A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
VA Stories of Note: June 18 – June 24
Military Times, June 23: VA telehealth options here to stay, secretary vows
Telehealth and online medical appointments will remain a key part of veterans health care even after the pandemic disappears, the Veterans Affairs secretary promised on Wednesday. But department officials may need Congress’ help to ensure that. During an appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, VA Secretary Denis McDonough noted that online video appointments between department physicians and patients are about 18 times higher now than at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in spring 2020.
Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Ill.), June 22: Let It Ring: Cancer Patient's Final Treatment Ends with a Victory Bell
For eight weeks, Anthony J. Thomas battled throat cancer at suburban Chicago's Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, hoping to make it through a diagnosis that claims thousands of American lives each year. On June 14, 2021, after 39 radiation treatments and six chemotherapies, Thomas received his last radiation dose but still had one final step before recovery.
WNCN (CBS-17, Video) (Raleigh, N.C.), June 23: Durham VA says COVID-19 vaccine lottery leading to rise in vaccinations at clinics
It’s only been a few days since people who got their vaccine through the VA and tribal health clinics became eligible for the vaccine lottery. The Durham VA Healthcare System says turnout at its clinics was down significantly in recent weeks but the lottery news is leading to an uptick in vaccinations, especially at its Greenville clinic.
KTVT/KTXA (CBS-11/21) (Dallas, Texas), June 22: North Texas Nonprofit Brings Joy Of Scuba Diving To Veterans With Disabilities
A North Texas nonprofit is working to bring the joy of scuba diving to veterans with disabilities. The founders of Adapt-Able Scuba believe time in the water can be life-changing for those with physical or emotional challenges. […] Adapt-Able Scuba is launching a new partnership with the VA North Texas Healthcare System’s recreational therapy program to introduce veterans to scuba diving.
WJAR (NBC-10, Video) (Cranston, R.I.), June 22: Possible game changer in the treatment of depression and anxiety
There is a possible game changer in the treatment of depression and anxiety. It's a first-of-its-kind, first in-human research that involves the use of an MRI and special ultrasound. This research will be conducted at the Providence VA Medical Center, thanks to a $2.3 million award from the National Institute of Mental Health.
KSAZ (FOX-10, Video) (Phoenix, Ariz.), June 22: Phoenix VA enriches lives through healthy eating called 'Veggie for Vets'
Four-minute video: The Phoenix VA is giving away fresh produce to veterans and active military members as part of its "Veggies for Vets" giveaway that promotes healthy eating habits. FOX 10's Desiree Fluellen has the story.
WLOS (ABC-13) (Asheville, N.C.), June 22: Asheville VA one of 50 VA centers participating in national study on effects of statins
Clinicians with Charles George VA Medical Center (CGVAMC) in Asheville are participating in a study looking at the effects statins have on the elderly. Asheville's VA is one of 50 VA medical centers across the nation taking part in the study focused on older people.
Military Times, June 21: VA promises renewed focus on preventing homelessness amid pandemic impact concerns
Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough on Monday acknowledged the possibility of a spike in veterans experiencing homelessness later this year and vowed “to do everything we can to prevent that from happening” in coming months. “Our country’s most sacred obligation is to prepare and equip the troops we send into harm’s way, and then to care for them and their families when they come home,” he said during a speech at the annual National Coalition of Homeless Veterans conference. “
The Advocate, June 21: Veterans Affairs to Offer Gender Confirming Surgery to Trans Veterans
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough announced on Saturday that the V.A. will offer gender confirmation surgery to trans veterans. McDonough cautioned that the change would take time, according to The New York Times. “This process will require changing V.A.’s regulations and establishing policy that will ensure the equitable treatment and safety of transgender veterans,” McDonough said at a Pride event at the Orlando Vet Center.
Spectrum News 1 (Raleigh, N.C.), June 21: Going for gold without going: N.C. veteran competes in contest online
Over the course of a lifetime, a veteran can see and endure many things. One of those is war. There’s a lot of life to live once your service comes to an end, and Richard Arthur works hard to keep a sharp mind. Now, he fights for his country in another way. Through the VA hospital, Arthur participates in the National Veterans Golden Age Games.
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