VA Portland Health Care System

She led a case review that highlighted missed opportunities to screen a Veteran for suicidal ideation—thoughts of taking one’s own life—and to provide appropriate follow-up care during an emergency department (ED) visit. The case review, part of a larger study on ED care, appeared in the Journal of Emergency Nursing in November 2021.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for American women. Although mammogram screenings have lowered the number of deaths from breast cancer, better screening methods could help determine risk and help prevent the cancer before it develops, according to the study researchers.

Today at age 56, Atkinson is fighting another battle—this time a case of aggressive prostate cancer. Thanks to treatment at the VA Portland Health Care System, his condition has improved dramatically in recent months through precision oncology—the molecular profiling of tumors to identify targetable alterations that can be treated therapeutically. Most recently, his PSA level had plummeted to 0.2, after a high of 115 in December.

In interviews with the researchers, 25 male Veterans and 25 female Veterans who had made a recent suicide attempt discussed their suicidal thoughts. In the moments before they tried taking their lives, the women recalled feeling “shameful,” “tainted,” and “worthless.” The men talked about feeling overwhelmed and remembered thinking, “it just wasn't worth it,” “I've had enough,” and “screw this.”

VA research study aims to establish a stronger sense of social connectedness for Veterans at high risk of suicide by increasing their participation in community activities.

Navy Veteran John found help for his personal challenges with a VA program that promotes skill building, socialization and development of coping strategies for Veterans with chronic mental illnesses.

The Gathering of Warriors Veterans Summit honored those who served with the opportunity to connect and share Veteran-related resources and programs.

During Hepatitis Awareness Month, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs […]

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, and that means it’s time […]