Posted on June 18, 2021June 18, 2021

VAntage Point Update

VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Why I get my health care at VA: Jake 06/18/2021 04:00 PM EDT Jake served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After separating from service he was injured and partially paralyzed. He came to VA for help, and received much more than he expected. The post Why I get my health care at VA: Jake appeared first on VAntage Point. VA diversity & inclusion task force: How it affects applicants and employees 06/18/2021 02:00 PM EDT A 120-day task force on inclusion, diversity, equity and access will help ensure a welcoming and supportive environment for patients and employees. The post VA diversity & inclusion task force: How it affects applicants and employees appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran William J. Bean 06/18/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran William James Bean, who fought in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive during World War I. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran William J. Bean appeared first on VAntage Point. Coaching Into Care helps loved ones help Veterans 06/18/2021 10:00 AM EDT For more than a decade, caring and experienced Coaching Into Care professionals have been empowering Veterans’ families and friends with guidance and resources to have discussions about mental health. The post Coaching Into Care helps loved ones help Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. 50 personal mobility devices donated to VA and Vets who use them 06/18/2021 09:00 AM EDT On the Operation Mobility Tour, 25 Veterans will receive an iBOT wheelchair donated by Mobius Mobility, with matching donations to SCI/D Centers. The post 50 personal mobility devices donated to VA and Vets who use them appeared first on VAntage Point. A MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY: Juneteenth Commemoration 06/17/2021 08:26 PM EDT On Juneteenth, we remember, we commemorate and we reflect on the long road to freedom forced upon Black slaves across America. We stand with those who have continued that fight ever since. Their resilience represents the best of us, and we at VA, will never forget their sacrifices to this Nation. America proudly celebrates alongside them. The post A MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY: Juneteenth Commemoration appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 17, 2021June 17, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   How to succeed in college or grad school #3: Tactics for achieving good grades 06/17/2021 04:00 PM EDT In the third guest blog post in this series, Harvard Extension School Instructor Cynthia A. Meyersburg, Ph.D., guides student Veterans on how to prepare for and succeed when returning to an academic school. This post examines tactics for achieving good grades. The post How to succeed in college or grad school #3: Tactics for achieving good grades appeared first on VAntage Point. Sheri Swokowski: American Hero 06/17/2021 02:00 PM EDT Retired Army Col. Sheri Swokowski is the highest-ranking, out transgender U.S. Veteran in the United States. Today, she advocates for LGBTQ+ Veterans. The post Sheri Swokowski: American Hero appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Megan Leavey 06/17/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Veteran Megan Leavey, who served two tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a K-9 handler. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Megan Leavey appeared first on VAntage Point. Medically Complex Telerehabilitation program “saved my life” 06/17/2021 10:00 AM EDT Medially Complex Telerehabilitation addresses functional and motivational needs of Vets through their individual telerehabilitation and coaching sessions. There’s also camaraderie and social support. The post Medically Complex Telerehabilitation program “saved my life” appeared first on VAntage Point. Do you know what VA’s IT team does that benefits you? 06/17/2021 09:00 AM EDT Do you know how this VA office works behind the scenes and why it’s really important to you and the Veteran community? The post Do you know what VA’s IT team does that benefits you? appeared first on VAntage Point. Hospital director Veteran urges others to complete advance directive 06/16/2021 04:00 PM EDT As service members transition to Veteran status, they may not be aware that previously completed advance directive documents may no longer be valid. Here’s a lot of information and forms. The post Hospital director Veteran urges others to complete advance directive appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 16, 2021June 16, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   How to enjoy the summer… and the sun… safely! 06/16/2021 02:00 PM EDT Spending time outside is a great way to be active, lose some stress and get Vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun. The post How to enjoy the summer… and the sun… safely! appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Morton N. Katz 06/16/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Morton N. Katz, who served as an infantry officer in Africa and Europe during World War II. