Vietnam Veteran reconnects with his radio operator after 44 years

Editor’s note: 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. The following is an account from former lieutenant colonel and Army Veteran James Volkmar who, with the help of Togetherweserved.com, reconnected with his radio…

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Veteran Resources: Events of the week Oct. 28, 2024

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. We’ve curated an assortment of events that aim to assist, educate and enrich Veterans and their families. Each week, we’ll continue to post relevant and timely…

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Live Whole Health #245: Hearty Pumpkin Chili: Embrace the harvest

Say hello to one of America’s most popular vegetables: the pumpkin! Pumpkin is a type of squash, which are native to North America. Besides pumpkin, there are a variety of different squashes to enjoy in the fall and winter, from the sweet and creamy texture of butternut squash to the earthy richness of acorn squash.…

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Veterans get faster access to residential treatment

VA is advancing efforts to give Veterans faster and simpler access to its mental health residential rehabilitation treatment programs (RRTPs), which provide around-the-clock support for substance use disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and other mental health conditions. More than 27,000 Veterans were treated at RRTPs in fiscal year 2024, and VA has the bed capacity…

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Birmingham VA headache center to expand clinical services

Birmingham VA’s Headache Center of Excellence has recently been designated as a “Hub,” which is the highest level in the national program. The Birmingham program will receive an annual budget of $1.1 million to provide headache management to Veterans in the Southeast. This announcement includes an opportunity to participate in clinical trials for new headache…

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Pharmacist helps Veterans achieve health goals

When Sylvia Lombardo grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania, she knew she wanted a profession where she could help care for others. After discovering she had strong skills in math and science, she shadowed a pharmacist in high school and knew that was the career path for her. Sylvia Lombardo After graduating from Duquesne University, she…

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Physician assistant specializes in teaching surgery robotics

Physician assistant (PA) Matthew Vercauteren works at Pittsburgh VA but trains medical residents, attending surgeons and PAs from far and wide to use robotics during surgical procedures. Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses robotic arms to perform procedures while a surgeon manipulates the arms from a console equipped with a viewing…

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Therapy animals bring comfort to Veterans at St. Louis VA

You might have seen the therapy animals interacting with Veterans and staff around St. Louis VA. They’re essential to the healing of some of the most vulnerable patients, and this team is clearly dedicated.    From a gentle giant Newfoundland to a happy-go-lucky Cocker Spaniel, an English Labrador, a Coontick Hound/Beagle and finally a shorthair…

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Exploring Rural VA Communities: Bath, New York

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. Today, we’ll visit…

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Pharmacists: Essential members of your care team

VA pharmacists play a crucial role in helping you comprehend the proper use of your medications. VA pharmacists can provide direct assistance regarding your medications, including correct usage, expected effects, potential reactions and side effects. They can also advise on medication storage, food or activity restrictions and what to do if a dose is missed.…

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VA announces 2024 State of Innovation Report 

For decades, innovation has fueled VA’s mission to deliver exceptional health care to Veterans. Early inventions, like the cardiac pacemaker, and recent innovations, like the radiotherapy bolus that helps protect cancer patients’ healthy tissue during treatment, serve as a testament to VA’s dedication to delivering high-quality health care. Since 2019, VHA’s Office of Healthcare Innovation…

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Hero’s Hope program comforts Veterans in their final days

Cincinnati VA has introduced the Hero’s Hope initiative, an inspiring program dedicated to fulfilling the final wishes of Veterans in hospice care. By offering moments of joy, comfort and renewed purpose, this heartfelt endeavor aims to make a significant impact during Veterans’ final days. Dreamed of being a deputy sheriff Bob is deputized an honorary…

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