Jan Dyer

Golf can be a bridge back into the community for disabled veterans. That’s the rationale behind a specialized golf program launched by the VA in partnership with PGA Reach, the philanthropic arm of PGA of America. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a therapeutic program led by PGA professionals certified in golf instruction for veterans with disabilities. The two-step program begins with an introductory clinic.

“When you think of rehabilitation, golf is not always the first thing you think of,” admits VA Secretary Robert McDonald, “but it can play an integral role in the healing process through social interaction, mental stimulation and exercise.”

More than 2,000 veterans have already participated in the 50 programs available. For more information, visit www.pgareach.com. 

Golf can be a bridge back into the community for disabled veterans. That’s the rationale behind a specialized golf program launched by the VA in partnership with PGA Reach, the philanthropic arm of PGA of America. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a therapeutic program led by PGA professionals certified in golf instruction for veterans with disabilities. The two-step program begins with an introductory clinic.

“When you think of rehabilitation, golf is not always the first thing you think of,” admits VA Secretary Robert McDonald, “but it can play an integral role in the healing process through social interaction, mental stimulation and exercise.”

More than 2,000 veterans have already participated in the 50 programs available. For more information, visit www.pgareach.com. 

Golf can be a bridge back into the community for disabled veterans. That’s the rationale behind a specialized golf program launched by the VA in partnership with PGA Reach, the philanthropic arm of PGA of America. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a therapeutic program led by PGA professionals certified in golf instruction for veterans with disabilities. The two-step program begins with an introductory clinic.

“When you think of rehabilitation, golf is not always the first thing you think of,” admits VA Secretary Robert McDonald, “but it can play an integral role in the healing process through social interaction, mental stimulation and exercise.”

More than 2,000 veterans have already participated in the 50 programs available. For more information, visit www.pgareach.com. 

A vaginal ring that continuously releases dapivirine, an experimental antiretroviral drug, provided a “modest” level of protection against HIV infection in a multisite clinical trial that involved more than 2,600 African women.

The ASPIRE study, also known as MTN-020, funded in part by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, began in 2012. Women received either the ring containing dapivirine or a placebo ring. The rings were replaced every 4 weeks.

The antiretroviral ring reduced the risk of HIV infection by 27% overall and by 61% among those who used the ring most consistently, women aged ≥ 25 years. When the researchers excluded data from 2 sites where many women did not return for study visits or use the ring consistently, the dapivirine ring reduced risk by 37%.

When the researchers performed further analyses, they found that the ring reduced the risk of infection by 56% in women older than 21 years but provided no significant protection for women aged 18 to 21. Younger women appeared to use the ring less consistently, based on the blood levels of dapivirine measured during study visits.

The rate of adverse events was similar among women in both groups, as was the frequency of antiretroviral resistance in women who acquired HIV.

In another ongoing large trial, which tested the dapivirine ring for safety and efficacy, researchers found an overall effectiveness of 31%, with a slightly greater reduction of risk in women older than 21.

The ASPIRE study is the first to demonstrate that a product that slowly releases the antiretroviral over time can offer partial protection from HIV.

A vaginal ring that continuously releases dapivirine, an experimental antiretroviral drug, provided a “modest” level of protection against HIV infection in a multisite clinical trial that involved more than 2,600 African women.

The ASPIRE study, also known as MTN-020, funded in part by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, began in 2012. Women received either the ring containing dapivirine or a placebo ring. The rings were replaced every 4 weeks.

The antiretroviral ring reduced the risk of HIV infection by 27% overall and by 61% among those who used the ring most consistently, women aged ≥ 25 years. When the researchers excluded data from 2 sites where many women did not return for study visits or use the ring consistently, the dapivirine ring reduced risk by 37%.

When the researchers performed further analyses, they found that the ring reduced the risk of infection by 56% in women older than 21 years but provided no significant protection for women aged 18 to 21. Younger women appeared to use the ring less consistently, based on the blood levels of dapivirine measured during study visits.

The rate of adverse events was similar among women in both groups, as was the frequency of antiretroviral resistance in women who acquired HIV.

In another ongoing large trial, which tested the dapivirine ring for safety and efficacy, researchers found an overall effectiveness of 31%, with a slightly greater reduction of risk in women older than 21.

