Follow and join the conversation with #MemorialDay2024, and #VeteranOfTheDay
And follow the VA @DeptVetAffairs and @VA_CIO and @EHRMVA
Today we are observing Memorial Day here in the states. Throughout the long weekend there are parades, services, celebrations and all sorts of events to remember those who died in service to our nation. We all know too well that it is not always easy to be a surviving vet and receive the help and services needed to thrive in our society. In honor of Memorial Day and our living vets, we wanted to take a look at the VA blogs and podcasts reporting some of the good that is happening as it pertains to innovations, technology, mental health and healthcare.
A full listing of free events at ceremonies and other community Memorial Day events can be found below. https://t.co/hUEpyfuGJ7
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 23, 2024
VA News
Through interactions and learning about the behaviors of horses, Veterans learn about themselves through their development in class. https://t.co/7tWxecX4FE
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 25, 2024
The Veterans Engagement Office (VEO) has its sights on reaching transitioning service members and recently separated Veterans. https://t.co/uyZwA2Chhf
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 25, 2024
Veterans can use the tools through a self-help portal called Veteran Training to work on problem-solving, manage their anger, develop parenting skills, and more.
Explore a variety of courses: https://t.co/eUIcHxN8P4 pic.twitter.com/RZxzX4LfIy
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 24, 2024
VA apps can help Veterans and their families manage their stress and improve their well-being. https://t.co/GD0xdQepPx
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 24, 2024
VA Improves Access to Care, Reduces Wait Times for New Patient Appointments
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced improved wait times for new patient appointments in primary care and mental health care across the VA health care system.
For new patients in April 2024, there was an 11% decrease in average wait times for VA primary care and a 7% decrease in average mental health wait times compared to same time last year. These improved wait times come at a time when VA is delivering more care to more Veterans than ever before. Compared to the same time period last year (which was a record-breaking year for appointments), VA completed 11% more new patient appointments – including nearly 13% more new patient mental health appointments.
VA Podcast Network
Check out the VA Podcast Network
Learning new things while staying entertained has never been easier for America’s Veterans. The VA Podcasts Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind. Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on. Just go to the VA Podcasts Network website and click on the podcasts to listen to the wealth of knowledge that awaits to be heard.
Memorial Day Facts
- Memorial Day, formerly Decoration Day, in the United States, holiday (last Monday in May) honouring those who have died in the nation’s wars. It originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle.
- Memorial Day was not an official federal holiday in 1971 on the last Monday of May.
- Each year, Americans are called to pause to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country in wars both at home and abroad.
- Through all the fanfare and the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day itself continues to be among the most important national observances in big cities and small towns across the country.
- Memorial Day is one of the few days flags are ordered to fly at half-staff then full-staff.
- In December 2000, Congress passed a law requiring Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember and honor the fallen.
Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, but also an opportunity to celebrate the service of those who have come before us. https://t.co/Tl2ZxKTcw3
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) May 25, 2024