience challenges during the military-to-civilian transition, including difficulty entering the civilian workforce, community reintegration barriers, and physical and mental health issues. Research shows that community-based interventions combined with trained,…

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