While VA is lauding its progress in creating a haven for homeless veterans on its West Los Angeles campus, lawmakers are concerned about ongoing delays in the project and the unprecedented level of secrecy required of contractors.
Staffing Challenges at VA Keeping Homeless Veterans From Getting Help They Need
Tens of thousands of homeless and at-risk veterans who are eligible for VA’s largest housing assistance program are not being referred to it because of staffing challenges at VAMCs, according to a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.
Project Safe Harbor Agreement Sparks Controversy About Effects on Homeless Veterans
VA has entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice that would give them the authority to place some veterans under guardianship if they are unable to make their own healthcare decisions.
Social Determinants Drive Suicide Risk Among U.S. Veterans
Suicide is a pressing public health challenge in the United States, and veterans bear a disproportionate share of this burden. Although they represent less than 7% of the U.S. adult population, veterans account for about 14% of suicide deaths nationwide.
Homeless Veterans Who Get Housing, Twice as Likely to Be Screened for Cancer
Here’s an effective way to improve cancer screening among homeless veterans who are eligible for cancer screening but not up to date: Find housing for them.
Homelessness Substantially Increases Risk of Death in Veterans With CKD
U.S. veterans with a history of homelessness had a much greater risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and death, according to a new study, underscoring the role of housing as a social determinant of health.
Judge Requires VA to Build More Housing for Homeless in West Los Angeles
Last month, a federal judge provided an overwhelming victory to veterans who filed a class-action lawsuit against VA that sought to force the department to build more housing for homeless veterans on its West Los Angeles Medical Center campus.
Expert in Veteran Homelessness Helps VA Housing Programs Be More Effective
Few people understand the complexity of providing care to homeless veterans and those at risk for homelessness as well as Jack Tsai, PhD.
Higher Risk of Dementia Found in Veterans With Housing Instability
Veterans who experience housing instability have an elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia compared to those with stable housing, according to a recent study.
Homeless Veterans More Likely to Receive Risky Benzodiazepine Prescriptions
Despite an elevated risk of mental illness and substance use disorder in most homeless populations, a scarcity of research exists on the use of psychiatric medications and understanding of prescribing practices among providers for these populations.
Unstable Housing Increases Veterans’ Mortality Risk With Kidney Dialysis
Unstable housing appears to contribute to socioeconomic disparities in mortality among U.S. veterans receiving dialysis, with older adults being especially vulnerable, according to a new study
Heat-Related Illness Among Veterans Showing Nationwide Rise
Environmental heat can adversely affect health, resulting in heightened healthcare demands, disability and even mortality. The combination of particular medical conditions with the ongoing global temperature increase may exacerbate susceptibility to heat-related ailments.
VA Focuses on Issue of Widespread Food Insecurity Among Veterans
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 11% of veterans were living in a food-insecure household, and 5.3% lived in a household with very low food security, meaning that eating patterns were disrupted and food intake reduced.
Hardin’s Mission Is Keeping Veterans Out of Criminal Justice System
Any interaction with the criminal justice system can be a frightening, confusing experience for those being charged. It can be especially difficult to navigate for men and women who are homeless or struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues.
