Empowering wellness: new exercise room opens for women Veteran residents at Waco VA
Waco, TX – Central Texas Veterans Health Care System announced the opening of a new exercise room within the Women Recover in Supportive Environment (WRISE) residential program at the Doris Miller VA Medical Center on March 28.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 26, to mark the occasion and celebrate this addition to the wellness and recovery journey of women Veterans.
The new exercise room was made possible primarily through the efforts of the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement and the generous contributions of Texas Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). This endeavor stands as a testament to the power of community support and the shared goal of promoting the well-being of our nation's heroes.
The WRISE program is one of a number of mental health residential treatment programs within Central Texas Veterans Health Care System designed to meet the needs of Veterans across two campuses, Temple and Waco. The program treats a variety of mental health, substance use, and psychosocial issues with programs lasting from 30-60 days.
“We teach exercise as a coping strategy,” said Anne Camama, WRISE program manager and provider at the Waco VA. “This gives them [women Veterans] the resources and a safe place where they can build healthy habits.”
In the WRISE program, women Veterans recovering from mental health concerns live in a home-like environment while participating in treatment. Those women now have a safe, dedicated space for physical fitness which aligns with the VA's commitment to providing comprehensive care and support for women Veterans.
Susan Johnston, the State Regent of Texas DAR, delivered a heartfelt thank you to women Veterans and to the VA staff. She also took the opportunity to acknowledge the pivotal role of her predecessor, Mary Carter-Lovick, in ensuring the successful completion of this project.
“Thank you to every Veteran and to everyone one of you who supports the Veterans. We just love you," Johnston said.
Any Veteran interested in the residential programs should speak with their provider about receiving a residential care screening. If residential treatment is a positive option, the team will help the Veteran choose the best program for their needs.
For more information, visit VA Central Texas Health Care | Veterans Affairs.