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Share our newsletter with as many sister Veterans as you know. If you received this newsletter from someone else and want to stay in touch, sign up at www.va.gov/womenvet and follow us on Facebook and X @VAWomenVets and on Pinterest @DeptVetAffairs.
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Pelvic floor therapy and dry needling offer hope for chronic pelvic pain
“We want Veterans to know this care is available to them,” Dr. Wong added. “They don’t have to suffer in silence. Pelvic health therapy can truly help them move forward.”
It’s never too late to apply for VA health care you’ve earned. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who has not yet applied for their VA health care benefits, learn how to get started.
https://news.va.gov/144076/pelvic-health-pt-restores-quality-of-life/
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Year in Review: Federal job application changes
Tips for your next VA job application. In 2025, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced the Merit Hiring Plan in hopes of addressing inefficiencies in the federal hiring process and prioritizing merit-based recruitment. Learn more about the Key reforms:
https://news.va.gov/144144/year-in-review-federal-job-application-changes/
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The Veterans Crisis Line is Here for All Veterans, No Matter What, No Matter When
The Veterans Crisis Line is a critical resource offering free, 24/7 crisis support by phone, chat, or text to all Veterans, no matter when or where they served or what kind of discharge they received. Friends and family members can also call, chat, or text at any time, day or night. 📞 Dial 988 then Press 1 💬 Chat online: VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat 📱 Text 838255 A real person will be on the other side ready to talk and help. You are never alone. Reach out if you need help.
https://news.va.gov/144081/veterans-crisis-line-prevents-veteran-suicide/
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Recognizing the different ways Veteran homelessness presents and how VA services offer pathways to stability
Homeless doesn’t always mean not having a roof over your head. Homelessness can be hidden.
It can mean frequent moves between friends’ homes, living in a car or short-term stays to escape unsafe situations at home. Veterans experiencing homelessness may be parents trying to protect their children, individuals sleeping in vehicles or women fleeing domestic violence. All face instability that affects their physical health, mental well-being, and ability to move forward.
https://news.va.gov/144072/veteran-homelessness-isnt-always-visible/
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Empowering Women Veterans through Wellness Support 🦾
Army Veteran Audrey Barrett faced unexpected challenges, from severe injuries to thyroid cancer. Her health issues led to weight gain and lost confidence.
Through personalized support and flexible telehealth appointments, Barrett found a life-changing path to wellness.
Barrett’s advice: “Try it. You’re not alone. With the right support, small steps add up.”
Ready to start your wellness journey? Learn more: https://news.va.gov/144093/health-confidence-restored-va-wellness-program/
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VA’s harm reduction programs: A beacon of hope
VA health care facility SSPs are a cornerstone of VA’s harm reduction strategy. These evidence-based programs provide Veterans with access to sterile syringes and needles, as well as disposal of used equipment. They also provide access to a wide range of other harm reduction services. Some or all these services are available at VA facilities that do not have SSP’s.
Learn more: https://news.va.gov/144025/supporting-veterans-evidence-harm-reduction/
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Here’s how to take action to keep yourself safe from suicide and healthy going into the new year.
In 2025, VA’s Office of Suicide Prevention shared dozens of resources for Veterans related to our top clinical priority of preventing Veteran suicide.
These resources helped Veterans, caregivers and loved ones connect to support, recognize the signs of crisis and act. Here we’re highlighting five key resources that had significant reach and impact this year.
https://news.va.gov/144183/five-essential-suicide-prevention-resources/
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VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence, Ph.D., appeared on the “Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) Update” on December 9th to discuss the accomplishments of 2025 and goals for 2026.
He highlighted the momentum of the EHR Modernization (EHRM) program, including technology improvements and the importance of site visits.
He noted increased engagement and energy at deployment sites, crediting the communications and engagement teams for making information more accessible. Lawrence urged end users to stay deeply involved as the EHRM transformation continues.
Watch the full interview and visit the EHRM website for more information.
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LiveWholeHealth #297: Reflections and intentions for 2026
Intentions can help strengthen our connection to our own mission, aspiration and purpose (or MAP). In setting my intentions for the new year, I like to also set goals and action steps to achieving them. Intentions tend to be more broad and more compassionate, while goals and action steps can help us focus within our intentions to make change.
https://news.va.gov/144170/livewholehealth-297-reflections-and-intentions-for-2026/
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🌟 Bringing Comfort, Joy, and Healing
Equestrian therapy at @losangelesva helps Veterans with PTSD by improving emotional regulation and reducing anxiety. For over 18 years, Mini Therapy Horses, founded by Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, has been providing this life-changing therapy. A 2021 study showed significant improvement in PTSD symptoms for over 50% of Veterans participating in equine-assisted therapy. Witness the remarkable transformations and learn more about the benefits of this therapy for Veterans!
https://news.va.gov/144129/mini-horse-big-mission/
It’s never too late to apply for the VA health care you’ve earned.
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