Empowering Veterans: The Whole Health Approach at the VA Fayetteville Coastal Health Care System
In 2019, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) began implementing a Whole Health model aimed at providing Veterans with personalized and proactive health care.
Growth and Success at VA Fayetteville Coastal Health Care System
VA Fayetteville Coastal Health Care System has gradually grown its service in recent years, mainly due to the success Veterans are experiencing with the program. In 2024, the service saw a 49% increase in encounters after having treated 67,911 Veterans, outperforming the 45,366 Veterans seen in 2023.
Core Principles of Whole Health
Whole Health is VA’s approach to health that focuses on the individual, prioritizing personal needs and values over symptoms. Through discussions and courses, VA staff and Veteran peers collaborate with Veterans to establish health and well-being goals that matter to them.
This approach empowers Veterans to take control of their health, linking self-care to personal goals and aspirations. It recognizes the interconnectedness of various health components and the importance of community and self-care strategies. The model includes eight components that Veterans can utilize to enhance their well-being.
A Veteran’s Perspective
One of those Veterans is Zenia Delgado. Delgado, an Army Veteran, has been participating in Whole Health for several years and says, “Implementing Whole Health has allowed me to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, and mentally. It has allowed me to pass down to my children better lifestyle habits and given myself and fellow Veterans hope away from pills and traditional medications that always have side effects. More so, it has given me the coping skills to handle my anxiety. It took time but simple tasks became available to me again, such as going to public places, the grocery store, playgrounds, etc.”
Research and Evidence Supporting Whole Health
Research indicates that physical activity can reduce depressive symptoms and suicide ideation among Veterans. Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), especially when combined with exercise, improves mental and physical health outcomes. Additionally, socioeconomic factors and access to green spaces play significant roles in health status.
Programs that encourage volunteering have demonstrated benefits in reducing PTSD symptoms and fostering social connections. Addressing lifestyle factors related to diet and sleep is also crucial, as poor sleep quality and obesity are linked to mental health issues. Social support, particularly from peers, has a protective effect against suicidal behavior.
The Role of Spirituality and Mind-Body Therapies
Spirituality also influences mental health in Veterans, with potential positive and negative effects. Integrating spirituality into care could enhance treatment outcomes. Lastly, mind-body therapies like mindfulness and yoga have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Research supports a whole health approach that combines various therapies with traditional clinical care to improve health and well-being among Veterans, though further studies are needed to explore these relationships more deeply.
"Here at VA Fayetteville Coastal Health Care System", Steve McKellar, PA and Chief of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation states, ”no matter where you are in your journey, it is possible to achieve your goals, and in the process, enhance your health and well-being. Remember, small steps lead to big change.”
Currently, VA Fayetteville Coastal Health Care offers Chiropractic Care, Health and Wellness Coaching, explorations in Mindfulness, a variety of group classes, and Guided Imagery.
Get Started
Are you ready to take the next step? Contact your local VA or consult with your healthcare team to initiate the process! You can complete the online Personal Health Inventory, download it as a file, and send it securely to your healthcare team.
Once you have identified your priorities, your PACT Team will work with you to explore a range of wellness programs tailored to support your self-care journey. Consider engaging in physical activities, creative pursuits, mindfulness practices, or even incorporating yoga or acupuncture to enhance your experience!