When individuals face violence from someone they trust and love, it creates an environment of isolation, fear and despair. The emotional toll of an abusive relationship often leads to feelings of hopelessness, shame and a perceived lack of escape, all of which can significantly elevate the risk of suicide.

“Our annual Partner Violence & Suicide Prevention conference is an important initiative in closing the gap between IPV and suicide prevention,” said social worker Andrea Predl, IPV prevention coordinator, Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) in Fayetteville, Arkansas. “However, there is still much work to be done. We must continue raising awareness about the connection between these two issues and promote the resources available for those at risk. It is essential to talk openly about these topics and their devastating impact on mental health, especially within the Veteran community.”

Raising awareness about the connection

The VA sponsored conference brought together experts and community members to discuss the warning signs of abuse and suicidal ideation. The presentations emphasized a multidisciplinary approach and how mental health professionals, social workers and health care providers can collaborate to offer comprehensive care to Veterans at risk.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of screening for both IPV and suicidal tendencies during routine health care visits. By incorporating these questions into regular assessments, providers can help catch warning signs early and intervene before a situation escalates.

Safety plan to leave abusive relationship

Conference participants also learned the importance of individuals creating safety plans in the event they needed to leave an abusive relationship or seek help during a crisis. Resources shared included safe places to go, important contacts, available shelters and other critical information.  

“The day was about hope and sharing best practices with one another,” said Suicide Prevention Program Manager Jenny Gano.

While discussing the different programs provided by VA, including counseling, support groups and trauma-informed care, VA staff ensured community members were aware of available Veteran-specific tools and the unique challenges Veterans face.

It was noted that the Health Care System of the Ozarks provides specialized resources tailored to those who have experienced trauma related to their military service.

The conference encouraged partnerships between health care providers, law enforcement, shelters and suicide prevention hotlines to create a support network for those in need.

“This approach helps ensure that individuals have access to the right resources at the right time,” said Gano. “We know VA alone cannot prevent suicide, so we work diligently to partner with the community and other providers to help get resources to all.

“By continuing to educate ourselves and others, we can work toward a future where Veterans experiencing crisis are not left to struggle in silence and where suicide prevention efforts are integrated into every aspect of health care.”

If you or someone you know is facing intimate partner violence or experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or the Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1).

The 77-year-old Veteran lived alone in a small rural town in Illinois. He was having trouble with alcohol and his arthritis made it extremely painful for him to walk.

Because of his pain, Gulley began living in his car last year. He parked it in his driveway and drove to get his meals from fast food drive throughs. He had little contact with the outside world and was sitting for so long in his driver’s seat that he developed ulcers, wounds and infections. He couldn’t take any of his prescribed medications or reach his belongings as they were inside his home. Over time, it became agonizing for him to even drive.

In January, VA provider Dr. Anuja Vallabh called Gulley after he had been referred to her for his alcohol use disorder. Vallabh works as a remote provider for VISN 12’s Clinical Resource Hub. Through her check-ins, she soon learned that Gulley was living in his car.

Vallabh scheduled Gulley a consultation appointment for a residential rehabilitation facility. Gulley agreed to go but he didn’t show up. When Vallabh followed up, Gulley would again agree to go but not show, and he would refuse offers of transportation or additional support. After weeks of follow-ups, Vallabh could hear just how ill he was becoming. She became very worried. Still, Gulley pleaded for “just one more day” before she intervened.

“I didn’t think he would make it through the weekend,” Vallabh said.

Vallabh made the difficult decision that day to call adult protective services. An ambulance came to take Gulley to the hospital. At that point, Gulley, who stands over six feet tall, weighed only 127 pounds.

The sculptor

Gulley served as a radio operator during the Vietnam War. When he returned, he followed his passion and studied fine arts with help from the G.I. Bill. He apprenticed with Richard Hunt, a legendary sculptor and civil rights ambassador, for two years while he honed his own sculpting skills. He then moved to New York to pursue a Master of Fine Arts.

Gulley began working in construction in Manhattan to earn money, but he always found time to sculpt. He drew inspiration from his time with Hunt and from Vietnam. Sculpting served as a form of therapy for him, as he had experienced panic attacks after his military service.

His sculptures have been featured in The New York Times and other news outlets. In 2014, Gulley competed against 5,500 artists and won first place for his sculpture “Prairie Fire” in the National Veterans Creative Arts competition.

After four decades in New York, Gulley retired and moved to his current home in Illinois. He would regularly drive 90 minutes each way to the nearest VA facility to receive care. He didn’t mind the long trip as he was a member of a ceramics studio near the facility.

Eventually, as his pain worsened, he stopped going to in-person appointments, halted visits to the ceramics studio and began to isolate himself.

The provider

Vallabh is a clinical pharmacist practitioner with a specialty in mental health and substance use disorders at VA’s Clinical Resource Hub in VISN 12. She works remotely to support VA facilities in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan when they need a specialist or extra coverage.

She mostly meets with Veterans through VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app. Sometimes these appointments take place over the phone if a Veteran has limited access to a tablet or computer, like with Gulley.

It was during one of these phone calls that she realized the severity of Gulley’s situation. Her actions that day may have saved Gulley’s life. “He is somebody who is just so likable, so kind and I felt so bad that he was alone and going through all of this,” she said. 

Gulley has expressed gratitude for the actions Vallabh took that day and her persistence in care throughout the prior months.

Staying connected with telehealth

Gulley did go to a rehabilitation facility and celebrated three months of sobriety. He is also walking again with support from a walker and gaining back his weight.

“I am glad to be alive,” Gulley said. “I’m doing better.”

For more information on telehealth resources, visit VA Telehealth Services.

Joshua Green, a volunteer service specialist at Tennessee Valley VA, didn’t envision himself with a group like Project Healing Waters in Chattanooga, but life seemed to have a different plan for him. His co-workers encouraged him to join and said how he would benefit from the healing and stress relief.

“Like a lot of other stuff, the first step, the first meeting is the hardest,” said Green, a Marine Corps Veteran. “I talked to Ross Schweinforth, program lead for Project Healing Waters, a few times and then finally made the decision to come on out there and check it out.”

The most difficult part in healing is taking that first step. Just like the first step into the recruiter’s office, entering a meeting with new people and surroundings can be anxiety inducing and deter most individuals.

According to Sarah Howard, recreational therapist, Veterans dealing with mental health barriers may find it challenging to muster the courage needed to take that first step toward healing. Too often, the buildup of anxiety can impact Veterans in ways they may not be aware of. Recreational Therapy programs and organizations like Project Healing Waters give Veterans a chance to channel their stress in active and positive ways.

For Project Healing Waters, that outlet is fly fishing

Green is not the first or last Veteran to find camaraderie in the organization. Schweinforth, a Veteran, started the Chattanooga chapter of Project Healing Waters. He saw the need to combine his joy of fly fishing with the need to help Veterans work through their stress and re-connect to their community.

“It’s an organization that cares about healing mentally, physically and socially. It’s healing your wounds. I’m blessed and I don’t believe in coincidence, but God sent me here for a reason,” said Daniel Ferrere, Sr., Veteran and member of Project Healing Waters.

Each meeting of the Chattanooga chapter teaches Veterans various skills such as fly tying, casting and more. Veterans are educated and led by chapter volunteers with more than 200 years of combined fly fishing experience. It is an environment where Veterans from all generations come together regardless of experience and have a chance to learn a new skill.

“After the first meeting, I was completely hooked,” said Green.

The use of a fly fishing rod, reel and fly may appear simple compared to the rigors of military field manuals, but the volunteers at Project Healing Waters are up to the task of training Veterans.

What makes fly fishing a stress relief opportunity is that it can be practiced almost anywhere. Before the meeting, several pairs of Veterans and volunteers stood shoulder to shoulder casting in the grass. It was a chance for Veterans to show their coaches their development since the last meeting.

Found relaxation in the river

The monthly meetings are just the first nibble at the line for Veterans joining the organization. Meetings are where Veterans learn about the equipment, the skills and the team, but it’s on the water where Veterans find themselves.

Mike Pepper found a peace he didn’t know was missing. Pepper, a Navy Corpsman in Vietnam, found relaxation in the river.

“I had no idea what to expect. For about four hours, I stood in one spot because I was really enjoying what I was doing. It was something fun,” he said.

Pepper is like many Veterans who find the tranquility of water releases stress they may not realize they were carrying.

What makes the Chattanooga chapter unique is the combination of Veterans from all different eras of military service— like those from Vietnam, Gulf War/Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and more. It’s the different perspectives but the combined brotherhood and sisterhood that unites these Veterans and volunteers under one banner—the love of fly fishing.

“You know, my best day of fishing, I didn’t catch a fish. One of my best days of fishing, I assisted some Veterans catching fish and that just really got me,” said volunteer David Ligon.

Opportunities for Veterans to improve their physical health

Project Healing Waters is one of many organizations and programs that partner with Tennessee Valley where Veterans can find support through physical activities to tackle stress and trauma. The recreational therapy program offers several opportunities for Veterans looking to improve their mental and physical health.

“Our Recreational Therapy program is a holistic, strength-based approach to care that uses various leisure and recreational activities to help Veterans find joy in their lives,” Howard said. “Our goal is to help improve a Veteran’s physical functioning, mental health, independence and overall quality of life through participation in activities that are meaningful for the Veteran. Treatment is based upon the Veteran’s strengths, needs and goals.”

