Women aged 40 to 74 years are encouraged to get a mammogram every two years. Learn about breast cancer risk assessments available to you at VA. womenshealth.va.gov/topics/m…

See what our Veterans are saying!

Service dogs can be a critical lifeline for Veterans living with PTSD. Read how VA Greater Los Angeles is helping make that possible: ow.ly/fMvE50ZYUzP

You can request online through the VA Records Portal or via the National Archives eVetRecs tool. va.gov/records/get-military-…, va.gov/records/

VA Maryland Health Care System representatives are participating in this event at the Timonium Fair Grounds. if you come by, look for our information tables!

About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience intimate partner violence. Your VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program coordinator can help. socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Coordi… #DomesticViolencePrevention #IPVAP

Congratulations to Mindy Conklin, MRT, RRT, and to Daniel Thacker, MRT, RRT. Both Citations were issues from the Governor of the State of Maryland and recognizes both as the First and Second Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist practicing within the State of Maryland "in appreciation of (there) outstanding service to the citizens of the State. Also, the Baltimore VA Medical Center has been named a recipient of the 2023-2024 Apex Recognition Award by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). These recognitions demonstrate that the Baltimore VAMC and the VHA as an organization prioritizes patient safety and outcomes through access to respiratory therapists that deliver high-quality respiratory care.

Taking a few minutes to check in with yourself can help you better understand how to manage tough times.

When you join the Million Veteran Program, your privacy comes first. We protect your personal information by removing identifying details and using advanced security measures to keep your data safe. Join more than 1 million Veterans making a difference. Visit mvp.va.gov/pwa/?utm_source=s… or call 866-441-6075.

It's flu season! Time to get your flu shot! The annual flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent flu, reducing your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death! Vaccination significantly cuts the risks of intensive care admissions and severe complications, especially in older adults.

If you have experienced excellent care from a nurse during your stay with or visit to the VA Maryland Health Care System, you can now nominate that nurse for the Daisy Award.

The Holiday Project supports the needs of our hospitalized Veterans throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System. Each year, there are hundreds of Veterans from across the state who will spend their holidays at one of our three inpatient facilities throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System. Many of these hospitalized Veterans may not have an opportunity to see their family members or friends during this time of the year. You can probably imagine how it can become a lonely and discouraging time for our inpatients. This holiday season you can help by making a donation to the Veterans Holiday Gift Program, which was established to recognize the hospitalized Veterans at the Baltimore, Loch Raven, and Perry Point VA Medical Centers during the holidays. Your donation will allow us to purchase a gift package worth $70 for each inpatient. In December, the gifts will be distributed to inpatients to remind them that they have not been forgotten. Your donation, no matter what amount, will make a difference. If you would like to support the Veterans Holiday Gift Program, you can make your checks payable to the VAMHCS and earmark it at the lower left-hand side for the VAMHCS Holiday Account 1097. Checks should be mailed to: Voluntary Service (PP/135), VA Medical Center, Building 15H Room 203A, Perry Point, Maryland 21902. Or you can donate online using E-Donate. Donations are made through the U.S. Department of Treasury Pay.gov website. A minimum of $5.00 is required for all online donations through E-Donate. pay.gov/public/form/start/46…

VA offers free support for MST. No documentation of the incident is required. Visit MentalHealth.va.gov/MST

World War II Veteran Fannie Griffin-McClendon received three handmade wigs from Veteran- and woman-owned small business, Wigs Plus Vets, through a partnership with VA. ow.ly/jN2n50ZUrbe

VA is working a little magic after hours ✨ More than 3.2M appointments have been offered outside normal operating hours – because Veterans’ care shouldn’t disappear when the sun goes down!

Sneaky ways you’re being exposed to UV rays You probably remember the sunscreen when you’re headed to the pool or beach, but those aren’t the only times the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays hit you. Overexposure to UV rays can cause damage to the skin and skin cancer. Unprotected exposure can lead to premature aging and eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancer. Here are some sneaky ways you're being exposed so you can set your defenses. While traveling By law, front windshields are treated to filter out most UVA, but side and rear windows generally aren’t. If you spend a lot of time in a car, you may want to consider installing professional protective window film. If you’re flying, know that sun comes through airplane windows as well. In fact, this sun exposure may be stronger than the exposure you get on the ground. Glasses can do the job. On rainy days It’s pouring and so cloudy you can’t see the sun, so you can skip the sunscreen, right? Nope. UVA rays can penetrate clouds, rain and fog. And summer storms can pass quickly, so when the sky clears, you may get caught in the sun. At the nail salon If you’re getting a mani-pedi, be careful sitting under the dryer. There are UV nail lamps and LED lamps, but both emit UV radiation (predominantly UVA). Although these lamps present only a moderate risk, it’s best to avoid using them if you can. If you’re setting a gel manicure, apply sunscreen to your hands 20 minutes before putting your hands under the dryer. If you’re getting a regular manicure, the safest bet is to allow nails to air-dry or see if your salon has a mini-fan you can use. On a mountaintop If you’re getting ready to climb every mountain you’ll need to pack sun-protective clothing and sunscreen. The sun’s rays are stronger at higher elevations; UV radiation exposure increases 4 to 5% with every 1,000 feet above sea level. When UV rays reflect off ice and snow, they hit you a second time. Wherever you go, like a good neighbor, UV rays are there. Be sure to set some healthy boundaries between you. Enjoy the sun but remember to protect yourself from UV rays.

Transitioning out of the military isn't a one-time event. Anxiety, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating: common challenges, whenever they show up. Visit MentalHealth.va.gov/Military…

A career in healthcare can start in one community and grow in directions you may not expect. At VA, that career is connected to a national mission: providing Veterans with the care they've earned. For the next generation of healthcare professionals, it's an opportunity to build experience while contributing to something bigger than a single role. Explore careers at VA: vacareers.va.gov/nextgen #NextGenVA

Treatment can mean therapy, medication, or both, matched to you. Visit MentalHealth.va.gov/substanc…

Do you know someone with a heart for supporting Veterans? The Medical Foster Home Program is looking for caregivers who can provide a safe, stable, and home‑like environment for those who have served. Learn how you can make a meaningful difference in a Veteran’s life today!