VAntage Point
Nutrition essential for managing kidney disease
A VA partnership is helping Veterans do just that
Many VA partnerships and initiatives focus year-round on providing Veterans information and resources to help them access nutritious food that suits their needs and lifestyles. One example is the VA partnership with American Kidney Fund (AKF), which was established in November 2020.
This collaboration adds to existing VA programs and services that support Veterans through early identification of kidney disease and referral for appropriate treatment. VA’s eKidney Clinic is one such resource. There, Veterans can learn about proper kidney nutrition. They’ll also learn how and why to pay attention to potassium, protein and sodium, and much more.
National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships
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Partnership that serves Veterans in California has a three-decade history of success
Partnerships throughout the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) add to what VA is already able to provide to Veterans when partners bring their resources and strategies to the table, the result is always good news for Veterans and their families and communities. One such “good news” partnership is between the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) leadership within the VA Central California Health Care System and the nonprofit Central Valley Veterans (CVV). This partnership is especially noteworthy because it has been in place for 30 years. Other partnerships throughout VA can find inspiration in the longevity of this collaboration that offers Veterans so much.
National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships
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Veteran Community Partnerships
Army Veteran says internship through a VA farming partnership gave him a new lease on life
Army Veteran Eric Poston said that he’s “like a seed that’s been planted to grow,” just like the lettuce and tomato seeds he plants at the Baltimore County Center for Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park (AG Center). There, Mr. Poston participates in an internship offering training in horticulture and mental health recovery.
Mr. Poston said he’s experienced the same growth as his plants because becoming involved with gardening and farming helped him recover from substance abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Partnership assists Veterans with Parkinson’s disease
Vietnam Veteran nurse a Parkinson’s Foundation champion
Lou Graul Eisenbrandt was one of only 13 women aboard her Army-chartered flight to Chu Lai, Vietnam, in 1969. She, like many service members, had a limited understanding of the war as she deployed overseas (pictured above). She quickly learned why they were needed, once arriving on the ground.
The registered nurse worked at the 91st Evac Hospital. She treated everything from malaria to massive head traumas in the upcoming year.
“I saw pretty much every injury you could imagine, and even survived some early morning rocket attacks,” she said. “After coming home, I wanted to use my experiences to educate others.”
VAntage Point
VA, partner host program for Veterans with Parkinson’s disease
Free online program March 20 from 9-12 ET
Army Veteran Jay Phillips, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), feels empowered by having as much as knowledge as possible to help him better manage his symptoms.
He encourages Veterans, their families and caregivers who have questions about Parkinson’s research, care and resources to attend a free online program on Saturday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to noon Eastern.
Phillips, one of three Veterans who will be speaking at the symposium, “Veterans and Parkinson’s: What You Need to Know,” is a volunteer with VA’s partner, the Parkinson’s Foundation.