Part of recreational therapy is the adaptive sports program, which includes a range of activities like bocce ball, shuffleboard, ping pong, pickleball, rowing, bowling, archery and more. Aquatic therapy, vibroacoustic therapy and the center of equine therapy for Veterans are other activities offered to eligible Veterans to promote a healthier lifestyle.

“Whether it is learning how to walk again, successfully reintegrating into the community or finding their new purpose in life, we have had Veterans use what they have learned to give back to other Veterans,” said Howard.

Green was hesitant to join a new group, but he is now the one spreading the word to others like him. He is keeping the tradition alive and supporting his fellow Veterans on the water.

In the early years of his life, the Navy Veteran was spiraling out of control. His first marriage collapsed due to alcohol abuse and his second marriage ended early when his wife’s life was taken by a drunk driver. Alcohol became a crutch for him and was a way to numb the pain and to silence the demons that tormented him.

Duncan was at the end of himself. But even broken and in his darkest moments, a flicker of hope and light came to him. He knew he could not continue that path. He knew he needed help.

Duncan remembers his first car ride to his local VA hospital in the back of a police car for detox treatment in 1974. The following day, he returned to the hospital after he was released. He recalled this day being a pivotal moment for him: He was offered the chance to join the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) at the Alvin C. York VA in Murfreesboro, but declined.

“You’re the only one who doesn’t get it.”

The following day, he changed his mind and returned to the program. Duncan’s mother drove him to Murfreesboro and had a very forthright and truthful conversation with him when she said something he would always remember: “Gary, everyone sees how you live except you. You’re the only one who doesn’t get it.”

At first, he was skeptical. He had been drinking heavily for years. But the staff at Alvin C. York VA saw a glimmer of hope in him. They offered him a bed, a warm meal and a chance to start over.

Duncan attended therapy sessions, joined support groups and began to rebuild his life. The road to recovery was not easy, but with the support of VA and newfound friends he made in the recovery program, he persevered.

RRTP, located at Alvin C. York VA, is a voluntary program that provides high quality, comprehensive programming using Veteran-centered practices. The program offers state-of-the-art residential rehabilitation and treatment services for Veterans with treatment for substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“The kindness he saw at VA gave him hope”

“Each Veteran is assigned to an individual therapist and receives one-on-one care. Veterans are involved in programs throughout the day that includes groups sessions such as occupational therapy. Whole Health and dietitians are involved. It’s definitely a broader scope of treatment.  RRTP is connected to a lot of different services,” said Michael Gulley, Tennessee Valley VA psychiatric nurse practitioner.

With years of issues, Duncan’s turning point was not simple. However, the kindness he saw at VA gave him hope to try anew.

“I had been in numerous situations with detox and programs, and I could not quit drinking. When I arrived at VA, it was the kindness of the staff and the program itself that really touched me. I look back at that and it was the starting point for my recovery. I also looked to God as I understood him due to the witness of family and friends,” Duncan said.

“We have done a really good job with being more individualized in Veteran care and matching the needs of the program to what the Veteran feels like their needs are when they come in,” Gulley added.

Today, Duncan is 50 years sober. Forty-five years of marriage, nine children and 23 grandchildren are a testament and a reminder of his journey. “I have a life I could not have imagined if not for this opportunity from VA.”

I see self-care as closely tied to well-being. If you enjoy kayaking, the time spent on the water enhances your well-being. Similarly, if you look forward to Sunday brunch with a friend, sharing a meal with someone you care about boosts your sense of well-being.

However, for Veterans, it can be challenging to put ourselves first. Veterans were trained to serve others and prioritize the mission over our own needs. But prioritizing your well-being is far from frivolous. In fact, focusing on your overall self helps strengthen protective factors and reduce risk factors for suicide—which I’ll explain further below.

Self-care helps build a network of support

Protective factors are characteristics associated with a decreased likelihood of suicide behaviors and can help offset risk factors like stressful life events and certain mental health conditions. Protective factors include:

• Access to mental health and substance use disorder care.
• Feeling connected to other people.
• Positive coping skills.
• Resilience.

So, what does this mean for you? It means keeping appointments with your health care providers, finding ways to connect with others, joining a community group, finding a faith-based organization that aligns with your beliefs, exploring volunteer opportunities in your area, or taking a class at a local rec center or gym.

Increasing protective factors builds networks of support that can help prevent suicide by promoting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness.

VA resources promote well-being

Regardless of when, where or how you served, all Veterans have earned access to support and resources. VA offers a range of programs and initiatives that can help build protective factors to reduce the risk of a suicide crisis.

Don’t wait. Reach out.: You don’t have to solve life’s challenges alone. This website helps Veterans proactively seek support and resources, no matter what you’re facing. Resources are broken down by category, including:

• Experiencing Grief or Loss.
• Feelings of Depression.
• Feelings of Isolation.
• Health Challenges.
• Living with a Disability.

VA’s Safety Plan app: This app helps you create a custom step-by-step action plan to keep yourself safe when experiencing thoughts about suicide or self-harm. You can identify personal coping strategies and sources of support—giving thoughts of suicide time to decrease and become more manageable.

There are six steps to creating your safety plan. It’s important to create your safety plan when you’re not in distress, so you can think clearly and have time to complete the steps.

• Step 1: Warning signs (that I may be headed toward a crisis).
• Step 2: Ways I can cope (on my own).
• Step 3: My distractions (places I can go and people I can call).
• Step 4: Friends and family I can call (for support).
• Step 5: Professionals I can call (in times of crisis).
• Step 6: Keeping myself safe (by limiting my access to dangerous objects).

Many VA resources are available to all Veterans, regardless of enrollment in VA benefits or health care.

No one knows if or when a crisis will happen. But you’re less likely to face a crisis if you foster and develop strategies that can enhance your emotional and physical health.

Health literacy, as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services, has two major components.

• Personal health literacy refers to people like you who access health information and services. How easily you can find, understand and use those resources determines your personal health literacy.

• Organizational health literacy refers to health care organizations like VA. How well an organization empowers people to find, understand and use information and services determines its organizational health literacy.

VA recognizes our responsibility to ensure organizational health literacy. When we make it easier to understand our information and services, you’re better equipped to make decisions and get the most out of your care.

“The best kind of dialogue between patient and provider.”

“Health literacy is foundational to the best kind of dialogue between patient and provider. It empowers Veterans to take charge of their own health.” Dr. Carolyn Clancy,  assistant under secretary for Health for Discovery, Education, and Affiliate Networks.

One of the best ways to ensure a better experience is to prepare for your next visit with your health care provider:

• Prepare questions before your appointment.
• Talk with your provider about any questions or concerns you may have.
• Take notes during the visit.
• Bring a friend or family member for support and shared understanding.

You can learn more by speaking with your provider or by reviewing VA’s online resources, listed below:

• Preparing for a Visit with Your Healthcare Provider | Veterans Affairs (va.gov) – This resource on the Veterans Health Library contains helpful tips to get the most out of your healthcare.
• AHRQ QuestionBuilder | VA Mobile – his app helps you prepare for your next visit by suggesting questions you might ask or be asked by your provider.
• “Ask Me Three ®” (youtube.com) – Ask Me 3® refers to three main questions that can help you focus your concerns at your next visit: What’s the main problem? What do I need to do? Why is it important for me to do this?
• Be Involved in Your Health Care – National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (va.gov) – This page from VA’s National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention helps you take an active role in your health care.
• VA Resource Navigator – This tool helps Veterans better find and use VA resources. The Navigator can help you find the resources you need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

The Six Service Challenge, a 10-week initiative, was a longtime vision for Associate Director Dr. Jim Hall. While VA offers a host of whole health, weight loss and fitness programs, the challenge took an innovative approach in leveraging VA data sharing platforms and wearable fitness trackers to create a dynamic, live competition environment for Veterans.

Technology powers innovative fitness competition

Veterans participating in the challenge were equipped with VA issued wearable fitness trackers that seamlessly pair with VA’s Share My Health Data mobile application. This integration allowed Veterans to track their steps, distance and energy burned with the data segmented by branch of service.

The challenge was made possible with support from VA’s Digital and Remote Health Center for Innovation, led by Dr. Lindsay Riegler and VA’s Office of Connected Care. “This collaboration empowered us to collect invaluable data on technology usage through wearables while Veterans monitored their steps as part of the challenge,” Riegler said.

Helping Veterans meet their health goals

With almost 100 participating Veterans, the challenge created a whole health movement which Cincinnati VA is excited to continue. “We wanted to create an environment where Veterans feel connected and motivated to improve their health,” said Dr. Shari Frensemeier, psychologist and chief of whole health.

VA health and wellness coaches were integral to the success of the challenge as they provided personalized guidance and support to the Veterans, helping them stay motivated to achieve their wellness goals.

The challenge also united Veterans with peers in their community, creating opportunities for them to create lasting social connections. Many teams organized group activities like nature walks and workouts. Throughout the challenge, Veterans responded to questionnaires to track improvements in their physical, mental and social well being.

Veterans who participated in the challenge shared testimonials about the positive impact it had on their lives. “I have lost 10 pounds and am feeling better. I also have been taken off four medications. I feel great,” one said.

“I have felt better on days prior to my illness, but I have exceeded expectations for myself and will go forward. The illness has increased my personal self-care motivations,” said another.

The challenge demonstrated an innovative use of technology to foster community among Veterans and help them achieve their health goals. For the Veterans who took part, it was a journey of self-discovery, resilience and renewed hope, one that continues to inspire and uplift all who were involved—Veterans and VA employees alike.

