Improving Veterans Health Education - A New Approach By Veterans For Veterans

Veterans are the backbone of our nation's defense, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding our freedoms and way of life. However, the unfortunate reality is that many of them have borne the brunt of their service, often paying a heavy price for their sacrifice. The trauma of active combat duty in addition to exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals during their time in the military can result in a range of health issues, leaving a lasting impact on their physical and emotional well-being.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, there are approximately 19 million veterans aged 18 and above in the United States, with approximately 13 million of them aged 50 and older. These brave men and women have devoted their lives to serving our country, often putting themselves in harm's way to protect our values and principles. However, their service can take a toll on their health, and exposure to hazardous substances can lead to long-term health issues like Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. These conditions can significantly affect their quality of life and limit their ability to lead a fulfilling life after serving our nation.

Veterans are also at much greater risk of developing chronic diseases due to their military service, and as a result, they over-index for these conditions. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are among the most common causes of death and disability in the United States, and they disproportionately affect veterans. A 2014 study on the prevalence of chronic conditions among Department of Veterans (VA) healthcare users found that 35 percent of these individuals had three or more of the 29 chronic conditions studied. These veterans accounted for 73 percent of the total VA healthcare costs. This indicates that veterans with chronic diseases require more healthcare services and cost more per capita than the average patient.

The importance of autonomy and self-care practices for veterans

Many veterans have a deep sense of pride and independence they do not want to lose when seeking healthcare services. They often perceive being "taken care of" as losing control over their lives, which is contrary to the ethos of the military. Instead, they want to be empowered to take charge of their own health and well-being. This independence can take many forms, from managing their medications to seeking out alternative therapies and self-care practices. Veterans often seek healthcare programs and services that offer them greater autonomy, such as the Taking Charge of My Life and Health (TCMLH) programs, which focus on building self-efficacy, self-awareness, and peer support to enable veterans to be proactive in their health decisions.

A study conducted across four VA sites surveyed 77 participants in 15 groups, collecting self-reported outcomes through standardized survey measures before, after, and two months following the implementation of TCMLH. These findings indicate that TCMLH, a Whole Health program that emphasizes patient empowerment, self-care practices, and peer support through group-based sessions, has proven to be effective. The preliminary results suggest that veterans benefit from this approach to healthcare, which empowers them to take control of their health and well-being. By empowering veterans in their healthcare journey, we can help them maintain their sense of pride and self-reliance, which are such important values to them.

The importance of health education for veterans

Unfortunately, despite their tremendous service to our country, many veterans are left without the education and support necessary to address their unique health needs. This is a result of several factors, including a lack of awareness among healthcare providers about the specific health challenges faced by veterans, insufficient resources and funding for veteran-specific health education initiatives, and a lack of targeted support.

To truly honor our veterans, we must prioritize their health and well-being by investing in better health education and support programs. Healthcare providers must be equipped with the necessary training and resources to understand and address the specific health needs of veterans, while targeted health education campaigns and resources must be developed to ensure that veterans have access to the information and support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Investing in better health education and support for veterans is not just a matter of gratitude and respect but also a strategic imperative. By supporting the health and well-being of our veterans, we are investing in the strength and resilience of our nation as a whole.

The urgent need for greater educational and health-related support for veterans?

In recent decades, we have made significant progress in our efforts to support and care for our nation's veterans. The establishment of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in 1989 marked a crucial turning point in our commitment to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our military and their families, caregivers, and survivors.

Today, the V.A.'s Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States, providing comprehensive medical care to over 9 million enrolled veterans annually through a network of 1,255 healthcare facilities across the nation. The VA is doing tremendous work in providing specialized care and treatment to veterans, addressing their unique health needs, and supporting their overall well-being.

The Veterans Benefits Administration provides crucial support to service members transitioning out of military service, assisting them with education, home loans, life insurance, and much more. The VA's comprehensive suite of benefits and services is a testament to our nation's commitment to caring for our veterans and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

Despite significant progress in addressing the challenges faced by veterans, the harsh reality remains that a staggering number of brave men and women continue to lose their lives each day. Shockingly, recent data compiled by America’s Warrior Partnership reveals that 22-24 veterans between the ages of 18-64 take their own lives each day, while an additional 18-20 in the same age group perish daily due to self-injury. The combined total of 40-44 veterans succumbing to these tragic outcomes every day underscores the urgent need for greater educational and health-related support for these heroes.