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Morton N. Katz appeared first on VAntage Point. Providing clean syringes to Veterans who inject drugs 06/16/2021 10:00 AM EDT Syringe Services Programs provide preventive and treatment services. They limit the negative effects of injection drug use (infections, overdose) and provide mental health support. The post Providing clean syringes to Veterans who inject drugs appeared first on VAntage Point. VA Puget Sound brings COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability 06/16/2021 09:00 AM EDT In late 2020, Seattle’s VA Puget Sound Health Care System contacted community partners, such as homeless shelters, transitional housing programs and permanent housing programs to help get the COVID-19 vaccine directly to Veterans in need, such as those experiencing homelessness or those experiencing housing instability. The post VA Puget Sound brings COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 15, 2021June 15, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Bladder Cancer: Know the signs 06/15/2021 04:00 PM EDT VA encourages Veterans to talk to their doctors about the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer. The post Bladder Cancer: Know the signs appeared first on VAntage Point. G.I. Jobs, connecting the military community to civilian opportunities 06/15/2021 02:00 PM EDT Top Gun changed Chris Hale’s life and he used his experiences to form G.I. Jobs to help Veterans transition from the military to civilian life. The post G.I. Jobs, connecting the military community to civilian opportunities appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Sharolyn Walcutt 06/15/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Sharolyn Walcutt, who served as a nurse on the hospital ship USS Repose during the Vietnam War. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Navy Veteran Sharolyn Walcutt appeared first on VAntage Point. Hurricane season – save these phone numbers & links 06/15/2021 09:50 AM EDT Next week is the official start of summer and, in parts of the country, hurricane season. Veterans and their families can find help and support through the resources listed in this blog. Print out a copy, put it on the fridge and make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. The post Hurricane season – save these phone numbers & links appeared first on VAntage Point. Vaccination event for Veterans and others experiencing homelessness demonstrates VA’s Fourth Mission in action 06/15/2021 09:00 AM EDT In addition to vaccinating Veterans, VA has offered the vaccine to non-Veterans as part of the Fourth Mission, which includes providing support for national, state and local efforts during public health and other emergencies. This support was evident on June 3, when VA held a COVID-19 vaccination clinic outside its Central Office in Washington, D.C., for anyone — not just Veterans — experiencing homelessness. The post Vaccination event for Veterans and others experiencing homelessness demonstrates VA’s Fourth Mission in action appeared first on VAntage Point. Dress for success: Non-profit helps Women Veterans find new jobs 06/14/2021 06:00 PM EDT Dress For Success Austin (DFSA) provides a network of professional support, business attire and development tools to help all women thrive in work and life. The post Dress for success: Non-profit helps Women Veterans find new jobs appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 14, 2021June 14, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Fresh Focus S6 #29: Malnutrition 06/14/2021 04:00 PM EDT When people think of seeing a Registered Dietitian, they think of eating healthier or aiming to lose weight to meet a specific goal. However, for some of our Veterans, gaining too much weight is not their problem it is actually quite the opposite. When you go many days without eating enough, many changes occur inside your body. Your body will start to break down muscle and fat to use for energy. This can lead to a condition called malnutrition.  The post Fresh Focus S6 #29: Malnutrition appeared first on VAntage Point. Serving Veterans in the time of COVID-19: OIT tools to the rescue 06/14/2021 02:00 PM EDT In the time of COVID-19, Veterans especially need to be able to count on  VA. That’s why an important goal of VA’s Office of Information and Technology (OIT) has been and continues to be using technology in ways that make accessing VA services increasingly more seamless, effective, efficient and easy for Veterans. The post Serving Veterans in the time of COVID-19: OIT tools to the rescue appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Beatrice Mary MacDonald 06/14/2021 11:30 AM EDT On the Army birthday, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Beatrice Mary MacDonald, who received a Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Beatrice Mary MacDonald appeared first on VAntage Point. Community care optometrist committed to Veterans 06/14/2021 10:00 AM EDT