Community Partnership Challenge – supporting Veterans

VA’s National Community Partnership Challenge (CPC) is an annual event that acknowledges exemplary partnerships between VA medical facilities and non-governmental organizations, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of Veterans and their communities.

The CPC is facilitated by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) for the Office of the Under Secretary. Since its inception in 2014, the CPC has received nearly 600 entries with participants proposing innovative solutions to address health disparities.

Throughout the years, the CPC has recognized recipients for their efforts in a variety of areas, including suicide prevention and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH)—the social, economic and physical factors in people’s surroundings where they live, work, socialize, worship and age. These partnerships play an instrumental role in closing gaps in care and improving the health and well-being of Veterans.

One notable past winner—from 2022—was the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center’s Heroic Gardens partnership project, which offers Veterans virtual gardening workshops and community-based nature walking meditation groups, providing opportunities for nature and plant-based healing.

The VA Boston Healthcare System collaborated with Veterans Voice Radio Network to broadcast and market critical care information, including suicide prevention resources to military service members, Veterans and their families.

Robert Dole VA Medical Center’s partnership with the Wichita Animal Action League and Safe Paws Alliance was highlighted for providing pet care support to Veterans receiving inpatient care, allowing them to pursue care and treatment without distress.

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System was among the notable winners of the 2021 CPC for its collaboration with six community hospitals to improve care coordination and reduce the risk of suicidal behaviors and deaths by suicide among Veterans. Its partnership with multiple hospitals to address suicide prevention earned them the prestigious Drive to Zero Suicide Award.

This year’s theme, “Accelerating VHA’s Journey to High Reliability Through Partnerships,” is aligned with VA’s priority High Reliability Organization (HRO) initiative. 

Highlighting the valuable contributions of partnerships

“We’re proud of the interest and engagement that this year’s challenge has generated,” said Georgeanna Bady, HAP health system specialist. “It’s clear that addressing social determinants of health for Veterans is a priority across the nation, and we’re excited to see so many organizations create solutions.”

“Every year, HAP is proud to host such an impactful event, gathering key stakeholders to highlight the valuable efforts, dedication and contributions of VHA partnerships in advancing the VA mission and supporting our nation’s Veterans,” said Chien Chen, chief HAP officer/nurse executive. “We sincerely appreciate and thank our VA staff, panel judges, partners and HAP team for their continual commitment.”

The chosen winners received the prestigious Crystal Award and recognition in a virtual award ceremony held in August 2023. The winning facilities and their respective community partners received commendation from the VA Secretary recognizing their remarkable contributions to the Veteran community.

“We’re looking forward to working with the finalists to bring their innovative ideas to life,” added Bady. “These partnerships have the potential to enhance the support and care provided to Veterans and their families, and significantly improve their well-being and quality of life.”

For more information about the challenge, visit https://www.va.gov/HEALTHPARTNERSHIPS/CPC.asp.