The consensus is clear: more must be done to address this pressing issue. In a recent national survey by Pinkston on behalf of Mission Roll Call, nearly 2,000 US adults were polled to gauge their attitudes towards veterans' issues. The results were striking, with a significant proportion of respondents expressing their belief that veterans are not receiving adequate support from the government.

The importance of collaborating with private partners in delivering healthcare to veterans

As a nation, we must continue to invest in and expand our support for veterans, ensuring they receive the highest quality care and support throughout their lives. Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our country, and it is our duty to ensure that they receive the support they need to live healthy, productive lives after their service.

The provision of health education must be an absolute priority in this endeavor, as it offers a powerful means of identifying and addressing the complex issues that afflict our veterans. By providing veterans and their support networks with the tools and resources required to navigate the complex and challenging post-service landscape, we can empower them to lead healthy, productive lives and honor their extraordinary contributions to our nation's defense. In doing so, we not only demonstrate our gratitude for their service, but we also help save lives.

The delivery of high-quality healthcare services to our nation's veterans is of utmost importance. As such, it is essential that we explore every avenue to ensure that they receive the best possible care. Collaborating with private partners such as Mediflix presents a unique opportunity for the V.A. and similar organizations to revolutionize how healthcare is delivered to veterans.

Empowering veterans with Mediflix's educational videos and medical expertise

The Veterans Health Channel (VHC) is a 501c3 affiliate of Mediflix developed by Veterans for Veterans. VHC empowers Veterans to take control of their own health and provides a unique opportunity to help them face these challenges head on with unlimited access to accurate and relevant health education resources.?

The mission of the Veterans Health Channel is to provide Veterans, and their families, with a community platform that amplifies the work of the Veterans Administration, curates, and presents the best and most relevant content from Veterans Service Organizations, top-ranked medical institutions and uniquely provides access to advice from the world’s preeminent medical specialists who help support and provide guidance in between visits.

"Our primary commitment is to serve and support the lifelong healthcare needs of the Veteran," said Gerry Byrne, Chairman, Veterans Health Channel. "Our Veterans community has gifted our nation with their service and it’s the Veterans Health Channel that’s been created as a superior platform to serve and thank those who have served."

“As someone who served in the Marine Corps for 20 years from the first Gulf War in 1991 through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — the Veterans Health Channel is something I must be a part of,” said Marine Veteran and Mediflix advisor, Kevin Schmiegel. “It is a responsibility I share with retired Marine Colonel and combat Veteran Paul Cucinotta, who served from 1992 through 2019 and made multiple deployments over three decades, and Vietnam War Veterans Gerry Byrne, Val Nicholas, and others.”

About Mediflix

Mediflix is a revolutionary omnichannel digital platform transforming how patients access expert healthcare guidance. Founded by a team of legendary media moguls, Mediflix empowers hundreds of the world's leading physician specialists across 37 medical specialties to democratize access to their expert guidance and answers. Mediflix offers patients an unprecedented level of personalization and engagement through the latest digital technologies, allowing them to connect with their dream team of doctors and get answers to their most pressing healthcare questions in a safe, secure, and personalized environment. The platform also features video channels programmed by top-ranked medical institutions and Associations, such as Cleveland Clinic, Yale Medicine, and American Heart Association, providing patients with a wealth of information about major conditions that's curated to their personalized Mediflix journey.

“ We are thrilled to partner with the VA to amplify their good work and extend their reach to every corner of the country and beyond. Mediflix will engage and empower everyone, everywhere to take charge of their own health with guidance from the world’s leading specialists,” Steve Leber, Chairman & President of Mediflix.

Mediflix is a cutting-edge telehealth platform that provides access to top medical experts, the latest health information, and specialized resources for optimal health. By partnering with Mediflix, the V.A. can tap into the platform's innovative solutions and additional resources to better meet the complex healthcare needs of veterans.

Discover how you can help our Veterans Health Channel empower veterans to take control of their health. Click here to learn more now.