Dr. Jesse Dominguez and his staff consider it a special honor to care for Veterans at his practice. “These Veteran patients don’t just come to get glasses from us. They become part of our family.” The post Community care optometrist committed to Veterans appeared first on VAntage Point. VA, Prudential to host Wellness Wednesday Financial Education series 06/14/2021 09:00 AM EDT We’ve weathered quite a year with the pandemic, where it’s taken all we could muster to stay healthy and protect our loved ones. Now, as things slowly return to normal, it’s time to focus on financial “health.” The post VA, Prudential to host Wellness Wednesday Financial Education series appeared first on VAntage Point. Borne the Battle #246: Navy Veteran Jonathan Kingham, Nashville and Operation Song Songwriter 06/14/2021 08:00 AM EDT High military aptitude test scores and high school curiosity earned Jonathan Kingham a place in the Navy that started him on the path toward a career as a singer-songwriter. On this episode of Borne the Battle, Kingham discusses the how the Navy helped him enter the Seattle music scene, the evolution and future of the music industry and how singers and songwriters make a living from music. The post Borne the Battle #246: Navy Veteran Jonathan Kingham, Nashville and Operation Song Songwriter appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 13, 2021June 13, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Minority Summit expands diversity, partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions 06/13/2021 04:00 PM EDT More than 500 participants from minority-serving institutions, academic affiliates and professional organizations attended VA’s 2021 Minority Summit to find ways to advance VA academic partnerships and expand diversity in health professions trainees. The post Minority Summit expands diversity, partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions appeared first on VAntage Point. VA psychiatrist offers “A Few Good Notes” for her Veteran patients 06/13/2021 02:00 PM EDT Dr. Mary Rorro is a psychiatrist with the New Jersey VA. She created a program called “A Few Good Notes” blending music, poetry, photography, and the arts as part of her psychiatric practice. The post VA psychiatrist offers “A Few Good Notes” for her Veteran patients appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Ben Teal 06/13/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Ben Teal, who served as a gunner and an explosive ordinance disposal specialist. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Ben Teal appeared first on VAntage Point. VA Bedford’s five-year transformation to a learning, teaching culture 06/12/2021 04:00 PM EDT VA partners with medical schools and colleges to provide training programs at VA facilities. As a result of that partnership, VA Bedford has a renewed focus on leading-edge training in geriatrics. The post VA Bedford’s five-year transformation to a learning, teaching culture appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 12, 2021June 12, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Reunion at Battle Creek VA “pure joy” 06/12/2021 02:00 PM EDT “Pure joy!” A mom’s description of her reunion with her Veteran daughter at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center Community Living Center. In-person family visitations for the first time since March 2020. The post Reunion at Battle Creek VA “pure joy” appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Merchant Marine Veteran William Scott Chambers 06/12/2021 11:30 AM EDT On the Merchant Marine birthday, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Merchant Marine Veteran William Scott Chambers, who served the war effort from 1941 to 1945. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Merchant Marine Veteran William Scott Chambers appeared first on VAntage Point. The origin of Women Veterans Day 06/12/2021 09:00 AM EDT Why do we need Women Veterans Day? Women Veterans Day, also referred to as Women Veterans Recognition Day and Women Veterans Appreciation Day, is the anniversary of the day the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act (pub.L. 80–625, 62 Stat. 356) was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. Prior to then, only women nurses could serve in the regular and reserve forces during peacetime. The post The origin of Women Veterans Day appeared first on VAntage Point. Veteran eager to get back on motorcycle with new prosthesis 06/11/2021 06:00 PM EDT It typically takes six to eight weeks to create a prosthesis for an amputee but Mechenbier received his in three thanks to the work of Pittsburgh VA orthotist/prosthetist Andrew Chambers and his team. The post Veteran eager to get back on motorcycle with new prosthesis appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 11, 2021June 11, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   PTSD Awareness Month: Make a difference in the lives of Veterans in crisis 06/11/2021 04:00 PM EDT During PTSD Awareness Month, explore rewarding VA careers that help Veterans take charge of their mental health and pursue fuller lives. The post PTSD Awareness Month: Make a difference in the lives of Veterans in crisis appeared first on VAntage Point. West Texas VA plans to “Beat the Heat” this summer 06/11/2021 02:00 PM EDT Veterans who depend on medications that don’t do well in the heat are at risk of hospitalization if that medicine goes bad. West Texas VA is fixing that with a pilot program called Beat the Heat. The post West Texas VA plans to “Beat the Heat” this summer appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran George Dibbs 06/11/2021 11:30 AM EDT Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran George Dibbs, who shot combat footage in Europe and the Pacific during World War II. