Veterans Health Foundation

10/06/2025

🇺🇸 We are ecstatic to welcome Dr. Mark Geraci, Professor of Medicine and Associate Vice Chancellor for Interdisciplinary Research, Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh to the Veterans Health Foundation Board of Directors.

Dr. Geraci brings a distinguished record of leadership in academic medicine and a deep commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research that improves health outcomes for Veterans.

His professional connection to Veteran focused care began at the VA in Denver, Colorado where he studied under a full time VA clinician. Dr. Geraci is also the proud father of a United States 🇺🇸 Veteran!

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Geraci to our board as we continue to strengthen partnerships that drive veteran-focused discovery and care.

09/27/2025

Stop by and see us!!!

Giveaways, treats and a chance to win 🥇 a BIG SURPRISE!!

There is still time to register ⬇️

https://pngas.org/conference?fbclid=IwdGRjcANExyVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjB__8gh4CJhXrUZ_k2kP2G7PNkTU0D5rX0wLQEKKgP1rleu9me4xszeQGBN_aem_NeSL7m2yr-iNUMrTethx_A

Discover the PNGAS Annual Conference and Military Tradeshow at the 2nd Annual VetCon 2025, proudly presented by Comcast, happening October 24-25 at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. This essential gathering unites Soldiers, Airmen, Veterans, families, and industry experts for career advancement, valuable networking, and motivational sessions. Dive into a program packed with mentorship, innovative exhibits, and enjoyable events for the entire military community. Register today at https://pngas.org/conference and book your stay at book.passkey.com/go/PANGA25 to ensure you don't miss out.

09/26/2025

09/25/2025

Have you been waiting for your supermodel moment? ✨ It's here! We are collecting pictures of Veterans in uniform. We are gathering these photos for annual retrospectives and to start a Veteran Photo Library comprised of accurate Veteran photos that span timeframes and represent the full spectrum of Veterans for social media, video, and photographic compilations.

If you or a loved one would like to contribute to our Veteran Photo Library, please scan your photo(s) and email them to :
communications@veteranshealthfoundation.org. Please include
-Veteran name
-Rank
-Service dates
If you would like to include any military honors and/or distinctions, we would love to know those things as well.

FAQs:
📸 Is it ok if the photos are older and a bit worn looking? YES! ✔️
📸 Is it ok if there are multiple people in the photo? Maybe... If all people in the photo are Veterans in uniform who consent (or if deceased, have family consent), then YES! ✔️
📸 Is it ok if the photo is black & white or sepia? YES! ✔️
📸 Is it ok to send more than one picture? YES! ✔️

We appreciate your help with our Veteran Photo Library and can't wait to see you on the big (laptop) screen! 💻

(Photo copyright(s) will defer to VHF for use upon photo submission.)

09/23/2025

📣New Publication Alert📣

Researchers at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and the Veterans Health Foundation have partnered with Pittsburgh-based tech start-up Behaivior to study an innovative mobile health system designed to support 🇺🇸 Veterans recovering from substance use disorders.

🔹 Behaivior’s system combines smartwatches ⌚️ with an AI-powered smartphone 📱 app to continuously monitor health data and deliver timely support—aiming to prevent relapse and improve recovery outcomes.
🔹 In a preliminary study, with co***ne use disorder—all aged 55 and older—strongly endorsed the use of wearables and mobile apps for treatment support.
🔹In the primary study, Veterans with opioid use disorder demonstrated promising rates of engagement with both smartwatch wearing and app usage, with initial signals of benefit in relapse prevention.

💡 The findings show this technology is acceptable, feasible, and potentially effective in supporting for Veterans—and holds promise for broader use across military populations.

Read full paper at the link ⬇️

https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/190/Supplement_2/784/8256296?login=false

09/19/2025

🚀 VHF is seeking a hands- on, creative and proactive Digital Media/Communications with a heart ❤️ for focused causes (maybe you or someone you love is a Veteran?) and who can help shape and expand our online presence, amplify our innovative work, and build community through digital engagement.

As an Intern, you will provide support for social media content creation, photography 📸 , videography and other communications duties and will have the opportunity to work closely with non-profit professionals to gain hands-on career experience as you own day-to-day tasks, help with special projects, and attend meetings. Additionally, you will also collaborate with innovative VA research investigators, and their teams to learn more about the cutting-edge science 🔬 happening right here in !

Open to students and non-students from all backgrounds. Whether you are looking to grow your skills, pivot into a new field, or support a mission-driven non-profit, this is an opportunity to make real impact while gaining hands on experience.

🔗 Learn more about the role and how to apply at
https://veteranshealthfoundation.org/digital-media-intern/

📍 Location: Hybrid (Pittsburgh based)

Candidates must have the flexibility to come on-site as needed during the workday to the campus(s) of VA Pittsburgh to collect photo and/or video for content creation.

💲 $15.00 per hour (10-15 hrs. per week with opportunity for more)

09/08/2025

You are invited to join Veterans Leadership Program (VLP) for their 2025 Gala! 🎉 🌟

Guests will have an opportunity to network, bid on auction items, listen to an inspiring story from Bethel Park native and Marine Veteran, Eric McElvenny, and enjoy a buffet style dinner while supporting VLPs mission to empower Veterans.

📅 October 10, 2025
⏰ 6pm to 9pm
📍 Rivers Casino

To register and for fullhttps://bit.ly/3YzCwp

09/04/2025

September marks Su***de Prevention Month, a time to reflect, raise awareness, and take action to address an urgent crisis that impacts too many veterans, their families and loved ones.

Through research, education, and collaborative initiatives, the Veterans Health Foundation supports VA programs and projects that advance understanding of su***de risk factors, improve prevention strategies, and provide resources for those on the front lines of care.

While there is no single solution, together we can move closer to one by :
🔹Supporting research 🔬
🔹Breaking down stigma 💙
🔹Ensure Veterans know they are NEVER alone 🤝
This month, I invite you to take action with us by making a gift. Your support directly fuels research, education, and initiatives that save lives. ***deawarenessmonth

https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/veteranshealthfoundation/pay

08/28/2025

VA Butler Healthcare has become a trailblazer among Veterans Affairs locations after giving up its fire department a building to blaze. In July, the system announced the construction of a live fire…

08/12/2025

VHF research teams along with members of our administration ( and some of their SUPER cute 🎀 little girls) joined Butler VA Health Care System to celebrate 🎉 Summer ☀️ Vet Fest.

It was a beautiful day to honor the Veterans 🇺🇸 of Southwestern PA!

Congratulations to Jack Skelly, winner of the Yeti Roadie Cooler!

Learn more about VHF and how we support Veterans at www.veteranshealthfoundation.org

08/12/2025

Stop out and see us tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the day! You do not want to miss this event! For questions, please call 878-271-6484.

08/01/2025

🎉Congratulations to our Grants and Contracts Manager, Dr. Shannon Austermann Hula on this achievement!! 🎉

Earning the designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA®) signifies that an individual has met the requirements of the Research Administrators Certification Council’s (RACC) and has demonstrated an extensive level of knowledge to be a professional research administrator. Way to go!👏🏼