Fargo Veterans Affairs Hosted 3rd Widely Popular Women Veterans Whole Health Retreat

The Fargo Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently concluded its 3rd Women's Whole Health Retreat on May 11, 2023, at South 40 Events in Bismarck, ND. Two previous retreats took place on the eastern side of the Fargo VA region in Minnesota in May and June of 2022. These events immerse women Veterans in a relaxing day of mind-body approaches to nurture their body and soul, promote healing, enhance empowerment and self-care skills, and develop a sense of community amongst female Veterans in a safe environment.

The full-day retreat, facilitated by VA staff and volunteers, included yoga, tai chi, self-acupressure, whole health education, and healing arts. In addition to the skill-building sessions, the retreat had Veteran post-military stories of how VA's personalized, proactive, patient-driven care empowers them to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. "I've had a rough few months and felt some release today. There were more tears than I expected, but this event was perfect timing and exactly what I needed," said one participant. "I let a lot of my internal pain go," said another. 

While navigating interactions with Veterans throughout the pandemic, Nancy Ruud, whole health coach, discovered similar themes of isolation, declining health, and increased stress from past traumas. To answer this "call to action," a nature retreat was born to bring women Veterans together outside traditional medical center settings. "This powerful approach to delivering innovative health to women Veterans through differing modalities, coupled with immersion in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery, has spurred more women Veterans to participate in whole health regularly," said Nancy.

Funded entirely by donations from organizations such as AM Vets, Daughters of the American Revolution, Dakota Medical Foundation, American Legion, VFW Auxiliary of Minnesota, First Presbyterian Church, American Red Cross, Microsoft, John Deere, and individual private contributions, these three retreats have helped nearly 150 women Veterans cope with invisible wounds. "I have never done anything like this for myself. Though doing this was hard mentally, physically, and emotionally, I am glad I did it. I met a lot of incredible women Veterans", said one Veteran. 

As the fastest-growing group in the Veteran Population, consisting of up to 30% of all new VA patients, women Veterans are empowered to take charge of their lives. The Veterans Affairs Department can provide timely, comprehensive, world-class healthcare to more Veterans than ever through the addition of whole health well-being programs available to all enrolled Veterans. "This event brought back many memories of my time in the army, and I felt like a part of a family again, which is something I was missing," said one Veteran.

Since 1948, women Veterans have contributed and sacrificed to serve our country, and today's VA focuses on the needs of women Veterans and cultural transformation.