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, we spoke with MVP researcher Dr. Nathan Kimbrel about his work on suicide prevention. 

Kimbrel is Research Career scientist at Durham VA and co-director of the Clinical Core at the VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center.

Strength in numbers

“MVP is such an amazing resource. There’s really not an equivalent dataset anywhere else in the world. It has already had a tremendous impact on health care research, including suicide prevention research,” he said.

Kimbrel explained that MVP’s 1,000,000+ participants provide a new opportunity for researchers to study conditions using a sample big enough to produce reliable findings. 

He stressed that every Veteran who has joined and will join MVP is important, noting that diversity is crucial in medical research. Health researchers can only make discoveries that apply to all populations across race, gender and age if all populations are included in research. 

“By participating in MVP, Veterans enable research that is absolutely critical for the development of new medications and treatment approaches for all Veterans,” he said. 

Kimbrel and his team are examining if and how genes interact with environmental stressors to predict suicidal thoughts and behavior among Veterans. In a 2023 study, they were able to identify specific parts of genes that may be related to a greater risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is the first step and more research is needed to confirm the role of the specific genes and better understand how they work.

“It is our team’s hope that our research will eventually lead to improved treatments and reduce the rate of death by suicide among Veterans,” he added. 

Helping yourself and those around you

Kimbrel and his team study suicide prevention, its risk factors and ways to improve detection every day. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

Take time this month to check in on your own mental health, and that of your family and friends and battle buddies—and reach out for help if you need it.  

Access VA prevention resources, support and ways to take action, like spreading the word about suicide prevention or learning how to talk with a Veteran in crisis by visiting the mental health suicide prevention website or by checking out the resources below:

• Participate in VA’s Buddy Check week in October. Take the pledge to talk to 10 Veterans you know. You’ll receive resources, tips and updates via email.
• Learn to recognize the signs of distress and learn about resources you can recommend to fellow Veterans if needed.  
  • A 30-minute online training can help you identify the signs of distress and be a better advocate for your friends. Take VA’s PEER Wellness Training by going to YouTube and searching “National Buddy Check Week – Take the Training.” 
  • The Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.  

Join MVP

MVP studies how genes, lifestyle, military experiences and exposures affect health and wellness. Learn more about MVP’s research surrounding suicide prevention or any of MVP’s research into Veteran health care.

This research is made possible by more than 1,000,000 Veterans who have already signed up for MVP. Join their ranks by signing up today, either online or by calling 866-441-6075 to make an appointment at a participating VA facility.

You don’t need to receive your care at VA to participate.

Semerad (pictured above) began his VA service in 2017 at the Nebraska-Western Iowa VA in Omaha, Nebraska.  Prior to that, he was an Army radiologist stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

He completed a deployment to Afghanistan in 2011.

In 2022, Semerad became the first teleradiologist in the newly-created teleradiology program at Iowa City VA. The program needed more teleradiologists and he knew just where to find them. 

Drs. Matt Brice, Ross Parker and Mike Mahlon all served in the Army with Semerad. He asked them if they would like to serve together again. 

But, instead of caring for soldiers, airmen and their families, they would now be caring for Veterans. 

They took little convincing 

For Brice, after a few years in private practice, he missed the sense of mission and camaraderie that he experienced while on active duty.

“I was given the chance to continue that mission at VA. I have never been more fulfilled, being able to prioritize family while at the same time having the sense of pride in continuing to serve the men and women of our nation who have sacrificed so much,” Brice shared.

“Our vision for the teleradiology program was ambitious from the start, to create a system where expertise and compassion meet efficiency. Thanks to pioneers like Semerad and his fellow Veteran radiologists, this vision is now a reality benefiting Veterans across Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois and beyond,” said Judith Johnson-Mekota, director of Iowa City VA.

That’s why there is always hope.

During National Recovery Month this September, VA is reminding Veterans about resources available year-round to help Veterans find recovery, hope and healing from mental health challenges and unhealthy substance use. VA also offers resources Veterans’ family members and friends can use and share with the Veterans in their lives to help them find their path toward recovery.

Substance use disorder

Substance use disorder (SUD), often referred to as addiction, is a diagnosed mental health condition that causes people to have difficulty controlling their use of alcohol or drugs, such as opioids. As with many other disorders, SUD is treatable. Veterans and their family members and friends should know:

• VA offers evidence-based treatments that are practical, compassionate and evidence-based. These scientifically tested courses of treatment can be available in inpatient, residential, outpatient settings and may include therapy, medication or both.
• Treatments are tailored to each Veteran’s needs, priorities, values, preferences and goals. Veterans should talk with their VA health care provider to choose the treatment options that work best for them.
• To reduce the dangers of substance use, VA also offers harm reduction tools, such as the medication naloxone to reverse opioid overdose. Harm reduction helps protect a person’s life and well-being while they pursue their recovery.

Any time is the right time to start recovery. Learn more about ways to treat mental health challenges and SUD and access support. Veterans can look forward to a fulfilling and rewarding life in recovery from substance use.

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the internship program began its first training cohort to address the mental health care needs of Veterans in the area.

“This program is helping us meet that need so Veterans don’t have to wait so long for appointments and receive the appropriate psychotherapies that they need,” said South Texas VA Chief of Psychology Dr. Jeremy Crostley.

The success of the program can be measured in many ways, but hiring health professions trainees within VA after graduation has been a key milestone for the new program.

Five now working at South Texas

“I’m so proud that out of the nine students that started our program, five have applied and been hired to work here at South Texas,” said Training Director Tanya Workman. “They have been doing so well in their transition to full time employment, even earning their full licensure through the state of Texas. That is a true testament to the program working.”

Pictured above, Tanya Workman, center, meets with team members,

VA’s education mission, established 78 years ago and overseen by the Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA), educates and trains health professionals to enhance the quality of and timely access to care provided to Veterans. 

For Associate Chief of Staff for Education Dr. David Bell, South Texas VA’s education program is further enhancing that mission. “This program is exactly what we are targeting in our education mission. We are getting the best and brightest from our schools and universities. They are working and training alongside our team and they are caring for Veterans and their families. And the best part is [that] this program has been so successful in having those best and brightest stay with our team.”

For many of the trainees, the high-quality program and staff support reinforced their decision to stay with VA.

“What I enjoyed most from the program was the support we got from the entire psychology department, as well as the model we had in the program, so we always had someone to work with us and we were never alone,” said Payton Bostick, former intern. “It just really fostered my love for working with Veterans, so I wanted to stay with VA and continue my work full-time.”

Connecting with Veterans most important

Workman explained that one of the most important parts of the program was that the trainees have a good experience and develop a team mentality throughout the training. “We just want them to work together and eliminate any feeling of competition between the trainees, as this work can be life or death and we need to be able to trust each other. Our Veterans need that trust and support. We show them how to speak to Veterans, how to support our Veterans and how we connect with them. That’s what is most important.”

Bell sees the program as successful whether the trainees stay with VA or move on to the public sector for the experience they get working with the Veteran population. “Whether or not they stay here on our team or they go out into the community, they’ll have that expertise and understanding of what it means to deliver that best care to Veterans and their families.”

The trainees in San Antonio are among the 120,000 health professions trainees in 60 disciplines training in VA health care training programs across the country. Working with over 1,500 academic institutions throughout the nation, VA’s health professions education program makes VA the largest provider of health care education in the United States.

For more information on VA’s education mission, visit OAA’s website.

“I never expected to need VA because I thought I didn’t deserve it. It wasn’t until I had a heart attack while working as a bus driver that I learned VA was intended for non-combat Veterans like myself,” he shared.

The heart attack led Zullo to seek out his local VA clinic where he finally posed the longstanding question that had lingered throughout his life: “Am I eligible?” According to VA statistics, in the past year, more than 400,000 other Veterans have asked that same question and have enrolled in VA health care. This is greatly thanks to the PACT Act.

Zullo found that, along with health care, he was missing something from his experiences with other health care: a sense of family and belonging. From his first encounter with VA verifying his eligibility with the help of a medical support assistant, an immediate connection was made and Zullo found that missing piece.

Pictured above, Zullo stands outside his home with a newly installed access ramp. The VA assisted mobility ramp is just one of the ways his primary care team have reached out to help elder patients like him lead richer, more fulfilling lives.

“I found the family I needed.”

“I found the family I needed. Since my first day there, the doctors, nurses and employees have worked tirelessly to improve my health. They have been so good to me since the first day,” Zullo said.

VA offers care to Veterans of all eras, and there are multiple avenues for enrollment in VA health care. The eligibility requirements are wide ranging, from income to service-related injuries. With the help of the Abilene VA staff, Zullo found the criteria that applied to him and his service. When it came time to sit down with his VA doctor, his past beliefs vanished. Any hesitations he may have had about reaching out to VA have all been cleared away.

“A Veteran is a Veteran,” said Melissa Milliorn, social worker with the Abilene VA clinic. “We encourage all Veterans, from all eras and types of service, to utilize our services because every Veteran is important to us.”

Zullo’s health journey with VA health care transformed his life. What started as a reluctant step toward seeking help turned into a profound experience of healing, community and purpose.

To enroll in VA health care, reach out to your nearest VA health care facility or enroll online.

West Texas VA provides health care services at six locations across west Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Our facilities include the George H. O’Brien Jr. VA Medical Center in Big Spring, four community-based outpatient clinics in Abilene, Fort Stockton, San Angelo and Odessa, and one in Hobbs, New Mexico.

