Northeast Virtual VEAC Kicks off Regional Series

As we spring into summer, the Veterans Engagement Office (VEO) has its sights set on reaching transitioning service members and recently separated Veterans who are located in the United States or serving overseas. VEO is hosting four virtual, regional Veterans Engagement Action Centers (VEACs) in the Northeast, Southeast, Continental, and Pacific Districts of the United…

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Questions and answers with VA Secretary Denis McDonough

In a town hall event on Wednesday, May 15 at the Cleveland VA Medical Center, VA Secretary Denis McDonough addressed the top requested concerns from Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors. The one-hour-and-a-half town hall was streamed live on YouTube. Check out the recording online. During the town hall, Secretary McDonough covered a broad range of…

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Occupational Therapy (OT) Fellowship Programs can elevate your practice

If you’re looking for valuable experience in the field of occupational therapy, our Occupational Therapy (OT) Fellowship Programs provide fellows the opportunity to learn and practice in a specialized setting to advance their knowledge and skills. With 19 OT Fellowship Programs in seven different areas of practice, we look for candidates who have a strong…

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CHAMPVA: Simplify pharmacy claims

Save time by letting pharmacies submit your prescription claims for you. If you are enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), the easiest way to get reimbursed for your prescriptions is to let the pharmacy electronically file your claim for you. Pharmacies know what is required, and…

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Live Whole Health #222: Under Acupressure

When I hear phrases like “being under pressure” in a negative context, I tend to think of it in the reverse, about how some pressure can be good for us and to help motivate or get us going. If you’ve ever had a headache or found yourself in a stressful situation, you may have rubbed…

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Veteran golfers tee it up at Battle Creek

The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) is now in its 12th season of PGA HOPE, coaching local Veterans enrolled with VA Battle Creek Health Care about the sport. HOPE, an acronym for Helping Our Patriots Everywhere, introduces golf to Veterans and active duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The first session…

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An American liberated her, then married her

Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed in May, prompts solemn reflection on one of humanity’s darkest chapters. Among the countless tales of survival and liberation, Leah Graham, canteen service chief at Alvin C. York VA in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, shares a deeply personal story that links the horrors of the holocaust with the bravery of the American military.…

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TeleRheumatology – Virtual care to Veterans with arthritis and rheumatic conditions

In the United States, an estimated 21.2% of adults have arthritis. That’s more than 53 million Americans. Arthritis refers to any disorder that affects the joints—with the most common types being osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Primary care providers may refer Veterans with arthritis to a rheumatologist, a specialist who treats arthritis and other autoimmune…

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Honoring Veterans: Army Veteran Hilda P. Griggs

Hilda P. Griggs served during World War II in the 6888th Battalion, the first and only unit deployed overseas that consisted of all-Black or Hispanic female soldiers. While living in New Jersey, Griggs enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in Philadelphia on Dec. 8, 1943, because she didn’t want her mother to find out. She…

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By transforming heath care, VA nurses make a difference every day

In VA facilities around the nation, there are inspiring stories of selfless service and dedication to our mission of serving Veterans. VA nurses routinely give their time and talent to care for our Veterans, and it is through their efforts that we continue to provide the highest quality health care. Whether it’s taking their VA training into…

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Sexual violence and Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Veterans

The following story includes discussions of sensitive topics like sexual harassment and sexual assault. VA acknowledges that it may be difficult to engage with this content. We encourage you to care for your safety and well-being while reading this content. May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) month. Members of the AANHPI community have…

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Mental health is just one factor in a Veteran’s risk for suicide

May is Mental Health Month and this means you may be seeing TV reports, articles and social media posts linking poor mental health to an increased risk for suicide. While it’s important to have conversations about mental health, mental health diagnoses are only involved with about half of those who die from suicide. So, even…

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