The ASPIRE study is the first to demonstrate that a product that slowly releases the antiretroviral over time can offer partial protection from HIV.

A vaginal ring that continuously releases dapivirine, an experimental antiretroviral drug, provided a “modest” level of protection against HIV infection in a multisite clinical trial that involved more than 2,600 African women.

The ASPIRE study, also known as MTN-020, funded in part by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, began in 2012. Women received either the ring containing dapivirine or a placebo ring. The rings were replaced every 4 weeks.

The antiretroviral ring reduced the risk of HIV infection by 27% overall and by 61% among those who used the ring most consistently, women aged ≥ 25 years. When the researchers excluded data from 2 sites where many women did not return for study visits or use the ring consistently, the dapivirine ring reduced risk by 37%.

When the researchers performed further analyses, they found that the ring reduced the risk of infection by 56% in women older than 21 years but provided no significant protection for women aged 18 to 21. Younger women appeared to use the ring less consistently, based on the blood levels of dapivirine measured during study visits.

The rate of adverse events was similar among women in both groups, as was the frequency of antiretroviral resistance in women who acquired HIV.

In another ongoing large trial, which tested the dapivirine ring for safety and efficacy, researchers found an overall effectiveness of 31%, with a slightly greater reduction of risk in women older than 21.

The ASPIRE study is the first to demonstrate that a product that slowly releases the antiretroviral over time can offer partial protection from HIV.

Could a vaccine help prevent infection with Clostridium difficile (C difficile), which causes thousands of deaths every year? In a first-in-human phase 1 study, researchers compared 3 doses of an investigational vaccine with placebo. The vaccine consisted of toxoids A and B (the principle virulence factors of C difficile-associated disease), and given with or without aluminum hydroxide in doses of 50, 100, or 200 μg at 0, 1, and 6 months.

Related: Antimicrobial Stewardship in an Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy Program

The vaccine was well tolerated and effective. Local reactions and systemic events—mostly injection site pain, headache, and fatigue—were predominantly mild to moderate. Increasing the dosage or number of doses did not affect the frequency and severity of adverse effects, as reported by the participants in e-diaries.

Both the toxin A- and toxin B-specific neutralizing antibody levels increased from baseline. The first dose produced “modest” increases, but the second dose produced “marked” increases and the third dose had a “substantial” booster response, the researchers say. The booster response against toxin A was similar in both age groups tested (50-64 years and 65-85 years); the response against toxin B was the same or slightly higher in the older group.

Related:Hospital-Acquired Infections on the Decline

Overall, antibody responses were higher in the toxoid-only groups. The researchers note that aluminum salts have been used to enhance vaccine responses for decades and it was somewhat unexpected in this study that the toxoid-only vaccine led to better antibody responses.

While the study was limited by the small number of participants, the researchers say, the robust response and persistence of immune response to 12 months support further investigation.

Source:
Sheldon E, Kitchin N, Peng Y, et al. Vaccine. 2016;34(18):2082-2091
doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.010

Could a vaccine help prevent infection with Clostridium difficile (C difficile), which causes thousands of deaths every year? In a first-in-human phase 1 study, researchers compared 3 doses of an investigational vaccine with placebo. The vaccine consisted of toxoids A and B (the principle virulence factors of C difficile-associated disease), and given with or without aluminum hydroxide in doses of 50, 100, or 200 μg at 0, 1, and 6 months.

Related: Antimicrobial Stewardship in an Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy Program

The vaccine was well tolerated and effective. Local reactions and systemic events—mostly injection site pain, headache, and fatigue—were predominantly mild to moderate. Increasing the dosage or number of doses did not affect the frequency and severity of adverse effects, as reported by the participants in e-diaries.

Both the toxin A- and toxin B-specific neutralizing antibody levels increased from baseline. The first dose produced “modest” increases, but the second dose produced “marked” increases and the third dose had a “substantial” booster response, the researchers say. The booster response against toxin A was similar in both age groups tested (50-64 years and 65-85 years); the response against toxin B was the same or slightly higher in the older group.

Related:Hospital-Acquired Infections on the Decline

Overall, antibody responses were higher in the toxoid-only groups. The researchers note that aluminum salts have been used to enhance vaccine responses for decades and it was somewhat unexpected in this study that the toxoid-only vaccine led to better antibody responses.