When Army Veteran LaVerne Jackson came to Los Angeles from North Carolina, she didn’t intend to stay. The trip was a mission of altruism, an effort to help a battle buddy who was struggling with addiction issues.

Despite doing her best to assist him, Jackson’s friend relapsed and by the time she was ready to leave, airline ticket prices had increased beyond her means. She was stuck.

“I knew if I could get to VA I would be able to get some help,” she recalled. She asked a passer-by if he knew the way to West LA VA and miraculously he was headed there for an appointment and offered to bring her along.

Once she arrived, VA staff immediately got her into a drop-in shelter at Care, Treatment and Rehabilitative Services (CTRS), a first-of-its-kind emergency shelter program where roughly 135 homeless Veterans live in individual, climate-controlled shelters as they begin their journeys to permanent housing.

It was there that Jackson got the help she needed to take control of her health and her life. “You have to strive for better. You have to be determined to get what you want,” she shared.

“He has been awesome. He’s stayed on it.”

In addition to the 135 primary shelters at CTRS, there are 12 drop-in units intended for Veterans in need of emergency shelter on any given evening. In the mornings, when it was time to leave the unit, Jackson would sit in the nearby rose garden and meditate. “I was praying for direction,” she said.

A staff member told her one of the main shelters was available and it was hers if she wanted it. She moved in. During her time there, Jackson worked with staff to implement a plan for permanent housing. 

For social worker Ryan Wines, Jackson was one of his first clients. Since then, he’s seen a transformation in her. “She was able to overcome several challenges she faced at CTRS and develop her assertiveness and self-advocacy skills,” Wines said.

Jackson also has nothing but positive things to say about Wines. “He has been awesome. He’s stayed on it.” She also credited Brandon Hendrix, food service contractor, for assisting her in obtaining meals aligned with her vegan lifestyle.

Addressing her health issues was another critical component of the time Jackson spent at CTRS. Being in close proximity to all medical facilities on campus, she was able to solve some ongoing health concerns. “The health care is phenomenal. I’ve gotten so much accomplished,” she said.

“Treat her like my own family.”

Another key figure in Jackson’s housing journey has been Kimberly Broughton, Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) lead case manager. Broughton is with SSVF community grantee Village for Vets. SSVF grantees offer rapid rehousing assistance among a variety of other supportive services for Veterans. 

Broughton helped her see what housing options were available. “I didn’t know anything about LA. She took it upon herself to look at places and she would send them to me,” Jackson said of Broughton.

Broughton says Jackson was very shy when the two first met. “Now she’s very vocal and very confident. She’s very honest with me and I’m very honest with her. I treat Ms. Jackson how I would treat any of my family members. That’s my motto,” Broughton said.

With the help of Broughton and Wines, along with HUD-VASH Social Worker Atif Muhammed and Peer Support Specialist Ethel Butler, Jackson was able to find an apartment in Mar Vista, a peaceful neighborhood in West LA. “I thought it was going to take days to get approved, but it only took 30 minutes,” Jackson said.

Jackson’s housing is subsidized through a partnership between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and VA Supportive Housing (VASH), known as the HUD-VASH program. HUD-VASH combines federal housing vouchers with services from VA to assist Veterans in accessing permanent housing. SSVF has even helped her furnish her new place.

“The best thing that could have happened.”

Jackson’s advice to fellow Veterans is simple. “Stay focused and take advantage of available resources. You have to use the tools that are offered in order to overcome whatever challenges you have. Actively working with staff is also a key part of getting help.”

Jackson is working on finishing a degree in holistic medicine and looks forward to what the future has in store. “This experience made me see some things that I never would have even imagined. I think it was the best thing that could have happened.”

In 2012, near Kandahar, Afghanistan, Army Sergeant First Class Wade Mitcheltree was severely injured after stepping on an improvised explosive device. The injuries he sustained caused the loss of his right leg above the knee, his right arm below the elbow, pelvis fracture, eardrum rupture and severe left leg injuries, which eventually led to amputation below the knee on that side.

The use of socket protheses helped Mitcheltree regain mobility, but years sitting on the hard above-knee prosthetic socket in his right leg would pitch him to the side when seated, resulting in lower back pain and other discomforts due to the asymmetry in his posture. It was clear that better options were needed.

In early 2022, Portland Amputation Clinic Medical Director Dr. Stephanie Liu began working to bring the Osseo-anchored Prostheses for Rehabilitation of Amputees Implant System, (OPRA) to Portland. It was approved in 2023 and, today, medical staff mark the significant strides Mitcheltree has made as the first Veteran to undergo Osseointegration (OI) surgery. He continues to find more comfort and control in his ability to stand upright and walk on his own. He has one leg with a below-knee socket and the other with a transfemoral (above-the-knee) OI prosthesis.

“His determination to walk is a testament to his resilience and the exceptional care provided by our team,” said Dr. Lucas Anissian, orthopedic surgeon. “I feel incredibly blessed and honored to work alongside such talented and dedicated professionals who offer a procedure which makes a profound difference in our patients’ lives. With the fast-moving AI and advancements in intelligent limb prosthetic devices, osseointegration surgery opens doors to possibilities and improvements that were unimaginable just a few years ago.”

OPRA implant system

Pictured above, Mitcheltree works with physical therapist Hannah Burkhart on walking exercises to adapt to his new prothesis on his right leg.

The OPRA Implant System is designed for adults who have transfemoral—or above-the-knee—amputations who may also have rehabilitation problems with a conventional socket prosthesis, or in some cases, cannot use them. Issues with a traditional prothesis can lead to many people being wheelchair-bound or less functional or comfortable than they could be.

During Mitcheltree’s most recent follow-up visit, doctors confirmed he continues to experience normal healing without infection or other complications at the surgical site and that he has made remarkable progress in his weight-bearing and walking training programs.

A father to two sons and a service dog, Mitcheltree’s personality extends beyond family as he volunteers his time speaking to children at local Ronald McDonald homes, which provide access to medical care, a home away from home and a community of support for seriously ill or injured children and their families.

“You’re just going to do it a different way.”

“I remember the first time I talked to a young lady who had lost both her hands and feet. She was still very self-conscious about her situation to where she kept herself covered up under four blankets to hide her arms and legs. I was the first person she had met with amputations and, over time, I helped her learn that, yes, this is unfortunate, but you know what? You can still get your life back. Now she’s back at home and doing good, making progress with her arms and legs and being very active,” Micheltree said.

Mitcheltree strongly believes it is important for others experiencing life-changing injuries to never let that make them feel “less than.” “You can still do anything and everything that everybody else does, you’re just going to do it a different way.”

If you would like to learn more about VA Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services.

The first cardiac pacemaker

In 1960, VA researchers—led by Dr. William Chardack of Buffalo VA—created the cardiac pacemaker, a small electronic device that can be implanted in a patient’s chest to help stabilize abnormal heart rhythms. Chardack described the original pacemaker as a “battery-operated gadget about twice as big as a spool of Scotch tape and much the same shape.”

Although surgical techniques and pacemaker technologies evolved over the years, the basic design remains similar to the device introduced to the medical world by Chardack and his collaborators in 1960.

Today, VA offers state-of-the-art pacemakers to Veteran patients, including one of the newest pacemaker designs, the dual-chamber leadless pacemaker technology. The leadless system consists of two tiny pacemakers, each smaller than a AAA battery, inserted via a catheter in a large vein in the thigh and secured in the upper and lower heart chambers.

Living a full, healthy life is possible with a pacemaker. Learn more about pacemakers and how those in need of one can prepare for the procedure at Pacemakers | Veterans Affairs (va.gov).

Veteran receives dual-chamber pacemaker

More than three million Americans live with pacemakers. One of those Americans is Air Force Veteran Bryce De Witt, a healthy father of four. In 2022, at 35, he began to experience heart palpitations. After consistently being dismissed by providers who labeled his symptoms as anxiety, DeWitt was urged to visit his local VA in San Francisco.

“They took me very seriously. It was VA that got me on the right track,” he said. De Witt’s doctor told him that he, “Should’ve received a pacemaker 11 months ago.” Right away, his provider scheduled him for a pacemaker surgery.

While the pacemaker De Witt received addressed the problems with the upper chamber of his heart, he required a second pacemaker to fix the problems in the lower chamber of his heart. The two pacemakers work together to normalize the heart’s rhythm. This procedure was only offered at a few hospitals in the country at the time, including the Michael E. DeBakey VA in Houston.

Read the story of how De Witt’s VA doctors collaborated to get him the care he needed at Two doctors… 2,000 miles apart – VA News.

There are four ways to apply for VA health care: Online, by phone, by mail or in-person. Visit VA’s health care website for more information.

For Army Veteran Letitia Dupree, VA Health Chat is a game changer as it relates to her health care. She first used the app to schedule a nutrition appointment and was amazed by how quick and easy the process was.

“It took maybe less than 10 minutes to get everything done. I didn’t want to call and go through the phone loop of trying to get ahold of someone. VA Health Chat will definitely be my go-to for scheduling appointments,” Dupree said.

Receive VA care without going to a VA facility

Through VA Health Chat, Veterans can send messages to VA staff from anywhere with a smartphone, tablet or computer. They can use the app to receive medical advice for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses, schedule VA appointments, refill VA prescriptions and more.

Dupree said she has used VA Health Chat while at work and even in the car.

“The biggest benefit of VA Health Chat is managing your care wherever you are. Sometimes you’re just not feeling well enough to go to the clinic or you may not have transportation. With this, you can connect with VA staff from home or anywhere,” she added.

