Category: VA

In November 2024, VISN 16 proudly introduced the Honor Everywhere Virtual Reality Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bringing the nation’s war memorials to Veterans who may be unable to travel. This innovative program was made possible through the collaborative efforts of participants in the VISN 16 Leadership Development Institute and VISN 16 innovation specialists.…

After persevering through her experiences, accepting she needed help, and then deciding to enter a treatment program, Sherry Robinson found herself hesitating to take the final step of walking into the residential rehabilitation and treatment (RRTP) program at Coatesville VA. Robinson owned a working car and was staying 45 minutes away in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, but…

Gulf Coast VA has established a standardized Virtual Reality (VR) Home Use program. January 2025 marked one year since we launched this initiative, which coincided with efforts to streamline and bolster documentation and data collection for immersive therapy within the health care system. Over 250 Veterans are now benefiting from having this technology available to…

We recently released our 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which, in addition to data, highlights seven strategies we’re taking to support Veterans. In this story—the first in a series of two—we’ll talk about the first two strategies we’re taking throughout the next year and beyond to meet Veterans where they are and with…

Pamela Dorothy Donovan was born in March 1942 in Merseyside, England, as the daughter of Irish parents. Donovan and her family immigrated to the United States in 1956, settling in Brighton, Massachusetts. Donovan was educated as a nurse and nun in Canada, Ireland, England and the United States, graduating from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of…

VA has new breast cancer screening recommendations for women Veterans. Here’s what you need to know.  VA now recommends starting screening for breast cancer with mammography or X-rays of the breasts at age 40. This is a change from VA’s previous recommendation to start screening at age 45. The newest science shows that more lives…

Did you know 10% of participants in VA’s Million Veteran Program (MVP) are women? To honor them—and all women who served—we’re taking a look at the background of Women’s History Month. Women have participated in every major military action throughout American history. From unofficial or secret roles in the American Revolution to widespread nursing positions…

March is National Kidney Month and today is World Kidney Day, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health and how to maintain it. This year’s theme is: “Are your kidneys okay? Detect early, protect kidney health!” Kidney disease is a serious issue for Veterans More than 1.4 million Veterans enrolled…

Life stories can unfold at a lot of different speeds. Sometimes, when a Veteran agrees to be interviewed for the “My Life, My Story” project, they lay out the details of their life in a leisurely, chronological way. At the end of an hour or so, the accumulation of years and relationships and jobs all…

Nearly 25% of Veterans who receive VA care have diabetes, more than double the rate found in the general population. Veterans are at higher risk of developing Type-2 diabetes due to service-related chronic pain, joint damage and exposure to herbicides, such as Agent Orange. The disease is the leading cause of blindness, end-stage kidney disease…

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering. Veteran artist Kevin Basl and I met while working together to design art programs to support Veterans and service members recovering at Walter Reed National Military…

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Illinois Army National Guard Veteran and former tank mechanic Zuby Onwuta has dedicated his post-military career to improving access and opportunities for people with disabilities. Onwuta, a native of Nigeria, joined the Army to…