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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Stand Down 2024 demonstrated ATLAS capabilities to Veterans

Earlier this year, American Legion Post 12 welcomed Veterans, VA telehealth representatives, community-based organizations and more for the annual Wickenburg Stand Down. This event provided demonstrations of the site’s ATLAS pod and connected Veterans to local health and wellness resources. ATLAS stands for Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Station. Telehealth representatives from Phoenix and Northern…

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See how VA scholarships can make a difference in your education

With the Employee Incentive Scholarship Program (EISP), we offer eligible VA employees with tax-free scholarships of up to $46,307 toward the cost of higher education, including tuition, registration fees and books. In return, you agree to work at VA in a health care occupation for 1 to 3 years after you complete the program. Dr. Kenyuatia L.…

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Equipping Veterans with the knowledge to address kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a condition where kidney damage occurs slowly over many years, is the quickest-growing noncontagious disease in the U.S. CKD rates are higher among Veterans than the general population. The percentage of Veterans with kidney disease is about 34% higher than the general population and cases often go unnoticed as the disease…

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Chicago Vet Center, VA, honor women Veterans

Jesse Brown VA’s Women’s Health program orchestrated a celebration like no other through “Fabulous in Fatigues.” Amidst laughter and shared stories, the event wasn’t just about honoring women Veterans’ service. It was a testament of camaraderie, resilience and unwavering strength. The goal was to ensure women Veterans felt seen, respected and celebrated. VA teams also…

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Doctor encourages Veterans to get a colonoscopy

As president of the American Medical Association, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld is the face and voice of the nation’s largest association of doctors and medical students. He’s also a Navy Veteran who relies on Milwaukee VA for his health care. He just turned 45 and, on March 29, he did what we should all do at…

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American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans: Apply for your copayment exemption today

If you are an eligible American Indian/Alaska Native Veteran, effective Jan. 5, 2022, you no longer have to make copayments for health care and urgent care received through VA. You can also get reimbursed for copayments paid on or after Jan. 5, 2022. So far, more than 4,000 Native Veterans have been approved for this…

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VA’s Million Veteran Program supports Whole Health research

At VA, Whole Health means supporting your health and well-being by focusing on what matters to you rather than what’s the matter with you. VA’s Million Veteran Program (MVP) knows that “what matters” will be different for each of the 1,000,000+ Veterans who have joined MVP, which is why the program encourages Veterans from all…

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VA finds new ways to make diversity a cornerstone of Veteran care

With recent updates to our Equity Action Plan, VA is continuing to improve outcomes and eliminate disparities in Veteran benefits and health care. That includes increasing access to VA services for historically underserved Veteran communities. “It’s our job to provide every Veteran with the world-class care and benefits they deserve, no matter who they are, what they…

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Six ways anyone can start the conversation about suicide with a Veteran

The idea of having a conversation about suicide can fill people with dread. It’s not just because talking about suicide can feel uncomfortable. It’s also because many people feel like only mental health professionals can speak about such a complex and sensitive subject. Many people don’t feel like they’re “qualified” to help someone having thoughts…

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