Category: VA

On Dec. 27, 2024, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annouced the results of the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, the annual effort to estimate the number of Americans, including Veterans, without permanent housing. The data show that on a single night in January 2024 there were 32,882 Veterans who experienced homelessness in the…

Nearly 700 innovators from across the country gathered in October for the 2024 VHA Innovation Experience (iEX), hosted by VHA’s Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning. This year’s theme, “Collaborate for Change,” showcased experiences that included expert panel discussions, breakout sessions and an exhibit hall format that enabled attendees to experience firsthand the future of…

VA’s Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Care (MoPOC) program is a rapidly growing initiative transforming access to specialized health care for Veterans in rural areas. MoPOC provides state-of-the-art orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) services for Veterans with amputations and other mobility impairments who may face challenges traveling to larger VA medical centers. Services for Veterans with amputations…

On Jan. 12, National Pharmacist Day offers us an opportunity to recognize the importance of pharmacists and how much of an impact you can make on the health and well-being of the Veterans we serve with the unique benefits available to pharmacists at VA. “This is the greatest place to work for, where you can…

After losing her father and her husband, a Marine Corps Veteran created a dance to honor them. From the discipline of Marine Corps boot camp to the compassionate corridors of VA, Veteran Mary Jean Houlahan has always found her purpose in service. Inspired by female Marines who visited her college campus, Houlahan embarked on a…

Sports4Vets registration season is here. Every step forward is a victory for Veterans who are up for a sports challenge. As you set new goals for 2025, consider applying for VA’s sports competitions and clinics. Whether you’re a novice, never tried or been in the game for years, now is the time to embrace the…

For many people, the new year marks a chance to reevaluate priorities, schedules and hobbies. That process can involve a variety of emotions like joy, stress, excitement or anxiety. Whatever you’re feeling this time of year, it can be helpful to ground yourself in your community, whether that’s your family and friends, local organizations or…

The call came in the evening of Dec. 12 from Maryland VA notifying VA’s Office of Emergency Management of an urgent situation involving a cracked steam pipeline at the Perry Point VA. Emergency managers immediately collaborated on how to mitigate any potential impacts to patients requiring acute care. With the medical center mostly powered by…

The Veterans preference can offer Veterans like you an advantage when applying for federal jobs, including open positions at VA. However, it is important to note that Veterans preference does not guarantee federal employment and does not apply to internal agency actions, such as promotions, transfers, reassignments and reinstatements. Agencies are required to give priority…

Michael ‘Ed’ Hogg, a biomedical technician at Western North Carolina VA, is making waves with his recent innovation to improve accessibility for Veterans.  While he was at the cafeteria in the Charles George VA, Hogg noticed a Veteran in a wheelchair struggling to reach the food tray after placing an order. He assisted the Veteran…

On Dec. 28, Dr. Loretta C. Ford, a pioneer in the nursing field and a steadfast advocate for Veterans, celebrated an extraordinary milestone—her 104th birthday. Known for her groundbreaking work in advancing the role of nurse practitioners, Ford’s life has been one of service, leadership and dedication to improving health care for all, especially Veterans.…

As we close out one year and begin the next, many people are eager to set goals or resolutions. These goals tend to be around positive changes we may want to make and often can end up being hard to stick with, especially if they are large changes! In addition to goal setting, which I…