Category: VA

Reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation may reduce the likelihood of dying by suicide. Understanding risk and protective factors is important to preventing Veteran suicides. “From Science to Practice” is a series of products designed to communicate the research in an easy-to-understand and quick-to-read format for clinicians and other stakeholders within VA and partnering…

Memorial Day can bring up many emotions in the Veteran community: grief, nostalgia, pride, even loneliness. For many, visiting their battle buddy’s resting place provides a sense of peace, comfort and duty. For those who can’t get there because of distance or reasons beyond their control, the day can feel hollow.  This Memorial Day, volunteers…

When it comes to specialized careers providing care to Veterans, medical technologists have a home in all our facilities. Whether you want to work in medical centers, diagnostic laboratories or even clinics, you won’t find a greater variety of care environments than at VA. That’s because medical technologists work across multiple disciplines — including chemistry,…

Memorial Day is always officially designated as the last Monday in May. This year, Memorial Day is on Monday, May 29. On this day and the days leading up to it, Americans from across the country will gather at cemeteries and memorials to honor and remember the service members who gave the last full measure…

PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert, America’s national night of remembrance, returns for a live presentation this Sunday hosted by Tony award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy award-winner Gary Sinise, acclaimed actors dedicated to Veterans’ causes and supporting U.S. troops in active service. The 90-minute broadcast will honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women…

In recognition of their service to America’s heroes, VA has implemented programs and policies aimed at protecting the safety and health of its employees. Orlando VA staff are encouraged to participate and enjoy whole health activities on their inpatient unit. The overall health and resilience of employees is critical, and that’s why taking a proactive…

For many Veterans, eating fast began with basic training. Consuming food has always been something you do to survive, and eating is a considerable aggravation for drill instructors given the short time frame to equip new troops. Digesting food fast during mealtime can last through your time in service. We must adapt and overcome. Some…

Bay Pines VA provides various resources for Veterans experiencing homelessness with the understanding that each Veteran’s road to recovery is built differently. For Air Force Veteran Kerry Schmid, her path was paved with perseverance, dedication and selflessness. In April 2023, the Largo Elks Foundation donated a Welcome Home Starter Kit to Schmid, making her its…

Meta Monteleon, a treasured resident at Dublin VA, passed away peacefully in her sleep May 3. She was 108. Monteleon served in the Army Nurse Corps during WWII. After discharging in 1944, she continued with her nursing career for an additional 50 years. At the time of her passing, she was the oldest living WWII…

Loneliness has been described recently as a social epidemic affecting half of U.S. adults. While the reasons for this epidemic are varied and complex, the consequence of loneliness is clear: Research shows loneliness puts people at higher risk for heart disease, dementia, depression and even premature death. Health care is paying closer attention to how…

VA recently launched a virtual program to pilot mental health services for caregivers enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). This program will provide much needed resources, tools and support for caregivers while they care for our nations’ heroes. The clinical resource hub will focus on the unique mental health needs…

Bruno Peter Gaido was born in 1916 in Staunton, Illinois, just two years after his parents John and Clementina Gaido immigrated from Italy. Upon graduation from Lincoln High School in June 1934 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he attempted to enlist in the Navy. While his father initially refuted, the young Gaido received permission six years later…