Category: VA

Army Veteran Kimberly Carrillo left the military after five years in part because she lacked access to adequate daycare. After her marriage ended and her mother died, she fell into depression, lost her job and couch-surfed, kids in tow. Carrillo and her family were homeless. Marine Veteran Natasha McCoy spent 20 years after service gainfully…

A new clinical research trial at Michael E. DeBakey VA is offering Veterans with ALS hope for the future. As part of the research trial, 10 Veterans with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis will get the opportunity to receive groundbreaking cell therapy targeted at reducing neuroinflammation as a treatment for the neurodegenerative disease. ALS is a rare…

Maureen Roepsch’s story is more than just beating cancer. It’s about the power of a system that has your back. Her experience, like the thousands of other Veterans fighting cancer with support from VA, demonstrates the importance of vigilance, timely screenings and the profound impact of VA’s comprehensive care along the path of a cancer…

In the United States, an estimated 15% of adults have chronic kidney disease. For those 65 and older, that estimate jumps to 34%. Kidney disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S., and case numbers are growing at an alarming rate. With a national shortage of nephrologists (kidney specialists), Veterans living in rural…

To combat employment challenges, VA collaborates with Salesforce in a partnership facilitated by VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP). Entering the civilian workforce can be challenging for transitioning service members (TSMs) and Veterans. Frequent relocations can also negatively impact military spouses. While the Veteran and nonveteran unemployment rates are similar, Veterans are…

Each year, we at VA celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in recognition of Dr. King’s determination to see everyone volunteer to improve their communities. In so doing, we share in our experiences and promote the messages of diversity and equality. While celebrated as a holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also designated as…

Now that the holidays are over and winter is settling in, are you feeling sad, depressed or just plain down? You’re not alone. Many people feel that way around this time of year. The good news is that VA is here for you. We can help you cope with the post-holiday winter blues—in person and…

If your spine could talk, it would probably tell you that it needs some attention! Ideally you should take just 30 seconds every hour to move the spine. Doing this will support a healthier posture and a healthier you. Microbreaks to support your spine health Take micro breaks during your workday. Walk to the bathroom,…

Gulf Coast VA is looking forward to supporting and empowering three VA employees selected for the FY24 VHA Innovators Network (iNET) Spark-Seed-Spread Investment program. The investees kicked off the FY24 iNET Spark-Seed-Spread Accelerator investment cycle in December at Bootcamp in Washington, D.C. The VHA Innovators Network Spark-Seed-Spread Investment and Accelerator Program is an initiative to…

Marine Corps Veteran Tonya Harris was looking for a safe space, and she found it courtesy of fellow Marine and North Texas VA chaplain Teresa F. Terry. Chaplain Teresa F. Terry Terry is one of North Texas VA’s 16 chaplains, and she plays an often overlooked role in the well-being of Veterans using VA medical…

Space Force Veteran Gregory Underation receives his care at VA Health Care System of the Ozarks. It was an opportunity to serve a Veteran from the newest branch of service.   The Space Force was officially created in 2019, 72 years after the Air Force. Its mission is to secure the nation’s interests in, from…

Early in her medical career, Dr. Maia Carter “fell in love” with VA’s patient-focused, integrated care system. Since 2021, Carter has led the integration of virtual care into the primary care system, working to streamline the experience of virtual care for patients. Her work directly supports VA’s health care priority to connect Veterans to the…