Taking care of a Veteran is a deeply rewarding role, yet it’s not without challenges. One of the struggles that often comes with this responsibility is the sense of isolation and loneliness. As a caregiver, you may find yourself so focused on the needs of the Veteran you love that you end up feeling alone,…
A Veteran’s knockout fight against cancer
For Joy Smith, the news came like a crashing wave. The haunting phrase, “You have cancer,” was for her a journey filled with vulnerability, but also bravery: the Army Combat Medic Veteran and Ralph H. Johnson VA health care professional would go on to survive breast cancer not once, but twice. Smith’s second cancer diagnosis…
Comprehensive care for chronic pain
Columbia VA’s Outpatient Interdisciplinary Pain Program (OIPP) offers a holistic approach to managing chronic pain, addressing not only the physical aspects but also the emotional and psychological factors. This innovative program offers Veterans the tools and knowledge they need to manage their pain and improve their quality of life. Chronic pain can have a significant…
College students: Consider a mental health career at VA
For young adults (or even as returning students), college is about making a commitment to better yourself and, in the process, searching for your true purpose. We understand that search, because at VA, we’ve already found a noble mission that gives our work meaning. For our mental health professionals, the mission begins by building on…
What we learned about suicide prevention this year
Throughout 2024, we shared information about Veteran suicide prevention, the Veterans Crisis Line and VA resources, programs and initiatives. All these articles were connected by our main tenets of suicide prevention: Suicide is preventable. You don’t have to be an expert to help a Veteran going through a challenging time, you just need to show…
Live Whole Health #251: Making space for breath
Someone once told me that she had a best friend who came into this world on the exact same day, month and year as her. She said this best friend will also leave this world on the exact same day, month and year as her. In between, they spend every single moment together. This best…
Innovative technology enables surgeons to save lives
Surgeons at Michael E. DeBakey VA recently became among the first in the country to perform an innovative new procedure using a groundbreaking device for treating complex aortic aneurysms. Last month, Houston VA vascular surgeons Drs. Erin Greenleaf and Natasha Hansraj used newly FDA-approved Gore EXCLUDER Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE), an innovative new device…
Helping Veterans combat food insecurity
VA and Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC) are partnering to improve access to medically tailored meals and groceries for Veterans, addressing critical food insecurity linked to increased risks of depression and suicidal ideation. This partnership aligns with VA’s goal to provide accessible benefits and services that meet the unique needs of Veterans and supports the…
Veteran makes it to the Golden Age Games
The first thing on her mind after the accident was the Golden Age Games. Ret. Air Force Reserve Col. Edna Higa did not see the car before it hit her. She was going through a green light paying attention to the road ahead. The next moment there were people all around her and emergency crews…
Augusta VA Veteran honors his American Indian heritage
Charles “Little Eagle” Reyes, Army Vietnam Veteran, shared facts about his family lineage during American Indian Heritage month in November. His father is a member of the Kiowa Nation and his mother is a member of the Cheyenne Nation from the Twin River Reservation. Vet Center’s Tim Prendergast and Charles “Little Eagle” Reyes at a…
Lifesaving housing programs put Veteran on the path to a permanent home
Jay Walker joined the military to outrun drug dealers and a broken heart. While that may sound like the start of a compelling novel, it’s the true story of Walker’s life. He never suspected that the benefits he received through this decision would be lifesaving, helping him overcome homelessness, health issues and a substance use…
Finding the right words: How keywords can impact your resume
For hiring managers and recruiters, keywords outline the necessary skills and experience they’re looking for in candidates. These are the specific responsibilities, qualifications and expectations associated with a particular role. When the hiring manager or recruiter begins reviewing applicants, they’re going to be looking for those keywords. Using keywords will make sure your resume meets…