While the study was limited by the small number of participants, the researchers say, the robust response and persistence of immune response to 12 months support further investigation.

Source:
Sheldon E, Kitchin N, Peng Y, et al. Vaccine. 2016;34(18):2082-2091
doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.010

Could a vaccine help prevent infection with Clostridium difficile (C difficile), which causes thousands of deaths every year? In a first-in-human phase 1 study, researchers compared 3 doses of an investigational vaccine with placebo. The vaccine consisted of toxoids A and B (the principle virulence factors of C difficile-associated disease), and given with or without aluminum hydroxide in doses of 50, 100, or 200 μg at 0, 1, and 6 months.

Related: Antimicrobial Stewardship in an Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy Program

The vaccine was well tolerated and effective. Local reactions and systemic events—mostly injection site pain, headache, and fatigue—were predominantly mild to moderate. Increasing the dosage or number of doses did not affect the frequency and severity of adverse effects, as reported by the participants in e-diaries.

Both the toxin A- and toxin B-specific neutralizing antibody levels increased from baseline. The first dose produced “modest” increases, but the second dose produced “marked” increases and the third dose had a “substantial” booster response, the researchers say. The booster response against toxin A was similar in both age groups tested (50-64 years and 65-85 years); the response against toxin B was the same or slightly higher in the older group.

Related:Hospital-Acquired Infections on the Decline

Overall, antibody responses were higher in the toxoid-only groups. The researchers note that aluminum salts have been used to enhance vaccine responses for decades and it was somewhat unexpected in this study that the toxoid-only vaccine led to better antibody responses.

While the study was limited by the small number of participants, the researchers say, the robust response and persistence of immune response to 12 months support further investigation.

Source:
Sheldon E, Kitchin N, Peng Y, et al. Vaccine. 2016;34(18):2082-2091
doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.010

Preliminary results from the Testosterone Trials, a group of studies supported in part by the National Institutes on Aging, suggest that restoring levels of testosterone to those of healthy young men improves the sexual function of seniors, but does not significantly affect mobility and fatigue.

Related: Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Playing Catch-up With Patients

The findings are from the first 3 of 7 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials aimed at determining whether testosterone treatment could alleviate those symptoms. The trials were recommended by the former Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) as a key step before considering larger trials of long-term risks.

In the studies, 790 men aged ≥ 65 years received daily testosterone or placebo via gel. Serum testosterone concentration was measured regularly for 12 months. Testosterone did not significantly affect walking ability, but in all 3 trials walking speed and distance did improve in the testosterone group, compared with the placebo group. Testosterone did not have a significant effect on fatigue, but had “modest favorable” effects on mood. Men in the testosterone group were also more likely to report that they had more energy.

Related: Opioid-Induced Androgen Deficiency in Veterans With Chronic Nonmalignant Pain

“For a long time, there has been interest in whether testosterone is an appropriate therapy for aging-related conditions in men,” said NIA Director Richard Hodes, MD. “This study clarifies questions about some of its potential benefits. As the researchers note, clarifying the risks requires further study.” Participants experienced few adverse events, but too few to draw conclusions about risks in older men, especially given that men at high risk for prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease were not included in the trial.

Preliminary results from the Testosterone Trials, a group of studies supported in part by the National Institutes on Aging, suggest that restoring levels of testosterone to those of healthy young men improves the sexual function of seniors, but does not significantly affect mobility and fatigue.

Related: Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Playing Catch-up With Patients

The findings are from the first 3 of 7 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials aimed at determining whether testosterone treatment could alleviate those symptoms. The trials were recommended by the former Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) as a key step before considering larger trials of long-term risks.

In the studies, 790 men aged ≥ 65 years received daily testosterone or placebo via gel. Serum testosterone concentration was measured regularly for 12 months. Testosterone did not significantly affect walking ability, but in all 3 trials walking speed and distance did improve in the testosterone group, compared with the placebo group. Testosterone did not have a significant effect on fatigue, but had “modest favorable” effects on mood. Men in the testosterone group were also more likely to report that they had more energy.