Army Veteran Josef Mendez Lopez loves the privacy that VA Health Chat provides.

“VA Health Chat allows me to chat with VA staff privately without having to talk on the phone. Even if I’m in a public setting, I’m not afraid of anyone listening to my conversation. Besides it being convenient, it offers more privacy,” Mendez shared.

Try it out today

VA Health Chat is convenient and easy to use. When a Veteran signs into the app, they will be asked to choose a channel based on their health care need. Veterans can message a VA staff member trained in that area of health care.

Channels include:

• Clinical Triage – Talk to a nurse about health care concerns.
• Pharmacy Support – Refill, renew or ask questions about VA prescriptions.
• Scheduling and Administration – Schedule VA appointments or ask other administrative questions.
• Virtual Clinic Visit (Urgent Care) – Receive medical advice for injuries or illnesses that need immediate care but aren’t serious enough for an emergency room visit.
• Whole Health – Ask questions about your whole health and well-being.
• Women’s Health – Receive care tailored to women’s health needs.

Channels may vary depending on location. However, new channels are being added regularly, so Veterans should check back periodically to see what’s available.

Veterans can chat with VA staff in most locations Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. local time, excluding federal holidays. In some locations, staff are available 24/7. The app can be launched through the VA App Store and is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

For more information on VA Health Chat, talk to your VA care team or visit the app’s webpage.

With a mission to empower and improve the lives of women Veterans through community building, mental health support and groundbreaking research, She’s the Veteran is making a profound impact on the fastest-growing segment of the Veteran population.

Women Veterans face unique challenges that are often overlooked, including a higher likelihood of developing PTSD, becoming homeless and struggling with hunger compared to their male counterparts. 

Jackson Kahn, physician assistant and reservist, was inspired to start She’s the Veteran after discovering a lack of resources and research focused on women Veterans. “I was astounded to see the lack of research and the lack of resources. PTSD in women Veterans is not talked about enough. It hasn’t been researched enough,” Kahn said.

South Carolina home to over 45,000 women Veterans

Since its launch in 2020, She’s the Veteran has been providing a supportive community for women Veterans in South Carolina, a state home to over 45,000 women who served. The organization hosts monthly skill-based activities, such as fishing, horseback riding and shooting clays, which are designed to help participants retrain their brains and turn negative experiences into positive ones.

“It’s kind of shocking how many times these women have never even been thanked for their service. What you’re doing is brave and worth recognition. Be proud, hold your head high. You do awesome things for both your country and your community,” Kahn added.

“I didn’t know how much I needed this community until I found it,” said Michelle McMeenkin, 26-year Air force Veteran. “Being around other women Veterans who share a common core experience like serving in the armed forces has been inspiring. It’s incredible to be in a safe space where we can share stories, support each other and heal together. Literally, live, love and laugh.”

The organization holds monthly virtual “Vet Connect” meetings to reach homebound women Veterans and those living outside of South Carolina. She’s the Veteran advocates for women Veterans at local community events and celebrates Women Veterans Day annually in June.

“I feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

“Nobody gives them a break. Nobody says, ‘OK, you need a break.’ Women just march on,” Kahn said, emphasizing the importance of providing women Veterans with a space to focus on their own well-being. “It really is an internal, silent suffering of some kind because it’s just what ends up being expected. And women just do it.”

“She’s the Veteran has given me a sense of purpose and belonging. I feel like I’m part of something bigger, a movement that’s making a real difference in the lives of women Veterans. It’s empowering to meet all these amazing women, bear their stories, and know at the end of the day, we have each other’s backs,” McMeekin added.

Kahn also highlights the importance of research in addressing the unique challenges faced by women Veterans. “We need more data, more studies that focus specifically on the experiences and needs of women Veterans. Only then can we develop targeted interventions and support systems that truly make a difference,” Kahn said.

With its commitment to mental health, research and advocacy, She’s the Veteran is working to ensure that women Veterans receive the recognition, support and resources they deserve. As the organization continues to grow, it aims to expand its reach nationwide, closing the gap in mental health services and research for women who have bravely served their country.

“We want every woman Veteran to know that they are not alone. We’re here to support them, to advocate for them and to make sure that their voices are heard. Together, we can create a future where no woman Veteran feels invisible or underserved,” Kahn said.

These often costly barriers can include everything from having a driver’s license revoked, making it difficult to travel or receive housing assistance, to seeking an upgrade to a military discharge to be eligible for benefits.

At VA we want to help Veterans overcome these issues so they can become safely and permanently housed. Our Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness (LSV-H) grant program is paving the way.

About the program

The grant program supplies funding to partners around the country which then provide free legal services to eligible Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

At no cost, they can help with issues such as:

• Housing including eviction defense or landlord-tenant and foreclosure cases.
• Family law including child support, child custody, divorce, estate planning and family reconciliation.
• Income support including access to public benefits.
• Criminal defense for issues related to homelessness, such as outstanding warrants, fines, driver’s license revocation, citations, or expunging or sealing a criminal record.
• Protective orders and other legal matters related to domestic or intimate partner violence.
• Upgrade to military discharge.
• Access to health care.
• Employment law.

Grants that matter

At VA, we’re committed to ending Veteran homelessness and removing obstacles to accessing housing resources is critical to achieving that goal. Even minor legal issues can hamper a Veteran’s ability to compete in a difficult housing market.

Veterans who are experiencing legal issues, impacting their ability to obtain housing or stay housed, are not alone. Through our annual Project CHALENG survey, we have heard from Veterans nationwide who say access to legal services is a top barrier to housing. Knowing this, we created the LSV-H program, enlisting legal experts to help.

Authorized by the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, the first grants were awarded in 2023 to nearly 80 organizations in 38 states and Washington, D.C.

This year, we’ve awarded nearly $27 million in grants to 108 organizations to help reach especially vulnerable populations, including women Veterans and Veterans living in rural communities and on tribal lands.

Read our press release announcing the 2024 grant awards.

View the list of 2024 LSV-H grantees.

Every Veteran deserves a safe, stable place to call home. For Veterans who face legal issues that are standing in their way of finding or keeping housing, overcoming those issues can be key to their success. We’re proud to offer services that help them do just that.

Learn about VA programs 

• If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).
• Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness. 
• Check out the Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast to learn more about what VA is doing about Veteran homelessness. 
• Learn how to get involved with housing homeless Veterans.
• Subscribe to the Homeless Programs Office newsletter to receive monthly updates about programs and supportive services for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 
• For more information about the programs offered by VA’s Legal Services for Veterans, including the LSV-H program and our pro bono Medical Legal Partnerships, visit LSV.

The VA Naloxone Trainer, developed through one of the Office of Advanced Manufacturing’s (OAM) six sites, VISN-12 Great Lakes VA, represents a transformative approach to opioid overdose education.

Prototype to groundbreaking innovation

VA nurse Diane Mosey wanted a sustainable and accessible method to educate Veterans, their caregivers and VA staff on how to provide lifesaving naloxone to Veterans during opioid overdose events.

Naloxone is a fast-acting and crucial medication for anyone showing signs of overdose or suspected overdose. It is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by binding to opioid receptors, restoring normal breathing and preventing further opioid effects.

Hoping to take her idea from prototype to mass-produced training device, Mosey sought assistance from OAM’s biomedical engineering team. The OAM team used 3D-printing technology to turn Mosey’s makeshift trainer into a more permanent solution to help revolutionize naloxone usage across VA.

“What started as a modest prototype made from plywood and wristbands has evolved into a groundbreaking innovation,” remarked Dr. Katie Schultz, Great Lakes VA. “Our goal was simple: Equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to opioid emergencies.”

Simplicity in education

The Naloxone Trainer’s user-friendly design features a lifelike, 3D-printed nose and a simulated naloxone nasal spray device placed in VA medical center waiting rooms. Veterans and their caregivers can use time spent waiting for appointments to familiarize themselves with the step-by-step process of administering naloxone.

“The beauty of the trainer lies in its simplicity. By providing individuals with the opportunity to practice administering naloxone, we aim to empower them to act decisively during opioid emergencies,” Schultz said.

OAM is able to mass produce these 3D-printed devices, increasing accessibility and integrating the Naloxone Trainer more easily into existing training programs. These efforts ultimately enhance the readiness of VA health care providers and the general public to respond to opioid emergencies.

Mosey expressed how genuinely thrilled she is that her creation can help providers and Veterans on a larger scale. “In crisis, responders need to be able to move quickly and confidently, and this trainer helps users build that confidence.”

Empowering providers and Veterans

“We were excited to unveil the Naloxone Trainer at the Resuscitation Symposium in March and we are looking forward to ushering in a new era of opioid overdose response. By making Naloxone education more accessible and engaging, we can empower individuals to act and potentially save lives,” Schultz added.

With the Naloxone Trainer poised to make a significant impact on opioid overdose response efforts, OAM looks forward to collaborating with VA health care providers and community partners to promote its widespread adoption.

Building on our collaboration with the Department of Defense, we are excited to introduce Help with Employment, Agency, Risk, Transitions, and Housing (HEARTH), an innovative project to bridge existing gaps in our support systems.

The Post-9/11 Military2VA case management program has long been a cornerstone of our efforts to provide comprehensive health care and social services to transitioning service members. However, without a standardized universal risk assessment, our ability to proactively identify and support those at high-risk for adverse outcomes has been limited. Until now.

