Category: VA

Greater Los Angeles VA established a multi-disciplinary Food Security Committee in October 2023 to help generate a plan to reduce the number of Veterans struggling to access enough healthy food. The departments meet monthly in response to this growing nutrition-related health crisis. The team works to help increase access to resources for local Veterans, along…

Many Veterans may not be aware of life-changing benefits they’ve earned—and deserve—through military service. This outreach kit includes flyers, social media graphics and suggested corresponding language, radio public service announcements (PSA), newsletter content and a sample blog post to help you spread the word about VA disability compensation benefits. Please share this information broadly with…

According to the CDC, obesity affects more than 40 percent of the American population. Bay Pines VA recognizes the long-term effects obesity plays on Veterans, which is why there are multiple VA programs to help them combat obesity through weight management, like the MOVE! Weight Management Program. MOVE! assists Veterans with achieving meaningful weight loss…

Through VA’s annual Occupational Therapy Fellowship Programs, you can bring your expertise to VA, serving Veterans and shaping your career at the same time. Since occupational therapy covers a broad spectrum of health conditions, as well as health promotion, wellness and management of chronic conditions, our programs are as diverse as the people who participate…

Many Veteran organizations across the nation support the Million Veteran Program (MVP), VA’s largest research effort. MVP recently made history by enrolling its one-millionth Veteran, making it the world’s largest and most diverse genetic research program within a health care system. To help celebrate this milestone, we talked with teams across the nation who serve…

“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” This quote hits home for me. As we consider our thoughts and emotions, we may be saddened by missed opportunities, poor choices, or a…

Creative art therapists and Veterans at Battle Creek VA are using their musical skills to help Veterans navigate mental and physical challenges. This unique program also offers a path for Veterans to connect with others even when it is non-verbal. Creative arts therapies are part of VA’s Recreation Therapy Service and are direct care programs…

Here’s how VA’s Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders program helped an 87-year-old Veteran finish strong. After 22 years in the Army, serving in Vietnam and as a logistics specialist worldwide, Veteran Mark Maloney maintained an active lifestyle. “I was very active from the age of 55. I started entering races, first to lower my cholesterol…

Although their interactions are often brief, it’s the work behind the scenes that the 164 pharmacists at Bay Pines VA do that makes an impact on Veterans. “No doubt about it, pharmacists are critical to health care,” said Chief of Pharmacy Dr. Idi Idiong, pictured above. “They make valuable contributions that help improve safe medication…

VA’s National Telestroke Program (NTSP) provides acute stroke care to Veterans at VA facilities that do not have a neurologist available. Using telehealth technologies, a neurologist from the NTSP center can evaluate patients and provide a treatment plan for the on-site staff to complete. With machines humming and equipment beeping, the simulation lab seemed just…

Bay Pines VA welcomed Veterans to the C.W. Bill Young VA for a surge event aimed at rapidly moving unhoused Veterans into sheltered or transitional housing and on a path to permanent housing. Since January 2022, Bay Pines VA has helped 1,377 Veterans move into permanent residences. Last year, the team helped VA exceed its…

No matter what you might have heard, a resume gap does not have to be a black mark on your application. At VA, we understand the challenges that can arise during your career. Life happens and sometimes that means your resume might have some gaps in it. This is especially true for military spouses, who…