Originally published: 2024-01-23T19:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
Many Veteran organizations across the nation support the Million Veteran Program (MVP), VA’s largest research effort. MVP recently made history by enrolling its one-millionth Veteran, making it the world’s largest and most diverse genetic research program within a health care system.
To help celebrate this milestone, we talked with teams across the nation who serve Veterans and asked them, “What does MVP mean to you?”
Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is an organization that provides free professional assistance to more than one million Veterans every year to connect them with the health care, disability, employment, education and financial benefits they have earned through military service.
“DAV is proud to partner with VA in order to better understand the holistic view of how genes, lifestyle, military experiences and various exposures affect the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes whom the department is meant to serve.” – DAV National Commander Nancy Espinosa
Military Women’s Collective
The Military Women’s Collective coaches and mentors women transitioning out of the military to ensure they get connected to other women Veterans in their community and find purpose-filled and meaningful post-military careers.
“We choose to support MVP because of its unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Veterans through research, community building and advocacy. The organization’s holistic approach aligns with our values. By supporting MVP, we contribute to a broader movement aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of Veterans, particularly women in the military.” – Founder and President Military Women’s Collective, Marina Rabinek
Objective Zero Foundation
The Objective Zero Foundation aims to connect the military community to mental health and wellness resources and to a network of peer and civilian supporters to prevent suicide through the Objective Zero App.
“Supporting MVP means we are part of a larger initiative dedicated to improving the lives of Veterans through medical research and personalized health care. It’s a way to give back and support those who have served our country while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.” – Glori Fernandez, program manager; and Betsey Mercado, executive director, Objective Zero Foundation
National Association of Veterans’ Research and Education Foundations
The National Association of Veterans’ Research and Education Foundations (NAVREF) promotes research partnerships to improve Veterans’ health. Member organizations like the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation (GLAVREF) support this mission at the local level.
“We consider MVP a pivotal element for future scientific research. The potential of MVP-driven science has the ability to accelerate progress in various research areas, especially in improving how we deliver precision care to Veterans.” – Hawk Tran, chief operating officer, NAVREF
“We support MVP because we believe that Veterans deserve the best possible care, and this program provides them with access to innovative medical research and treatments. We also support the program because it helps to advance our understanding of the unique health challenges faced by Veterans.” – Carron Leon, executive assistant and Board liaison, GLAVREF
PsychArmor
PsychArmor’s mission is to transform the way our nation engages with the military and Veteran community through the power of education and training.
“With our focus on public health solutions and improved wellness outcomes for all members of the military-connected community, PsychArmor understands firsthand the imperative for more data and understanding of the Veteran population.” – Carole Turner, senior advisor, PsychArmor
San Diego Veterans Coalition
The San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC) is a catalyst that inspires collaboration and cooperation among service partners to deliver premier support for Veterans in the San Diego region.
“SDVC sees MVP as an integral part of our work to build a well-integrated and coordinated ecosystem to ensure Veterans receive the best and most current health care. We are excited about the health care innovations and discoveries that have already been made and look forward to those yet to be discovered.” – Ron Stark, president & Family Life Action Group (FLAG) co-champion, SDVC.
Changing the future of Veteran health care together
With more than 1,000,000 Veterans in the program, MVP is making a difference for Veteran health care and our work would not be possible without support from organizations that serve Veterans. One million is just the start. Together, we can continue to transform personalized health care for all Veterans and ultimately all Americans.
If you are a Veteran-serving organization that wants to learn more about MVP’s Community Network, email or call 866-441-6075 to speak with someone from the MVP team.
If you are a Veteran and want to be part of this groundbreaking effort, join today online or call 866-441-6075.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