Related: Opioid-Induced Androgen Deficiency in Veterans With Chronic Nonmalignant Pain

“For a long time, there has been interest in whether testosterone is an appropriate therapy for aging-related conditions in men,” said NIA Director Richard Hodes, MD. “This study clarifies questions about some of its potential benefits. As the researchers note, clarifying the risks requires further study.” Participants experienced few adverse events, but too few to draw conclusions about risks in older men, especially given that men at high risk for prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease were not included in the trial.

Preliminary results from the Testosterone Trials, a group of studies supported in part by the National Institutes on Aging, suggest that restoring levels of testosterone to those of healthy young men improves the sexual function of seniors, but does not significantly affect mobility and fatigue.

Related: Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Playing Catch-up With Patients

The findings are from the first 3 of 7 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials aimed at determining whether testosterone treatment could alleviate those symptoms. The trials were recommended by the former Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) as a key step before considering larger trials of long-term risks.

In the studies, 790 men aged ≥ 65 years received daily testosterone or placebo via gel. Serum testosterone concentration was measured regularly for 12 months. Testosterone did not significantly affect walking ability, but in all 3 trials walking speed and distance did improve in the testosterone group, compared with the placebo group. Testosterone did not have a significant effect on fatigue, but had “modest favorable” effects on mood. Men in the testosterone group were also more likely to report that they had more energy.

Related: Opioid-Induced Androgen Deficiency in Veterans With Chronic Nonmalignant Pain

“For a long time, there has been interest in whether testosterone is an appropriate therapy for aging-related conditions in men,” said NIA Director Richard Hodes, MD. “This study clarifies questions about some of its potential benefits. As the researchers note, clarifying the risks requires further study.” Participants experienced few adverse events, but too few to draw conclusions about risks in older men, especially given that men at high risk for prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease were not included in the trial.

Pioglitazone, used to treat type 2 diabetes, may reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and heart attacks by 24% in people who are insulin resistant but do not have diabetes, according to findings from the Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke (IRIS) trial. The study, supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is the first to provide evidence that suggests a drug targeting cell metabolism may be protective against recurrent vascular events even before diabetes develops.

In the IRIS study, ≥ 3,000 patients who had had an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were randomly assigned to receive pioglitazone or placebo for up to 5 years, in addition to standard care. Nine percent of those on the drug had another stroke or heart attack, compared with 12% of those on placebo.

Pioglitazone also reduced the risk of diabetes by 52%. However, the study offered further evidence of a known adverse effect, increased risk of bone fractures.

Although previous research had suggested that insulin resistance increases the risk of stroke, IRIS was the first to test the pioglitazone treatment. However, pioglitazone is not FDA-approved for the uses studied in the trial.

Pioglitazone, used to treat type 2 diabetes, may reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and heart attacks by 24% in people who are insulin resistant but do not have diabetes, according to findings from the Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke (IRIS) trial. The study, supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is the first to provide evidence that suggests a drug targeting cell metabolism may be protective against recurrent vascular events even before diabetes develops.

In the IRIS study, ≥ 3,000 patients who had had an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were randomly assigned to receive pioglitazone or placebo for up to 5 years, in addition to standard care. Nine percent of those on the drug had another stroke or heart attack, compared with 12% of those on placebo.

Pioglitazone also reduced the risk of diabetes by 52%. However, the study offered further evidence of a known adverse effect, increased risk of bone fractures.

Although previous research had suggested that insulin resistance increases the risk of stroke, IRIS was the first to test the pioglitazone treatment. However, pioglitazone is not FDA-approved for the uses studied in the trial.

Pioglitazone, used to treat type 2 diabetes, may reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and heart attacks by 24% in people who are insulin resistant but do not have diabetes, according to findings from the Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke (IRIS) trial. The study, supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is the first to provide evidence that suggests a drug targeting cell metabolism may be protective against recurrent vascular events even before diabetes develops.

In the IRIS study, ≥ 3,000 patients who had had an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were randomly assigned to receive pioglitazone or placebo for up to 5 years, in addition to standard care. Nine percent of those on the drug had another stroke or heart attack, compared with 12% of those on placebo.

Pioglitazone also reduced the risk of diabetes by 52%. However, the study offered further evidence of a known adverse effect, increased risk of bone fractures.