The HEARTH project was launched in 2023 as a quality improvement demonstration designed to enhance the Post-9/11 M2VA process. This project aims to identify and engage Veterans who are at high risk for issues such as homelessness, unemployment and suicidal behaviors, and provide them with tailored care and support for up to six months.

Offering case management

Leveraging a model developed at Harvard University by the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers team, the HEARTH project identifies Veterans most in need of intervention. A dedicated virtual national VA transition care team then proactively reaches out to these Veterans offering case management and care coordination based on critical time intervention, trauma-informed care and whole health principles.

Our goals with HEARTH are ambitious and essential. We aim to:

1. Ensure at-risk Veterans are enrolled at their local VA medical center.
2. Connect Veterans with primary care teams, within or outside the VA system.
3. Promote reintegration into civilian life by securing employment and housing.
4. Link Veterans experiencing suicidal ideations with appropriate services.

By providing these services at no cost to the Veteran, the HEARTH project underscores our ongoing commitment to care for those who have selflessly served our nation. Join us as we embark on this vital initiative to support our post-9/11 heroes.

Through HEARTH, we can ensure every Veteran has access to the safe, supportive environment they deserve. VA remains committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to our Veterans, ensuring their well-being and assisting them in achieving their goals.

“It’s all about mindset,” said Lizzie Michael, Whole Strength CrossFit and Nutrition CrossFit coach. “It’s so emotional. I feel like there’s such an emotional connection to the workout.”

For many Veterans, Murph is more than just another workout. It is a chance to honor and remember those individuals that paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s not just for me, it’s not just for a workout, it’s not just to have a BBQ afterwards. I’m going to push myself to my limits as much as I can,” said Michael, a Veteran who receives care at Tennessee Valley VA.

The “Murph” workout began its legacy as a CrossFit Hero Workout of the Day (WOD) posted to the CrossFit main website in August 2005. This workout was a favorite of Murphy, who referred to it as “Body Armor.”

Murph workout a Memorial Day tradition

It was a difficult workout even by CrossFit standards, and it caught the attention of Dr. Josh Appel, who has a special connection to Murphy. Appel served as a pararescue man in the Air Force, and it was his team that rescued Marcus Luttrell and recovered the bodies of Michael Murphy and the rest of their Navy SEAL team.

The story of their mission was made well-known through the release of Lutrell’s book, “Lone Survivor.”

Appel inspired the tradition of performing the Murph workout on Memorial Day as an honorable tradition.

“It has been amazing to watch the Memorial Day Murph tradition take off and grow every year,” said Appel, chief of Emergency Medicine at Southern Arizona VA. “I knew it would be popular among the CrossFit community, but did not expect it to bleed over into so many other areas.”

Michael (pictured above) used her G.I. Bill benefits after deployment to get certified in nutrition and wellness, and references her military experiences and education to help improve the lives of the members of her gym and the Veterans that she works with.

“The pain will pass.”

“We all go through hard times, but to be able to find the grit to push through challenging things is important. When other challenges in life come up or things do not go your way, take a breath and keep going through it. The pain will pass. The storm will pass,” Michael said.

CrossFit and the Murph is not only a physical challenge but also a mental one. Learning to overcome the mental traps that trick individuals into giving up is part of the process.

“When you’re sore or tired during this, I encourage those individuals to think about how sore and tired folks like Murph were. To remember what they went through and work through your own internal struggle.”

Veterans, first responders, emergency medical services and more share a common bond of working through dangerous and difficult times. Michael and many other Veterans will be strapping on their weight vest to pay honor to Murph and many others with their sweat and tears.

“There is a saying that the dead are not truly gone until we stop saying their names. I think Murph helps remind us of those sacrifices and keeps the fallen in our thoughts,” said Appel.

The VISN 12 Clinical Resource Hub has adopted immersive technology use for its TelePain program led by Specialty Chief Dr. Nadia Hussain and Physical Therapist Shoba Rajamannar-Underhill, who specialize in interventional pain management. The team began prescribing headsets to patients for at-home use and the results have been incredible.

Early adoption and successes

Hussain began incorporating telehealth into her care in January 2023 when she realized it would allow her to connect with her Veteran patients in their own homes. The virtual connection allows her team to provide care to those who may have trouble making it to an in-person appointment, live in rural areas or have anxiety about coming to a facility.

“We are inside their homes as a team. Five of us get in a virtual room and we can see their families, their pets, their lifestyle,” Hussain shared.

Throughout the telehealth process of administering VR, clinicians are with patients every step of the way. They begin with a pre-assessment, monitor progress halfway through and finish with a post-assessment. The team can see exactly how the patients are managing the technology, how much they are being motivated to move and everything in between.

Immersive technology has introduced an effective, manageable way to deliver at-home care. Once the device is prescribed and the trial is completed, it’s shipped to the patient’s home and then shipped back at the end of the eight-week period. Patients don’t need to clean or store devices in between uses and they can achieve results in just a few minutes of daily usage.

Although care is virtual, the connection is real. “They feel supported with our team. We’re engaging them along the way and their mood is better,” said Rajamannar-Underhill. With the incorporation of VR, “All of the Veteran patients have mentioned that they’re able to manage their mood and their stress level, and their sleep has improved.”

One of the methods of measuring uses the Pain, Enjoyment of Life and General Activity (PEG) Scale to assess patient pain interference with daily activities. The TelePain team documented a decrease in PEG scores for every single patient they have followed from beginning to end, indicating decreased pain and increased enjoyment.

Future expansion and collaboration

Hussain and her team are now focused on getting more heads in headsets and increasing utilization of VR in care delivery. Increasing access means increasing the impact and expanding the footprint of care that VA provides Veterans. It’s not just about providing relief in the moment, but also about creating experiences that will stay with the patients for a lifetime.

“You can have the headset for eight weeks, but then the results of it, what you’ve learned from it, those tools are there with you forever,” said Hussain.

The VISN 12 Clinical Resource Hub has recommended immersive technology to over 30 Veterans on behalf of interventional pain management. The team is currently tracking 25 interactions to date, all with reports of decreased depression and anxiety.

Working at VA, especially in interventional pain management, Dr. Hussain said that procedures are selected based upon evidence and what the Veteran truly needs. Immersive technology assists by providing a non-invasive tool for identifying issues and next steps, also serving as a therapeutic escape.

VA Immersive supports more than 2500 VA staff in the exploration and implementation of immersive technology across VA, which has now deployed over 3,300 VR headsets across more than 170 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Guam and American Samoa.

To learn more, visit the VA Immersive website.

Sometimes it requires a reduction in the impact of substances instead of completely avoiding them, an approach called harm reduction.

Meredith Malpass, regional coordinator with the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program and an adjunct professor in harm reduction and the science of addiction, joined the Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast to discuss how the harm reduction philosophy goes hand in hand with VA’s overall approach to ending Veteran homelessness.

Listen to “S1 E25: Reducing the Risk of Harm from Drug and Alcohol Use” on Spreaker.

Reducing impacts

Harm reduction is a public health model centered on lessening the impact of behaviors. Examples include wearing seatbelts to prevent injury in a car accident, masking during a pandemic to avoid infection and using condoms to protect from sexually transmitted diseases.

When applied to substance use, harm reduction techniques can involve:

• Implementing syringe services programs to ensure the use of clean needles.
• Providing naloxone to prevent overdose deaths.
• Establishing safe injection and drug testing sites to protect against tainted drugs.

“Sometimes harm reduction may look like use reduction. But more often, we’re really focusing on asking, what are the behaviors that a person engages in surrounding their substance use that create harm?” Malpass asked.

Tailoring to the individual

A social worker by training, Malpass saw firsthand that the abstinence model doesn’t work for everyone and can set unrealistic expectations that are difficult to meet.

VA’s Housing First approach to ending Veteran homelessness represents a similar understanding as it doesn’t require Veterans to clear difficult hurdles in order to access housing. This approach, founded on the principle that housing is a fundamental right, provides housing before implementing individualized wraparound services to support Veterans.

Harm reduction also takes a tailored approach. Recognizing that not all substances are the same and that they have different effects on everyone, it focuses on the specific behaviors a person is open to changing.

Evidence has shown that this leads to better engagement in treatment, higher engagement in overall health care and improved insights into the reasoning behind certain behaviors.

Creating trusted relationships

Both approaches are built to empower the Veteran, recognizing that people have the right to make their own decisions and know what is best for themselves.

For harm reduction to work, those who work with homeless Veterans need to establish solid relationships and create a nonjudgmental safe environment where Veterans can talk truthfully about their lives and the behaviors they’re engaging in. Judgmental and confrontational approaches have actually been shown to be less effective and can lead to disengagement from treatment.

These trusting relationships can also counteract feelings of isolation that are common for those experiencing homelessness or substance use issues.

“The more people feel that isolation and that disconnection from their community and from society, the lower the motivation to make changes. The more—as a community—we can wrap our arms around people who are experiencing homelessness and using drugs, the better we can support and pull them out of those spaces and help them feel connected again,” she added.

Learn about VA programs 

• If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).
• Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness. 
• Check out the Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast to learn more about what VA is doing about Veteran homelessness. 
• Learn how to get involved with housing homeless Veterans.
• Subscribe to the Homeless Programs Office newsletter to receive monthly updates about programs and supportive services for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

While it’s great that barriers are breaking down for those who can make and distribute content, communicators need to be aware they have a powerful medium to raise awareness and drive change—as well as spread misinformation. Such misinformation could prevent some people from talking about their challenges or accessing help.

