While visiting family in South Carolina, Marine Veteran Bobby Holt found himself in a tough spot. His eyeglasses broke and he was the only one able to drive his brother back to New England. Without his glasses, the trip wouldn’t just be difficult—it would be dangerous. “I didn’t have my prescription with me,” Holt thought…

Devon Lehman retired after 20 years in the Army and found a new mission at home as a TeleCritical Care (TCC) nurse educator. In this role, he teaches VA staff and curious Veterans about one of VA’s most innovative telehealth programs. The TCC program uses telehealth technology to provide an extra layer of support for…

If you’ve seen ads for the Veterans Crisis Line, it’s because we want every Veteran to know: You can reach out anytime. Trained responders are ready 24/7—to listen, support and help you find a path forward, no matter what you’re facing. Real people, real support whenever you need it Established in 2007 with 14 responders…

Chronic and acute pain affects many Veterans, and at VA, no one faces it alone. Pain management at VA is grounded in a team-based, whole health approach, bringing together doctors, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, and other health care providers to deliver coordinated, compassionate care. Each health care provider plays a vital role in helping Veterans…

The Rural WAVE (Wellness and Veteran Engagement) Initiative helps to provide a renewed sense of purpose for rural Veterans. By leveraging relationships with local Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) and non-profits, it encourages Veterans in rural areas to take part in activities like volunteering and community service to help them connect with people in their communities…

September is National Yoga Awareness Month. Many people think of yoga as being for the young, fit and flexible. One of the great things about yoga is that it can be personalized to meet your unique needs and preferences. As an athlete when I first started practicing yoga, I was drawn to its movement and…

As we get older, our bodies change, and so do our health needs. For women Veterans, staying healthy through the years means more than just going to the doctor when something feels off. It means taking steps now to protect your body, mind and quality of life for years to come. September is Healthy Aging…

Vascular surgeons at the Houston VA Medical Center recently used a cutting-edge surgical device, Zenith Branch Iliac Bifurcation (ZBIS), to treat iliac and aortoiliac artery aneurysms. Doctors Besma Nejim and Natasha Hansraj, along with the vascular surgery team, successfully performed the procedure on Navy Veteran Clifford Brock earlier this month. The minimally invasive new device,…

On a routine morning at the VA Fayetteville Coastal Health Care System (FCHCS), the Valet Services team turned a potential crisis into a story of hope and gratitude through remarkable vigilance and swift action. Recognizing the signs of a medical emergency It began when a Veteran drove up to the valet entrance of the FCHCS.…

Born the eldest of 11 children, Don Johnson was born in the quaint town of Richland Center, Wisconsin. He grew up in what he called a close-knit and supportive household where his parents played influential roles in his life. During his childhood, the family relocated to Bloomer City, Wisconsin, where they settled on a sprawling…

Sexual health is an important part of a woman’s overall well-being. For many women Veterans, concerns related to intimacy, desire or physical comfort may feel difficult to talk about. You are not alone. These concerns are common, valid and treatable. VA is committed to providing safe, respectful and personalized care that supports every part of…

Mental health care providers are a vital part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) approach to Whole Health. By prioritizing the mental health of Veterans alongside their physical health in a team-based, collaborative care model, Veterans can receive the care they need to live their best life. The impact of mental health care for…