Although previous research had suggested that insulin resistance increases the risk of stroke, IRIS was the first to test the pioglitazone treatment. However, pioglitazone is not FDA-approved for the uses studied in the trial.

The VA established the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to help track and understand the long-term health effects of exposure to burn-pit smoke (from waste disposal) and other airborne hazards. Since its launch in 2014, nearly 61,000 veterans and service members have signed up. But that’s only a “small fraction” of the estimated 3 million who may be eligible, says Dr. Stephen Hunt, National Director of the VA’s Post-Deployment Integrated Care Initiative.

Hunt says the registry helps veterans in a number of ways. First, it gives veterans an opportunity to document any concerns they have about deployment-related exposures. It also provides an opportunity to obtain a free health evaluation by a VA or DoD provider. This evaluation can ensure ongoing follow-up for existing health conditions or any conditions that emerge “down the road.”

Participation is voluntary and free. It is not required to obtain disability compensation benefits, nor does the veteran need to be enrolled in the VA health care system. A Registry note in the medical record summarizing the veteran’s exposure concerns and related medical treatment can serve as evidence for a claim, but is not necessary to the claims process. The questionnaire is based on recollection of service, not the participant’s military record.

The Registry is open to anyone who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti (on or after Sept. 11, 2001), or Southeast Asia (after 1990). Signing up takes about 40 minutes, at https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry.

Reports on research findings so far from the Registry are available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp. Health care providers can find more information in the fact sheet available at www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/exposures/burn-pit-registry-fact-sheet.pdf#.

The VA established the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to help track and understand the long-term health effects of exposure to burn-pit smoke (from waste disposal) and other airborne hazards. Since its launch in 2014, nearly 61,000 veterans and service members have signed up. But that’s only a “small fraction” of the estimated 3 million who may be eligible, says Dr. Stephen Hunt, National Director of the VA’s Post-Deployment Integrated Care Initiative.

Hunt says the registry helps veterans in a number of ways. First, it gives veterans an opportunity to document any concerns they have about deployment-related exposures. It also provides an opportunity to obtain a free health evaluation by a VA or DoD provider. This evaluation can ensure ongoing follow-up for existing health conditions or any conditions that emerge “down the road.”

Participation is voluntary and free. It is not required to obtain disability compensation benefits, nor does the veteran need to be enrolled in the VA health care system. A Registry note in the medical record summarizing the veteran’s exposure concerns and related medical treatment can serve as evidence for a claim, but is not necessary to the claims process. The questionnaire is based on recollection of service, not the participant’s military record.

The Registry is open to anyone who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti (on or after Sept. 11, 2001), or Southeast Asia (after 1990). Signing up takes about 40 minutes, at https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry.

Reports on research findings so far from the Registry are available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp. Health care providers can find more information in the fact sheet available at www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/exposures/burn-pit-registry-fact-sheet.pdf#.

The VA established the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to help track and understand the long-term health effects of exposure to burn-pit smoke (from waste disposal) and other airborne hazards. Since its launch in 2014, nearly 61,000 veterans and service members have signed up. But that’s only a “small fraction” of the estimated 3 million who may be eligible, says Dr. Stephen Hunt, National Director of the VA’s Post-Deployment Integrated Care Initiative.

Hunt says the registry helps veterans in a number of ways. First, it gives veterans an opportunity to document any concerns they have about deployment-related exposures. It also provides an opportunity to obtain a free health evaluation by a VA or DoD provider. This evaluation can ensure ongoing follow-up for existing health conditions or any conditions that emerge “down the road.”

Participation is voluntary and free. It is not required to obtain disability compensation benefits, nor does the veteran need to be enrolled in the VA health care system. A Registry note in the medical record summarizing the veteran’s exposure concerns and related medical treatment can serve as evidence for a claim, but is not necessary to the claims process. The questionnaire is based on recollection of service, not the participant’s military record.

The Registry is open to anyone who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti (on or after Sept. 11, 2001), or Southeast Asia (after 1990). Signing up takes about 40 minutes, at https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry.

Reports on research findings so far from the Registry are available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp. Health care providers can find more information in the fact sheet available at www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/exposures/burn-pit-registry-fact-sheet.pdf#.