If you write or talk about Veteran suicide through any online or physical media, it’s vital you understand the impact the words and data you choose to share can have on the Veterans and Veteran supporters who consume your content.

Know your audience

Most importantly, you should have a comprehensive understanding of your audience and who your content might reach. In most cases, this is more than just your direct audience and can include individuals who have experienced thoughts of suicide or lost someone to suicide. Pay attention to how your content might affect the people throughout the communities your content touches.

Know your intention

Another critical component to effective messaging about suicide is to fully understand your own intentions for creating the content. What type of effect are you looking for—raising awareness, sharing a call-to-action, sharing a story about lived experience, reporting on a death, or sharing data or research? Use this intention to guide your creative process and try not to lose focus or drift from your original purpose.

Suicide is complex and sometimes difficult to address, not only because of the sensitive nature of the topic, but because there are many nuances involved in communicating about it effectively.

Know your influence

If you have a platform and want to share content on the complex issue of Veteran suicide, make sure you’re prepared with facts and understand effective messaging best practices. Handled responsibly, these conversations have the ability to educate audiences, reduce barriers to accessing support and—ultimately—help save Veteran lives.

Know the facts about Veteran suicide prevention

Just like any other issue with a lot of nuances, there are several misconceptions about Veteran suicide that are shared regularly. Here are some facts:

• Fact: Suicide can be prevented, support is available, and hope is possible. Find suicide prevention resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net/LocalResources.
• Fact: Asking a Veteran if they’re considering suicide won’t increase their risk and could save their life. It can be a tough question, but it may help someone connect with the support they need. Learn how to talk with a Veteran in crisis at VeteransCrisisLine.net/CrisisConversationHandout.
• Fact: Anyone can help a Veteran in crisis. You don’t need special training to support a  Veteran facing challenges. It can be as simple as asking, “How are you doing?” or “What’s going on?” VA S.A.V.E. Training can help. Learn more at learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save.
• Fact: Veterans Crisis Line responders are trained to provide support no matter what you’re experiencing. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255. Find out more about the Veterans Crisis Line at VeteransCrisisLine.net/About.

Know how to present information about Veteran suicide

The following are recommendations for developing messages about Veteran suicide. When best practices are applied, messages can correct misconceptions, share hope and encourage help seeking among those at risk for suicide.

• Use appropriate language: Be informative and objective without being sensationalistic. Use the terms “died by suicide” or “killed himself/herself/themselves.” Avoid terms like “commit suicide,” “successful/unsuccessful suicide,” “completed or uncompleted suicide,” or “failed-suicide attempt.”
• Report on suicide as a public health issue: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is a leading cause of death among all Americans, not just Veterans. Use terms like “higher” or “increasing” to refer to differences in suicide rates. Avoid referring to suicide as an epidemic and terms such as “skyrockets” or “surges.”
• Include resources:
  • Don’t wait. Reach out.: Get support designed specifically for you. Family members or friends can find resources for the Veterans in your life.
  • KeepItSecure.net: Practice secure storage of firearms, medication and other lethal means, and learn how to identify and handle a suicide crisis.
  • VA Suicide Prevention: Explore suicide prevention resources to build networks of support among community-based organizations, Veterans Service Organizations, health care providers, and other members of your community that strengthen protective factors for Veterans.
  • Make the Connection: VA’s premier mental health literacy and anti-stigma website highlights Veterans’ real, inspiring stories of recovery and connects Veterans and their family members and friends with local resources. Make the Connection’s Mental Health Month campaign page can be found on its website.

For more information about best practices, visit VA’s resource on How to Communicate and Write About Veteran Suicide.

Sierra Barnes, occupational therapy student, embarked on a significant project to develop and implement a VR protocol tailored for the acute care setting in occupational therapy (OT). During her presentation, Barnes showcased the transformative impact VR technology is having on patient care.

Under the mentorship of Kendrick Bankhead, Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Capstone mentor and the clinical education coordinator, she explained how VR is instrumental in improving patient experiences by alleviating pain, anxiety and insomnia during hospital stays. With Bankhead’s guidance, Barnes successfully crafted a protocol that is based on solid evidence and also practical and efficient for the acute OT staff to adopt.

Veterans undergo thorough screening

VR therapy is administered with care. Veterans interested in the therapy must undergo a thorough screening that evaluates their medical history and current health status. Exclusion criteria rule out candidates with conditions such as active psychosis, legal blindness, a recent history of seizures, active dizziness or nausea, or head, neck or facial injuries that would interfere with the use of VR headset

Once cleared, Veterans undergo a meticulous process where their vital signs are monitored before, during and after the VR sessions. These sessions might include virtual tours, outdoor retreats or guided relaxation exercises. Each session is conducted with the utmost care to ensure comfort and safety, and there are signs placed outside the treatment rooms to prevent interruptions.

Pictured above, Kendrick Bankhead, occupational therapist, and Sierra Barnes, OT student, test new virtual reality headsets.

Veterans report significant benefits

Many Veterans have shown improved vital signs post-VR treatment and reported significant benefits from their sessions in reducing their symptoms. Those who exhibited substantial benefits from VR usage were recommended for follow-up care with the outpatient OT clinic at the medical center.

Implementing VR in such a high-stakes environment faces challenges. High patient turnover, the physical layout of the hospital and the acuity of patients’ conditions can complicate the delivery of VR therapy. Nonetheless, many Veterans have reported significant improvements in their symptoms post-therapy, affirming the efficacy of the technology.

Barnes and Bankhead’s commitment to this innovative approach led them to apply for the VISN 16 Innovation Grant. They provided evidence-based literature, an action plan and a spending plan to support the funding of their project. They aim to expand the program with additional VR headsets and one Clean Box to continue benefiting Veterans. Approval of this grant is pending, but the potential for broader application remains high.

Disclaimer: The Occupational Therapy Department did not conduct any clinical research regarding virtual reality with Veterans. All VR devices were used with Veterans during routine acute occupational therapy sessions for VR protocol development only. VA OT staff and the Department of Veterans Affairs do not endorse or market any specific VR vendors, products or devices.

One story showcases that the care provided is not just at one of its 15 locations but also in rural communities. While living in a rural community has many pros and cons, the Home Telehealth Program at South Texas continuously works to ensure there is no lack in health care provided to Veterans residing in those areas.

This was a valuable experience for William Dale Robinson, Navy Veteran who resides in Del Rio. He became a patient of the Home Telehealth Heart Failure Monitoring Program in March and soon understood to listen to his health care team when they became concerned with his elevated blood pressure.

Nurse Tabitha Higgins, care coordinator for the program, would call Robinson several times a week for check-ins, which quickly became requests for Robinson to seek emergency care due to his elevated blood pressure. 

“Her dedication makes her a five-star angel.”

“I told him he was very important to me and I was afraid he could have a heart attack while he was alone. I asked him to please call 911 or go to the emergency room if he has any more chest pain or chest pressure. This time he promised he would,” Higgins said.

One day after that call, Robinson contacted Higgins to inform her he was being admitted to the Val Verde Hospital in Del Rio after experiencing strong chest pain and a systolic blood pressure of 232. He also thanked Higgins for helping him feel comfortable with calling 911 in his time of need.

“The fact that I was going to have to spend several days in the hospital, I was not looking forward to that, but it was necessary and the surgery was a lot more serious than I had anticipated. Higgins’ attention to detail and her dedication makes her a five-star angel and I just love her for it,” Robinson said.

Once Higgins knew that Robinson wished to be transferred to Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, she began working with his care team to advocate for his transfer. With the assistance of Carryl Vasquez, Robinson’s Home Based Primary Care nurse and James Powell, an advanced medical support assistant based in Del Rio, they were able to secure a transfer that would allow Robinson to be in a true place of comfort for any Veteran.

Claudio Solorzano, program director for the Home Telehealth Program, recognized the team’s dedication and resilience in ensuring that not only did Robinson receive the best care possible but that his comfort was prioritized in this situation.

“Failure was not an option.”

“Failure was not an option, and the team worked diligently together to assist the Veteran with his request. It would have been easier to ignore and say it is not possible, but the team did the hard work and accomplished the mission,” Solorzano said.

Because of their efforts, Robinson was moved to Audie L. Murphy VA within a day, where Higgins began visiting Robinson whenever she could. “I wanted him to see a face behind all those calls. I also knew he was several hours away from home and could be scared and feeling alone. He was very glad I stopped by to visit with him. He said he used to feel alone but he no longer does,” she said.

Robinson underwent carotid surgery and remained an inpatient for three weeks. He reflects fondly on his visits from Higgins. These visits surprised him at first but emphasized the dedication and integrity Higgins has for the Veterans in the Home Telehealth Program.

“The people at the hospital were very good. They treated me with honor and respect, and I felt like a king in there,” he said.

In an effort to truly highlight this experience and the coordination amongst South Texas staff, Solorzano nominated Higgins, Vasquez and Powell for a Good Catch Award from the Office of Patient Safety.

“At South Texas VA, we have a culture of safety, high reliability, excellence and service to others. We just don’t simply do a job. We have a mission and we accomplish the mission knowing that in our team, no Veteran is left behind,” Solorzano said.

Higgins says she values building relationships with South Texas Veterans to ensure they feel that they are able to trust in the people that are involved in their health care.

Robinson is back home, looking forward to his next home visit and working with VA staff who are dedicated to his health. He also encourages other Veterans to focus on their health and work with their primary care provider.

