VA’s Veterans Experience Office VetResources Community Network (VRCN) is launching the $100,000 Community Catalyst Challenge in January 2025—a bold initiative designed to identify trailblazing organizations and revolutionize how we engage with Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. VA is looking for the most creative, impactful, community-based solutions that will help expand access, build trust and…
Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) offers exceptional clinical care career paths
Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) is a unique VA program that provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary primary care in the homes of Veterans. The program is for Veterans who need team-based, in-home support for ongoing diseases and illnesses that affect their health and daily activities. HBPC plans involve Veterans working with health care professionals to organize comprehensive care…
VA and Veterans Yoga Project partner to enhance Veteran well-being
VA offers free online and in-person yoga classes and mindfulness training to Veterans across the nation. VA hosts these classes through a partnership with Veterans Yoga Project, Inc., which is maintained by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP). The classes provide a no-cost opportunity to Veterans seeking to improve their mental, physical…
Tips for managing stress and beating the blues
The holiday season, often celebrated as “the most wonderful time of the year,” can also be one of the more stressful times of year. Holiday gift shopping, running errands, decorating, spending time with extended family and attending large social gatherings can be expensive, taxing and overwhelming. For many, this time of year can intensify mental…
Assisting Veterans with oral care during hospital stays to prevent pneumonia
Preventing pneumonia during a Veteran’s hospital stay could be as simple as improving their oral health. Non-Ventilator Associated Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (NV-HAP) is one of the most common infections in hospitals and accounts for 60% of hospital acquired pneumonia cases nationwide. Hospitalized Veterans who develop NV-HAP face a higher risk of mortality, longer hospital stays…
Two Women Veterans bond over fertility struggles
Two women Veterans recently bonded after sharing stories of their fertility struggles, and it wouldn’t have happened without a little help from Atlanta VA. “In my darkest days, Dr. Geisel pushed me,” said Climmie Cooper-Lewis, a 42-year-old Air Force Veteran who lives in Dallas, Georgia. Cooper-Lewis struggles with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, a back injury…
How an Army Veteran is making health care more diverse and equitable
Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Yusuf Henriques, an Army Veteran and former combat medic, is the founder and CEO of IndyGeneUS AI, a genomics company on a mission to improve health equity by increasing representation of women and racial…
Columbia VA podiatrist recognized for diabetes-related amputation research
Dr. Brandon Brooks, a podiatrist at Columbia VA, earned first place at the 10th Annual Conference of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons for his abstract: “DREADD: Diabetes-Related Extremity Amputation Depression & Distress.” Dr. Brandon Brooks This achievement marks his third consecutive first place win in national abstract competitions, solidifying his reputation as a leader…
Beyond beauty: Supporting Veteran Guevara with innovative assistive technology
Navy Veteran Brenda Guevara’s technology journey highlights the importance of self-care and expression. For Guevara, putting on makeup is not just about looking good. It’s a crucial part of her daily routine that boosts her confidence. However, a disability made it challenging for her to hold her brushes steady and apply makeup independently. “People with…
VA’s workplace culture may help bring your job search to an end
When you’re conducting your job search, there are a few questions you can ask yourself when you’re trying to figure out what kind of work environment might be right for you. What type of work environment makes you happy and productive? What motivates you to do your best work? You may already know the answers…
Registration for Summer Sports Clinic is open
Registration for the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic opens on Dec. 9 and runs through March 1, 2025. The 2025 clinic will take place Aug. 23-30 in San Diego, offering an extended opportunity for Veterans to partake in adaptive sports. Eligible Veterans can apply to attend the 2025 Summer Sports Clinic. All accepted Veterans will…
HUD-VASH helps Coast Guard Veteran Teresa Bowser age in place
It took one major life event for Coast Guard Veteran Teresa Bowser to lose everything she had built and become homeless, practically overnight. In a happy twist of fate, it also took just one event to turn Bowser’s life back around. While sleeping in her vehicle, Bowser was approached by a police officer who started…