The goal: to improve access to resources, educational materials, information, and support for outpatients recovering from opioid misuse. The challenge: create a mobile application to be used as part of the comprehensive treatment plan.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) wants to spur developers to create a free, user-friendly app that could help patients manage their treatment regimens, prevent relapse by alerting patients to triggers for drug use, or help them access information about drug interactions and side effects on their smartphones.

SAMHSA is awarding over $30,000 in prizes,. Submissions are accepted through May 28, 2016. For more information, visit http://samhsaopioidrecoveryapp.devpost.com.

The goal: to improve access to resources, educational materials, information, and support for outpatients recovering from opioid misuse. The challenge: create a mobile application to be used as part of the comprehensive treatment plan.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) wants to spur developers to create a free, user-friendly app that could help patients manage their treatment regimens, prevent relapse by alerting patients to triggers for drug use, or help them access information about drug interactions and side effects on their smartphones.

SAMHSA is awarding over $30,000 in prizes,. Submissions are accepted through May 28, 2016. For more information, visit http://samhsaopioidrecoveryapp.devpost.com.

The goal: to improve access to resources, educational materials, information, and support for outpatients recovering from opioid misuse. The challenge: create a mobile application to be used as part of the comprehensive treatment plan.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) wants to spur developers to create a free, user-friendly app that could help patients manage their treatment regimens, prevent relapse by alerting patients to triggers for drug use, or help them access information about drug interactions and side effects on their smartphones.

SAMHSA is awarding over $30,000 in prizes,. Submissions are accepted through May 28, 2016. For more information, visit http://samhsaopioidrecoveryapp.devpost.com.

The VA is making changes aimed at improving the Veterans Crisis Line, said Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson.

For one, the Crisis Line will form a “stronger bond” with the VA’s Suicide Prevention Office and Mental Health Services, Gibson said. The Crisis Line also will be under the direction of the VA’s Member Services, which is restructuring portions of the VA that have direct contact with veterans. The plan is to give the Crisis Line staff more support by streamlining processes and putting more resources at their fingertips,. The structural changes build on key hires from last year, including a director with extensive clinical social work background. The VA has also committed to expanding staff— the Crisis Line currently has more than 300 employees—and improving phone systems and equipment to better handle demand.

“Last year, counselors at the Crisis Line dispatched emergency responders to intervene and save the lives of veterans in crisis more than 11,000 times,” Gibson said. “That means, on average, we’re stepping in to save 30 lives per day. “Nothing could be more important.”

The VA is making changes aimed at improving the Veterans Crisis Line, said Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson.

For one, the Crisis Line will form a “stronger bond” with the VA’s Suicide Prevention Office and Mental Health Services, Gibson said. The Crisis Line also will be under the direction of the VA’s Member Services, which is restructuring portions of the VA that have direct contact with veterans. The plan is to give the Crisis Line staff more support by streamlining processes and putting more resources at their fingertips,. The structural changes build on key hires from last year, including a director with extensive clinical social work background. The VA has also committed to expanding staff— the Crisis Line currently has more than 300 employees—and improving phone systems and equipment to better handle demand.

“Last year, counselors at the Crisis Line dispatched emergency responders to intervene and save the lives of veterans in crisis more than 11,000 times,” Gibson said. “That means, on average, we’re stepping in to save 30 lives per day. “Nothing could be more important.”

The VA is making changes aimed at improving the Veterans Crisis Line, said Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson.

For one, the Crisis Line will form a “stronger bond” with the VA’s Suicide Prevention Office and Mental Health Services, Gibson said. The Crisis Line also will be under the direction of the VA’s Member Services, which is restructuring portions of the VA that have direct contact with veterans. The plan is to give the Crisis Line staff more support by streamlining processes and putting more resources at their fingertips,. The structural changes build on key hires from last year, including a director with extensive clinical social work background. The VA has also committed to expanding staff— the Crisis Line currently has more than 300 employees—and improving phone systems and equipment to better handle demand.

“Last year, counselors at the Crisis Line dispatched emergency responders to intervene and save the lives of veterans in crisis more than 11,000 times,” Gibson said. “That means, on average, we’re stepping in to save 30 lives per day. “Nothing could be more important.”