When a persistent cough began to worsen, Army Veteran Christa Seals called VA Health Connect hoping to connect with a nurse about her symptoms and get guidance. Four months pregnant and a busy entrepreneur, she was not excited about the prospect of waiting in an emergency room to see a provider. So, she asked if…
VA releases 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report
The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report analyzes Veteran suicide data from 2001 to 2022, with 2022 being the most recent year for which data is available. Our top clinical priority is preventing Veteran suicide. We use evidence-based research and suicide analytics as the foundation for our programs and initiatives. Our richest data related to…
Shireta Jones’ passion and perseverance on pickleball court
Shireta Jones, an Air Force Veteran with 22 years of service, has found an unexpected source of joy and strength in pickleball. Shireta Jones Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It’s a fast-growing sport played on a small court with paddles and a plastic ball. It’s easy to learn, highly social and a…
Calling all Veteran Serving Organizations
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…