VA Bedford Reaches Milestone in Million Veteran Program

MVP is a national research initiative funded by the VA to better understand how genes affect health and illness in Veterans.

Eric Ryan, a Marine Corps Veteran and the 2000th enrollee at VA Bedford, is thrilled to contribute to research that can help fellow Veterans. "As Veterans, paying it forward and helping someone down the road - that's what it's all about," said Ryan.

Ryan is a Residential Case Manager with Clear Path for Veterans New England, working at the Bedford Veterans Quarters on-site at VA Bedford. A cancer survivor of 6 years, he comes from a line of veterans including both his grandfathers.

When asked about joining MVP, Ryan said, "If there can be findings and results based on my health, life, and experiences to help other veterans down the road, I'm all for it." He added, “I couldn't say enough good things about this program and the sense of purpose it provides.”

Nationwide, MVP has enrolled over 975,000 veterans and is nearing the goal of one million. At VA Bedford, the research coordinators hope to enroll as many local Veterans as possible. The data collected through MVP helps VA researchers gain insights into conditions like post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and more in the Veteran community.

Ryan summed up his reason for joining: "I'm grateful to know I may be helping someone 10-20 years from now, without ever knowing it." VA Bedford thanks Veterans like Ryan who selflessly volunteer for MVP to improve the health of all veterans. Their service and dedication continue.

For more information about MVP, please contact the MVP Information Center, at:

866-441-6075 or askmvp@va.gov. You can also visit the website, www.mvp.va.gov