Hope and healing at Orlando VA

In the heart of Orlando, Florida, where sunshine and palm trees paint a picture of tranquility, there exists a place that holds the stories of courage, resilience and recovery. Orlando VA is not just a hospital. It’s a beacon of hope for Veterans battling addiction. In a world where overdose rates continue to rise, VA…

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Hidden Heroes calls on all to support caregivers

Pittsburgh VA joined state and local officials in encouraging Pennsylvanians to support caretakers of Veterans, the hidden heroes among us. Pittsburgh VA hosted an event on its H.J. Heinz III campus announcing recent legislative action designating Pennsylvania a Hidden Heroes Commonwealth. Hidden Heroes works through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to ensure caregivers of Veterans and…

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Man’s best friend helps Veteran amputee

When his care team told Marine Corps Veteran Ron Godshall that it would be best to amputate his leg due to complications of diabetes, he thought about the things he would have to give up. Near the top of the list was competing in agility sports with his dogs, an activity he greatly enjoyed and…

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Embrace rural living and thrive with a VA career

Millions of Veterans embrace life in rural communities, and VA has dedicated many resources to meeting them where they live. With hundreds of medical centers and facilities across the nation dedicated to serving our rural Veteran population, there are countless opportunities for you to join our team and embrace those same small-town benefits. “When I…

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Veteran finds second chance as a VA carpenter

As the lead carpenter at West Los Angeles VA, Army Veteran Daniel Martin takes great pride in fixing things. He repairs drywall, hangs doors and generally beautifies the hospital for patients, staff and visitors. He also repairs the lives of other Veterans by serving as a mentor through Vocational Rehabilitation, helping those with disabilities overcome…

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Live Whole Health #192: Take a breath

You’re sitting in your car, stuck in traffic, late for work, thinking about a fight you had with a dear friend. Your fingers are tight on the steering wheel. Your foot is bouncing between brake and gas pedals. A horn is blaring at you and an angry driver next to you is screaming and shaking…

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Flowers, freebies and fun at VA Health Summit

On a beautiful late summer day in September, more than 600 Veterans, family members and friends from all over northeast Arkansas gathered at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks for the VA of the Ozarks’ (VHSO) 2nd Annual Health Summit. With 85 different booths, the summit featured not only information about VA care and resources…

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Northern Indiana VA wins Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence

Every year, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management awards the “Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence” in six different categories. Northern Indiana VA’s Nutrition and Food Service won the “2023 Greening the Government” category. The governor’s awards are Indiana’s most significant environmental recognition awards. They are reserved for the most innovative, sustainable and exemplary programs that…

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Pittsburgh VA’s new Monroeville outpatient clinic

Veterans say Pittsburgh VA’s new Monroeville outpatient clinic offers a more convenient option than traveling into traffic heavy Pittsburgh for care. Morrison visited the clinic the morning of Sept. 1, shortly before officials joined VA staff for the ribbon cutting for the state-of-the-art, 67,359 square-foot facility. “It’s great,” said Navy Veteran Phillip Morrison. “It’s easier…

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Serving Veterans is a family affair

Across VA, when staff strive to deliver world-class health care, they are expressing the ideal of honoring those who served. For one Bay Pines VA employee, serving Veterans is not just a noble concept: It’s a family affair. Nurse Aide and transportation worker Chelbie Long says her commitment to serving runs deep. “My mother is…

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You can assist transitioning Veterans through peer sponsorship

VA will conduct a peer sponsor training session in November for anyone interested in becoming a Veteran peer sponsor. Research shows suicide rates among Veterans are highest during the military-to-civilian life transition. To combat this, the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) leads the Veteran Sponsor Partnership Network (VSPN) initiative in collaboration with…

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VA has 24/7 support for suicide prevention and emergent suicide care

For an entire month each year, VA redoubles its efforts to raise awareness about risk factors, warning signs and available support for Veterans in crisis or at risk during Suicide Prevention Month. Support, services and people who care are available every day to help you navigate the challenges that seem bigger than you can handle…

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