“Pay attention to what your care provider tells you and follow their instructions. They’ve got your best interest at heart. That was a harsh lesson for me to learn,” he added.

During Mental Health Month in May, VA is sharing stories from Veterans like Bridget and Greg who describe how their lives and perspectives have improved since receiving professional mental health care. Each story completes the thought, “Today, I am …” and includes information about the treatments that helped each Veteran process their past, manage their symptoms and map out their future.

Today, Bridget is connected

Bridget faced hardships during her Navy service—including abuse from a fellow service member and partner—that took a toll on her mental health and ability to form relationships. Dialectical behavior therapy and other VA-provided treatments helped her manage her posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Mental health care also helped her open up and move beyond the isolation that had served as her comfort zone, in part by finding groups that shared her interest in creative arts.

“There is something going on in your area that’s a Veterans’ group that’s doing something creative,” Bridget said. “Connect to the community because that’s something that changed things for me drastically. Find that in your region and just connect.”

Today, Greg is recovering

During and after his service in the Army from 1985 to 1988, Greg faced challenges with depression and substance misuse, which got him into trouble for two decades. Nothing helped for the long term until he started visiting a VA hospital. Greg got on track to recovery by starting medication for depression, following a 12-step recovery program for his substance misuse and addressing his mental health through therapy.

“I haven’t had a drug in almost 12 years,” said Greg, who has since attended college, married and bought his first home. He advises any Veteran experiencing mental health or substance misuse challenges to reach out to VA, adding, “It saved my life.”

How are you today?

This May, Veterans and their supporters are encouraged to think about how they would like to finish the thought, “Today, I am …” and find inspiration in stories from Veterans like Bridget and Greg.

To learn more about how mental health support at VA has helped these Veterans and could help you, too, visit the Make the Connection website.

“In anesthesiology, we see that 95% of our delivered anesthetic gasses are wasted and pumped out the hospital’s roof. Because the gasses are seven times heavier than air, they sink to the ground, which is the surrounding sidewalks where patients and workers tend to be.”

The gas capturing and recycling system collects expired anesthetic gasses that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere from the top of the medical facility. The waste is collected into canisters, cleaned and recycled into a reusable anesthetic gas.

VA campuses are meeting spots for Veterans, so it’s essential to keep these spaces safe.

Equivalent to planting 125,000 trees

The adoption of this technology not only made the air surrounding Jesse Brown cleaner, it reduced the facility’s emissions by 30%. To put this into perspective, the facility would have had to plant 125,000 trees to offset these emissions.

After successfully adopting the technology at Jesse Brown, Fox (pictured above) and then-Green Environmental Management Systems Manager Justin Macadangdang started Project Capturing Anesthetics Toward Climate Health (CATCH). The campaign advocates for adopting gas recycling systems across VA nationwide.

Project CATCH’s technology will lead to cost savings over time, which means allocating resources more efficiently to provide high-quality care and support services for Veterans. Because of Fox’s and Macadangdang’s efforts, CATCH won the 2022 VA Sustainability Award for Climate Innovation.

VA has “made ourselves a resilient institution,” Fox said. “We’ve figured out how to capture gas. We’ve figured out how to decrease our energy pull.”

As federal health systems shift towards sustainable care practices, VA is embracing leading the way in making health care delivery more environmentally sustainable with initiatives like CATCH. Implementing sustainable health care practices leads to a safer VA for today’s Veterans and future generations, making VA a place Veterans can continue to rely on for the best quality care despite disruption from climate-related shocks and stressors.

To learn more about VA’s sustainability efforts, visit Energy, Environment, and Fleet Program – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Life is full of twists and turns. You may start a new job, move to a different city, start or end a relationship, or face a number of other significant changes in your life. Though any big transformation usually comes with challenges, one particular life change can be jarring for Veterans: transitioning from the military back to civilian life.

If you think about it, it’s natural for Veterans to face stress or confusion—or both—during this period. You’ve gone from a network of support to being expected to do a lot of things on your own. It’s more important than ever to strengthen your purpose and create or foster connections.

Many Veterans feel a sense of freedom as civilians. However, some start to feel lost and stuck, not wanting to seek help because of a sense of shame and feeling unsure about how to move forward. Military culture may not always encourage help-seeking behavior and, for many Veterans, there’s a disconnect between knowing something is wrong and feeling like they have “permission” to get help for it.

Veterans can find ways to effectively handle and work through those feelings by strengthening or building a support system through resources offered by VA and Veteran-centric organizations. You don’t have to be alone on your journey.

Going from “we” to “me”

In the military, we’re told how to dress, what to eat, when to sleep and how to spend every minute of every day. In addition to being given instructions, we were supplied with everything we needed, like food, clothing, housing and health care. After you leave that regimented environment, you’re forced to make a lot of daily decisions you probably gave very little thought to when you served. The minutia of daily life can quickly add up and compound with the other problems and pressures you’re faced with during transition.

Aside from figuring out how to spend each day, you’ve also lost a sense of community, camaraderie and teamwork. You’re used to a group identity where you were constantly surrounded by others working together toward a common goal. Now, the skills you developed and others depended on may not fit so neatly into civilian life.

You now own your time and all your decisions. It’s up to you what you want to do, what you want to wear and who you want to be. It’s up to you to make new connections and build new relationships. It’s up to you to find your next mission and get after it. That freedom can be equally liberating and daunting. Just because you now own your path ahead doesn’t mean you have to walk it alone.

How do you find your new or renewed purpose? Who will be part of your new team? Will you redefine yourself? VA is here to help.

Your new network of support

VA offers many of the tools you need to build your new life:

• First, locate the services you need: Whether you need emergency medical care, employment assistance, housing or financial-related services, or you’re looking for information for women Veterans, LGBTQ+ Veterans or Veteran caregivers, we have resources tailored to you.
• Second, explore resources for common issues experienced by Veterans: You can turn to VA for almost anything, including evidence-based treatments for substance abuse, insomnia, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and couple’s therapy; parenting resources; safety resources and understanding suicide loss.
• Third, take a more guided approach: If you’re having trouble finding what you’re looking for, visit VA.gov/REACH. The website provides a customized path to resources for many of life’s challenges, including relationship problems, financial issues, mental health issues and thoughts of suicide. Don’t Wait. Reach Out.

These resources can be used at your own pace or whenever you need them. We also offer 24/7 crisis support if you or any Veteran you know needs immediate help. To reach the Veterans Crisis Line, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255 to reach caring responders. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

We’re here for all Veterans

I understand what you may be thinking: I should be able to handle this on my own. I don’t want to be a burden to others. My simple response is “You don’t have to” and “You’re not.” Transition is too big to go through alone. Our resources exist because countless Veterans before you earned, needed and used them.  

We’re here for the Veteran who feels alone, for the Veteran who doesn’t want to ask for help and for the Veteran concerned about feeling like a burden. You do have a team, and we’re ready to help.

Veterans in rural areas often face unique health care challenges not shared by their suburban and urban counterparts. Rural communities tend to have longer travel times to medical centers, fewer local specialists and limited access to broadband internet.

VA is working to address these disparities and expand access to care in rural communities. VA’s Office of Connected Care helps Veterans in rural areas receive care through telehealth and other virtual tools.

Convenient, high-quality virtual care

VA offers innovative technologies to help Veterans overcome barriers to care. In fiscal 2023, about 40% of Veterans who used VA health care received some of their care through telehealth.

VA Video Connect is VA’s secure videoconferencing app for video telehealth appointments. Veterans can meet with their VA providers using almost any smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection. Veterans can also invite caregivers or family members to join their video visit. VA Video Connect enables Veterans to virtually connect with specialists and providers near and far without having to travel to an in-person appointment.

Remote Patient Monitoring – Home Telehealth provides Veterans with devices to measure their vital signs at home. Veterans can then upload and share the vital sign data with their VA care team. The care team then remotely monitors the health information to identify potential medical problems.

My HealtheVet is VA’s online patient portal that enables Veterans to manage their VA care. Veterans can exchange secure messages with their providers, request refills for their prescriptions, manage their appointments and more.

The VA App Store hosts more than 50 mobile apps that connect Veterans with their VA care team and enable them to manage medical conditions. Annie is VA’s automated text messaging system that sends Veterans reminders to take their medications, instructions for upcoming appointments and more. The PTSD Coach app provides tools for managing and tracking PTSD symptoms.

Bridging the Digital Divide

For Veterans with limited internet connectivity or without a telehealth-capable device, VA telehealth services might not seem like an option. But VA is working to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Veterans have the technology and internet connection they need to access their VA care through telehealth.

The Digital Divide Consult lends internet-connected tablets to Veterans, with 115,000 4G tablets currently deployed to Veterans. These tablets connect Veterans with their VA care team and enable them to join virtual appointments through VA Video Connect.

ATLAS (Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations) locations offer private, comfortable spaces equipped with internet access and the technology Veterans need to meet with their VA provider through VA Video Connect.

Trusted Care: Anytime, anywhere

VA telehealth expands care beyond traditional office visits, allowing Veterans to access care from anywhere in the country. In fiscal 2023, more than 770,000 Veterans living in rural communities participated in over 2.9 million telehealth episodes of care.

As one of the  nation’s largest providers of telehealth services, VA delivers high-quality clinical care directly to Veterans where and when they need it. Addressing the unique needs and health challenges of Veterans living in rural areas remains a top priority for VA. To learn more about VA virtual care options, visit the Office of Connected Care website.