VA’s commitment to innovation is a frequent channel for new technologies to be implemented as part of our work to improve Veterans’ lives. Through the dual processes of innovation and research, we influence health care discovery across the nation. None of this would be possible without the people throughout VA who are willing to find…
Caregiver Support Line celebrates 1 million calls
The Caregiver Support Program’s (CSP) Caregiver Support Line (CSL) has received its one-millionth call. This milestone reflects the program’s success and highlights the immense interest and reliance caregivers have on the CSL for essential information about VA support services. “I love VA. Everyone is just so nice. I called because I had questions about the…
LA VA Food Security Committee helps Veterans access healthy food
Greater Los Angeles VA established a multi-disciplinary Food Security Committee in October 2023 to help generate a plan to reduce the number of Veterans struggling to access enough healthy food. The departments meet monthly in response to this growing nutrition-related health crisis. The team works to help increase access to resources for local Veterans, along…
A caregiver’s journey with VA Chaplain Services
This is a story about a daughter stepping up as a first-time caregiver. Lynn Berkebile, 76, needed support. He was on his road to recovery after experiencing several heart-related incidents, including two heart attacks and a stroke. In addition, he’d undergone numerous life-sustaining surgeries. In July 2021, he moved in with his daughter Rochelle Belobraydic,…
What can VA disability compensation do for you?
Many Veterans may not be aware of life-changing benefits they’ve earned—and deserve—through military service. This outreach kit includes flyers, social media graphics and suggested corresponding language, radio public service announcements (PSA), newsletter content and a sample blog post to help you spread the word about VA disability compensation benefits. Please share this information broadly with…
Helping Veterans with healthy weight management
According to the CDC, obesity affects more than 40 percent of the American population. Bay Pines VA recognizes the long-term effects obesity plays on Veterans, which is why there are multiple VA programs to help them combat obesity through weight management, like the MOVE! Weight Management Program. MOVE! assists Veterans with achieving meaningful weight loss…
Learn and earn with Occupational Therapy Fellowship Programs at VA
Through VA’s annual Occupational Therapy Fellowship Programs, you can bring your expertise to VA, serving Veterans and shaping your career at the same time. Since occupational therapy covers a broad spectrum of health conditions, as well as health promotion, wellness and management of chronic conditions, our programs are as diverse as the people who participate…
Veteran organizations’ support for the Million Veteran Program
Many Veteran organizations across the nation support the Million Veteran Program (MVP), VA’s largest research effort. MVP recently made history by enrolling its one-millionth Veteran, making it the world’s largest and most diverse genetic research program within a health care system. To help celebrate this milestone, we talked with teams across the nation who serve…
Live Whole Health #205: Peace in the present
“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” This quote hits home for me. As we consider our thoughts and emotions, we may be saddened by missed opportunities, poor choices, or a…
VA music therapy: Healing and connecting
Creative art therapists and Veterans at Battle Creek VA are using their musical skills to help Veterans navigate mental and physical challenges. This unique program also offers a path for Veterans to connect with others even when it is non-verbal. Creative arts therapies are part of VA’s Recreation Therapy Service and are direct care programs…
Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders program helps Veterans achieve their goals
Here’s how VA’s Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders program helped an 87-year-old Veteran finish strong. After 22 years in the Army, serving in Vietnam and as a logistics specialist worldwide, Veteran Mark Maloney maintained an active lifestyle. “I was very active from the age of 55. I started entering races, first to lower my cholesterol…
Pharmacists critical to Veterans’ health care
Although their interactions are often brief, it’s the work behind the scenes that the 164 pharmacists at Bay Pines VA do that makes an impact on Veterans. “No doubt about it, pharmacists are critical to health care,” said Chief of Pharmacy Dr. Idi Idiong, pictured above. “They make valuable contributions that help improve safe medication…