Whole Health, The Veterans Experience
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Whole Health Systems approach invites Veterans everywhere to take charge of their health and well-being and to live life to the fullest. The VA commitment is to empower, equip, and treat Veterans based on their priorities with the support of Whole Health Peer Facilitators who serve as partners on the Veterans health team. This is an essential element of the VA's new Whole Health System.
Take a moment to learn more about the impact Whole Health is having on Veterans and those transitioning from military service. Explore these online resources to begin your Whole Health journey.
The Veteran Experience
This three-minute video shows Veterans teaching other Veterans about Whole Health and assisting their peers as they explore their mission, aspirations, and purpose in life following military service. Veterans begin the pathway to Whole Health through an Introduction to Whole Health class and a program called, Taking Charge of Your Life and Health. Veterans are invited to think about their health in a new way using the Personal Health Inventory which is a holistic self-assessment based on what is important to them. Once individual goals are developed, Veterans begin creating a Personal Health Plan that helps them achieve greater health and well-being through enhanced sleep, pain management, or other key areas of importance to the individual.
A Look Inside the Whole Health System
Take a look inside Whole Health and see how the VA is transforming to help Veterans with Well-being Programs that help Veterans address a range of issues that impact physical, emotional, and mental health. There is a special emphasis on life balance, movement, flexibility, and attainment of a general sense of fulfillment and joy. As you will see, Well-being Programs can include physical activities, meditative practices, or creative expression which can be accessed in person or through online resources.
Clinical care, when needed, is an important part of any Personal Health Plan. Clinical care is provided by clinicians who utilize a Whole Health approach. Clinicians start by establishing a healing relationship which with the Veterans they serve which is critically important for those with complex conditions, such as chronic pain and the invisible wounds of war.
Note the downloadable .PDF file that can be printed or electronically shared.
Veterans Teaching Veterans
The pathway to Whole Health starts with two Veteran-led courses. Resources for taking or leading these courses are now available online. Learn more about the two-hour Introduction to Whole Health and the 9-week Taking Charge of My Life and Health course. There is also a catalog of Whole Health Educational Resources to support the Whole Health journey.