The Million Veteran Program (MVP) just made history: 1,000,000 Veterans have joined VA’s largest health research effort.
More than a decade ago, the MVP team had a dream to build the nation’s largest research program dedicated to improving Veteran health care. It started with the vision of enrolling one million Veterans so that researchers could better understand how genes, lifestyle, military experiences and exposures affect health and wellness.
What started as a vision is now a reality as MVP is one of the largest and most diverse research programs of its kind.
Veterans helping Veterans
As the first VA research program to reach a recruitment milestone this large, MVP is paving the way for improved Veteran health and wellness. Veterans across race, gender, age and service branch are coming together for one mission: to advance Veteran health care.
Terrence Hayes, VA’s press secretary and an Army Veteran of 20 years, knows his calling is to help other Veterans. “I served in the military for 20 years, fighting alongside my battle buddies, and I want to do that in this field as well. I want to be able to raise my hand, be a part of some research that can be groundbreaking for men and women just like myself who have served,” Hayes shared.
Helping future Veterans is one of the main reasons Army Veteran Benjamin Flynn decided to join MVP. “I look at it as a way to do my part and make sure that the men and women that served alongside me, before me and after me are all properly taken care of,” Flynn said.
Their reasons for joining may differ but one thing remains consistent: Veterans helping Veterans.
Making important discoveries that matter to Veterans
MVP’s commitment to changing the future of Veteran health care is rooted in its research—made possible by Veterans like you. The goal for our research is to help find new ways to detect, prevent and treat health conditions that matter to Veterans. More participants from all backgrounds means more opportunities to find positive, real-world applications to improve Veteran health care in clinical settings.
Since MVP launched in 2011, the program has already made discoveries in health care areas that matter to Veterans, such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Osteoarthritis
- Tinnitus
- Mental health, including PTSD and depression
- Suicide risk
Thanks to the 1,000,000 Veterans who have joined MVP, we are one step closer to transforming personalized health care for all Veterans and, ultimately, all Americans.
Looking to the future of Veteran health care
While achieving the million milestone is significant, MVP’s mission and research do not stop here.
“I’m encouraging every Veteran, no matter where they’re from, no matter what demographic: If you are thinking about helping other folks, if you want to continue your service, sign up for MVP. This will help us really make some groundbreaking efforts for our health,” Hayes added.
What kind of discoveries will MVP make on the road to its next milestone? Join today to find out and help us continue making a difference in the future of Veteran health care. Sign up at www.mvp.va.gov or call 866-441-6075 to make an appointment at a participating VA facility. You don’t need to receive your care at VA to participate.
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