Sexual Assault Contributes to Problem
The rise in unintended pregnancies among active-duty military women is “alarming,” according to researchers. And the rates are increasing, despite that they already are far higher than in the civilian population. New studies look at the causes of the problem —including rampant military sexual assault — as well as possible solutions.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Two new studies may offer important clues as to why suicide rates are on the increase among military personnel and veterans.

ATLANTA — Multiple mental health-related deaths at the Atlanta VAMC have led to bipartisan demands from Congress that care and leadership issues be urgently resolved at the facility.

WASHINGTON — Despite’s DoD greater emphasis on preventing sexual assault, the prevalence of unwanted sexual contact among active duty troops increased to about 26,000 cases in 2012 compared with an earlier estimate of 19,000, according to a recent report.

WASHINGTON — While the Obama administration recently introduced its proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget, tribal advocates still have FY 2013 on their minds and are expressing worry about the impact that sequestration is having on healthcare funds for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) for the remainder of the fiscal year.

WASHINGTON — DoD has released updated procedures to improve response to sexual-assault and care for victims.

WASHINGTON —With a potential billion dollars at stake, the VA is under fire for not addressing overpayments to veterans with temporary disability ratings whose conditions are not re-evaluated in a timely manner.

WASHINGTON — In the wake of a recent federal report finding that schedules have been delayed and costs substantially increased for VA medical construction projects in Las Vegas, Denver, Orlando and New Orleans, a key legislator called the agency’s construction program “dysfunctional.”

SAN CARLOS, CA — A mobile health application that helps families manage their healthcare is the grand-prizewinner of the HHS Healthfinder.gov Mobile App Challenge.

WASHINGTON — A House committee has voted to ban VA senior executives from receiving any bonuses for five years, citing claims backlogs and unresolved healthcare quality issues.