Category: VA

Empowering women Veterans through tailored wellness support Army Veteran Audrey Barrett faced unexpected challenges after 14 years of service. She sustained injuries during her time in the military and after her service, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had major surgeries. It didn’t help that her life as a mom and graduate student in…

And strengthens siblings’ bond   Crystal Jackson, a medical professional and older sister, was out of state when she received an emergency call about her younger brother and Army Veteran, Cory Parrish. He experienced a seizure and sustained a neck fracture from falling at their home in Marina, California. At the time, Parrish was on…

The silent superheroes of quality improvement At VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS), a dedicated team works behind the scenes to enhance patient safety and care quality, much like the agents in the movie “Men in Black.” These health care professionals are always on the lookout, identifying and resolving issues with unseen precision to ensure…

This year brought many changes to the federal job application process, transforming how candidates navigate applying to careers in public service. In this edition of the Year in Review, we’re taking another look at 2025’s biggest application changes and what they mean for job seekers.  Merit Hiring Plan reforms  In 2025, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced the Merit Hiring Plan in hopes of addressing inefficiencies in the federal hiring process…

Life-changing relief Orlando VA Healthcare System’s (OVAHCS) Pelvic Health Physical Therapy program is transforming the lives of Veterans by addressing a sensitive but common issue: pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When those muscles are too…

I don’t know about you, but for me this year has had many ups and downs, and I try to lean on reflection and meditation practices to help me get through it. At the end of the year, I like to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. I think…

A bond forged in service At 63, recently widowed Army Veteran Lee Thomas was navigating the heavy burden of medical and mental health challenges. From neck and shoulder injuries to third-degree frostbite and PTSD, he had endured much. After losing his wife to cancer, he felt completely alone. Though he had built strong bonds with…

Harm reduction saves lives Harm reduction—a proven public health strategy—minimizes the negative health, social and legal effects of injection drug use, giving people who inject a better chance of achieving abstinence by preventing fatal drug overdoses or new infections from HIV or hepatitis C virus (HCV). It recognizes that while some individuals may not yet…

A toolkit co-designed by Veterans to address respiratory health concerns Army Veteran Freddy Allen, For Army Veteran Freddy Allen, making sure Veterans know about airborne hazards and have the resources they need is top priority. Allen served overseas for 13 months with a field artillery unit. He understands why Veterans would be concerned about exposure…

“I’m a living witness” For nearly 20 years, Darryl Lynch led Environmental Management Service (EMS) at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center (OKCVAMC). His team ensured the hospital was clean and safe for Veterans every day. Before joining VA, Lynch spent 22 years in the Army as a logistics specialist. He deployed to Panama, Bosnia and…

Learn how to navigate the season when you’re already experiencing challenges The holidays are a fun and joyful time of year, but the season can also bring many challenges, especially for those already coping with depression, stress, anxiety or alcohol misuse. As a Veteran, you might feel on edge in crowds, find your usual activities…

With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality health care close to home is more important than ever. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) actively works to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities to live happy and healthy lives.  Let’s take another look…