VA research has embarked on a number of trials with industry and other partners to seek treatments for the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease.
VHA’s Office of Community Care encourages Veterans who have minor illnesses or injuries to consider using telehealth (phone or video-based visits) to reduce potential exposure to the coronavirus.
Are you an IT professional? Apply for a temporary IT specialist opening and help VA support our staff and provide the best care to Veterans.
VA is partnering with the American Red Cross and other regional blood collection agencies to host blood drives at VA facilities and help fight the blood shortage caused by this crisis.
More than 120 health care providers from the VA New England Healthcare System have deployed to join clinical staff in New York (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan), New Jersey and the greater Boston area.
The COVID-19 pandemic requires innovative thinking. That is why VA partnered with MIT and other organizations to put on the MIT COVID-19 Challenge “Beat the Pandemic” Hackathon.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a worldwide pandemic, March 11, but VA was already preparing for this dangerous virus several weeks before. Since COVID-19 appeared in the U.S., VA has effectively managed its resources and has cared for more than 4,500 Veterans diagnosed with the virus, and dozens of non-Veteran patients as part of its “Fourth Mission” to serve as a backstop to America’s health care system.
Because Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness experience poorer health outcomes than individuals in stable housing, VA is working closely with other federal agencies to limit this vulnerable population’s potential to exposure.
VA’s telehealth platforms are protecting Veterans and ensuring they continue to receive high-quality care. A VA nurse in Tampa says almost 70% of her patients have switched to video appointments.
When Veteran Ronald Pipkins was diagnosed as presumptive positive with COVID-19 virus, a no in-person visits policy prompted VA social workers to set up virtual visits. “Gave me strength to continue.”
VHA has pioneered the use of 3D printing in the health care space. Now, we are using that expertise to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
VA has always been here for Veterans—and we will continue to see and treat you during the COVID-19 crisis, even if you are not yet enrolled in VA health care. But please call us first.