Category: VA

Renè Toney’s situation was bad. She lost her job, her wife and almost her home and her life. That was before her prolonged exposure (PE) therapy. Toney hadn’t slept for three days and doesn’t remember much about her experience, but she knows she owes her life to the Veterans Crisis Line responder who is the…

This month’s Center for Women Veterans Book Corner author is Navy Veteran Kimberly Henry, who served as a Cryptologic Technician and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate from 2009-2019. She created “Warrior’s Path to Healing: A 12-Week Empowerment Journal for Women Veterans.” “Warrior’s Path to Healing” journal is designed exclusively for women Veterans who have faced the…

Each year, the Robert L. Jesse Award for Excellence in Innovation (Bob Jesse Award) celebrates the remarkable achievements of a VA employee and a team or department that exemplifies innovative practices within VA. This award is more than a recognition. It honors those individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to advancing health care innovation that…

David Bellavia was born in 1975 in Buffalo, New York, as the youngest of four boys. He grew up in Waterport, New York, on his grandfather’s stories of serving in the Army during World War II. Bellavia studied biology and theater at the University of Buffalo before he disappointed himself in hesitating to confront burglars…

Like the Veterans we serve, rural communities are as diverse and exciting as you can imagine. You may find an opportunity to be closer to family and friends, or just enjoy a greater sense of privacy. Perhaps the lower cost of living or even the allure of open space appeals to you. Regardless of what…

When a persistent cough began to worsen, Army Veteran Christa Seals called VA Health Connect hoping to connect with a nurse about her symptoms and get guidance. Four months pregnant and a busy entrepreneur, she was not excited about the prospect of waiting in an emergency room to see a provider. So, she asked if…

The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report analyzes Veteran suicide data from 2001 to 2022, with 2022 being the most recent year for which data is available. Our top clinical priority is preventing Veteran suicide. We use evidence-based research and suicide analytics as the foundation for our programs and initiatives. Our richest data related to…

VA’s Veterans Experience Office VetResources Community Network (VRCN) is launching the $100,000 Community Catalyst Challenge in January 2025—a bold initiative designed to identify trailblazing organizations and revolutionize how we engage with Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. VA is looking for the most creative, impactful, community-based solutions that will help expand access, build trust and…

Shireta Jones, an Air Force Veteran with 22 years of service, has found an unexpected source of joy and strength in pickleball. Shireta Jones Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It’s a fast-growing sport played on a small court with paddles and a plastic ball. It’s easy to learn, highly social and a…

Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) is a unique VA program that provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary primary care in the homes of Veterans. The program is for Veterans who need team-based, in-home support for ongoing diseases and illnesses that affect their health and daily activities. HBPC plans involve Veterans working with health care professionals to organize comprehensive care…

VA offers free online and in-person yoga classes and mindfulness training to Veterans across the nation. VA hosts these classes through a partnership with Veterans Yoga Project, Inc., which is maintained by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP). The classes provide a no-cost opportunity to Veterans seeking to improve their mental, physical…

Preventing pneumonia during a Veteran’s hospital stay could be as simple as improving their oral health. Non-Ventilator Associated Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (NV-HAP) is one of the most common infections in hospitals and accounts for 60% of hospital acquired pneumonia cases nationwide. Hospitalized Veterans who develop NV-HAP face a higher risk of mortality, longer hospital stays…