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran George Dibbs appeared first on VAntage Point. LGBT health care for the Veteran you are 06/11/2021 10:00 AM EDT LGBT Veterans choose to receive health care through VA because they find inclusive and affirming quality care from supportive providers. Every facility has an LGBT Veteran care coordinator. The post LGBT health care for the Veteran you are appeared first on VAntage Point. VHA IE Trailblazers: Dr. Ravi Rasalingam 06/11/2021 09:00 AM EDT VHA IE Trailblazers are forging a new path forward for Veteran health care through their work in the VHA Innovation Ecosystem. The post VHA IE Trailblazers: Dr. Ravi Rasalingam appeared first on VAntage Point. VBA celebrates all Veterans this Pride Month 06/11/2021 08:00 AM EDT At VBA, we are dedicated to providing Veterans, service members, and their families with the benefits they have earned, regardless of sexual orientation. The post VBA celebrates all Veterans this Pride Month appeared first on VAntage Point. How to succeed in college or grad school #2: Preparing for academic success 06/10/2021 04:00 PM EDT In this second guest blog post, Harvard Extension School Instructor Cynthia A. Meyersburg, Ph.D., guides student Veterans on how to prepare for and succeed when returning to an academic school. This post examines what student Vets should do to prepare for academic success. The post How to succeed in college or grad school #2: Preparing for academic success appeared first on VAntage Point.     Posted on June 10, 2021June 10, 2021 VAntage Point Update     VETERANS AFFAIRS         VAntage Point   Monica Helms: Creator of the Transgender Flag 06/10/2021 02:00 PM EDT Navy Veteran and Activist Monica Helms is the creator of the Transgender Flag The post Monica Helms: Creator of the Transgender Flag appeared first on VAntage Point. #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Olga Custodio 06/10/2021 11:30 AM EDT During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Olga Custodio, the first Latina to graduate from Air Force pilot training. The post #VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Olga Custodio appeared first on VAntage Point. You Asked, We Answered: What can I do once I’m vaccinated? 06/10/2021 10:00 AM EDT You Asked, We Answered: What can I do once I’m fully vaccinated? Find answers to this and other COVID-19-related questions. The post You Asked, We Answered: What can I do once I’m vaccinated? appeared first on VAntage Point. Why I get my health care at VA: Navy Veteran Dick 06/10/2021 09:00 AM EDT Navy Veteran Dick got a second lease on life when his VA doctor helped him to lose almost a hundred pounds. Now, back to an active, healthy lifestyle, he credits VA with the win. The post Why I get my health care at VA: Navy Veteran Dick appeared first on VAntage Point. Need a video-capable device or internet connection for VA Telehealth? 06/10/2021 08:00 AM EDT The numbers confirm telehealth is today’s remote health care revolution. VA wants to make access possible for all Veterans. Ask your health care provider about the Digital Divide Consult. The post Need a video-capable device or internet connection for VA Telehealth? appeared first on VAntage Point. VA overcomes obstacles to reach millionth-claim milestone 06/09/2021 08:15 PM EDT Despite a global pandemic, VBA has remained resilient in breaking boundaries with the completion of the one millionth claim this week. This is the second fastest rate within a fiscal year of completion in VA history with last year’s date of May 26 being the fastest on record to reach one million claims completed. The post VA overcomes obstacles to reach millionth-claim milestone appeared first on VAntage Point. Future of medicine is in your genes – we need your help 06/09/2021 06:00 PM EDT VA’s Million Veteran Program is one of the largest genetics research programs in the world. In a new video, Women Veterans invite women to enroll to make the future of medicine better for women. The post Future of medicine is in your genes – we need your help appeared first on VAntage Point. Telehealth speeds access to physical therapy 06/09/2021 04:00 PM EDT A new telehealth physical therapy (PT) clinic at the VA Phoenix Medical Center lets Veterans begin VA outpatient PT at home after total knee replacements. The post Telehealth speeds access to physical therapy appeared first on VAntage Point.