Health

Volunteers of America offers support for #Veterans battling moral injury – the guilt, shame, distress or self-condemnation for violating his or her moral beliefs in combat by killing someone, witnessing death or failing to prevent the immoral acts of others. Moral injury isn’t a mental health condition like PTSD but it’s symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, withdrawal, relationship problems and an increased risk of suicide, are similar. The nonprofit group

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being, and the Military Health System has many resources available to help any service member, families, or veteran beneficiaries who are struggling with mental health challenges. There isn’t one way to think or feel or act. The important thing is to take advantage of all mental health care resourcesgo to mental health resources. Remember that every moment in time can affect

VA’s “Veteran Directed Care” program gives Veterans a budget based on their care assessment, putting them at the top of the chain of command. Veteran Directed Care gives Veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive the Home and Community Based Services they need in a consumer-directed way. With the help of a counselor, Veterans hire their own workers to meet their daily needs to help them live at

The VA announced that Veterans will continue to have the option of flexible debt collection relief through the end of 2022, making the experience of repaying a VA debt less stressful. Veterans who previously requested a temporary hardship suspension for their benefit debt will automatically have their suspension extended until December 2022. Veterans now have a central location to access their VBA debt notices, their VHA medical copay statements, and their

National Preparedness Month raises awareness and encourages emergency preparedness because disasters could happen at any time, without warning, and have catastrophic consequences. This year’s preparedness theme is “A Lasting Legacy – The Life you’ve built is worth protecting. Everyone has a role to play when it comes to preparing for disasters and emergencies. Being prepared for an emergency isn’t just about staying safe during a storm or a disaster. It’s also

Getting a flu shot protects you, your family and your community and eligible Veterans can get a no-cost flu shot from a nearby VA clinic. To find a flu shot near you, visit our VA locator. No-cost flu vaccines are available at retail pharmacies and urgent care locations from Sept. 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023, and eligible Veterans can choose from one of nearly 70,000 in-network retail pharmacies and

Working in close collaboration with local and state public health authorities, the VA is ensuring Veterans have access to monkeypox testing, treatment and prevention tools, such as antivirals and vaccines. For Veterans who need the vaccine, the series requires 2 doses per person, 28 days apart. Contact your nearest VA health facility for the latest information. Learn more about monkeypox vaccines on the CDC website Find your nearest VA health

Daily demands on students at the Uniformed Services University’s F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine can be stressful and that’s where their designated facility dogs come into play…literally. Having the dogs “builds community and adds a little levity,” said Kameha Bell, assistant dean of the Office of Student Affairs’ Well-Being Program. “The ultimate goal is to support the well-being of our community,” she said. learn more  ‣

The VA’s Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is making several changes to the registry to expand eligibility and make it easier to use for #Veterans and service members. You are now eligible to participate if you were deployed to one of three new locations: Syria or Uzbekistan since Sept. 11, 2001, or Egypt since August 1990. In addition, VA is making the registry more user-friendly and ensuring

Each year, VA diagnoses 4,000 new cases of colorectal cancer in Veterans. Colorectal cancer screening can help detect cancer early. Talk to your primary care provider about getting screened today. Colorectal cancer doesn’t care about race, gender or economic status: If you are 45-75 years old, you need colorectal screening. This most commonly comes in the form of a colonoscopy every 10 years. learn more  ‣