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It finds that not only are both trauma exposure and COVID-19 associated with persistent autonomic symptom burden, but that they interact wit
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NewsFlash
History of trauma linked to risk of long COVID <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fnewsroom.uw.edu%2Fnews-releases%2Fhistory-of-trauma-linked-to-risk-of-long-covid/1/0100019c20070350-ac6
81896-5e20-4acc-9cef-21e20161bc46-000000/qhsKx5Ib06b3l9g8zDkLDSh5TXnyhtbwaydj6xupKpE=442>
NW MIRECC's Dr. Rebecca Hendrickson was recently featured in a news story from VA Academic Affiliate, Uniververity of Washington (UW) <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fnewsroom.uw.edu%
2Fnews-releases%2Fhistory-of-trauma-linked-to-risk-of-long-covid/2/0100019c20070350-ac681896-5e20-4acc-9cef-21e20161bc46-000000/4sSGbzuvpamLS2kJ0wmcDel72kWvlUOdbyZwlJ5CfHQ=442> .
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FORWARD MARCH:
NW MIRECC partners with Veteran and non-Veteran volunteers as clinical research subjects to develop and evaluate effective treatments for military posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
and its associated conditions, including mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), substance use disorders (SUD), chronic musculoskeletal pain, post-concussive headaches, and dementia.
Tune in to KNKX for a radio intereview on the topic <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.knkx.org%2F2026-01-28%2Funiversity-of-washington-study-trauma-long-covid/1/0100019c20070350-ac
681896-5e20-4acc-9cef-21e20161bc46-000000/i2J6P7Z363nbJxImhg9YcygPOhaIqw9qFUF3wxfAejM=442> . Dr. Hendrickson's research article, 'Impact of Prior History of Traumatic Stress on Autonomic
and Multi-System Symptoms Following COVID-19 Infection' was recently provided as Required Reading for readers interested in NW MIRECC Research <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fconten
t.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FUSVHAVISN20%2Fbulletins%2F4075c45/1/0100019c20070350-ac681896-5e20-4acc-9cef-21e20161bc46-000000/4_xV52cXWCr6qfVwpZ8LhEnYS3yNtyDqP4YVJYZGCWs=442> .
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The study began before the COVID-19 pandemic, with two observations. Dr. Rebecca Hendrickson, a UW Medicine psychiatrist, noticed that many of her patients with post-traumatic stress
disorder also had autonomic symptoms, which are commonly associated with changes in autonomic regulation, including high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and chronic nausea.
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The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) is investigating allegations that certain drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities or treatment centers are attempting to exploit veterans
with substance use disorders for profit through various unethical and illegal practices. Recruiters are targeting veterans to use these facilities, often offering incentives and misrepresenting
the services available. The facilities then excessively bill VA for unnecessary or unrendered treatment, despite providing little or no care to these vulnerable individuals. Veterans
and VA personnel can help by identifying and reporting these scams.
KNOW THE SIGNS: Veterans should beware of anyone encouraging them to go to a specific (often out-of-state) facility when a closer VA or community option is preferred, particularly if
the veteran (or their friends or relatives) are being offered incentives like plane tickets, cash, gift cards, housing, or scholarships. Individuals willing to cover the veteran’s travel
costs or provide other perks in order to get the veteran to attend a specific treatment facility may be recruiters receiving compensation without having the veteran’s best interests
in mind. Learn more about this important VA fraud alert online at https://www.vaoig.gov/sites/default/files/document/2024-12/sud_fraud_alert_december_2024_final_final.pdf <https://links-1.govdeliver
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Foqzg9aSJuswizoyfz0-wV8a5Bmg6mAy7yy_Fs=442> .
About NW MIRECC Research
VA's NW MIRECC serves to improve the mental health and well-being of Veterans through research and dissemination of information to providers both within VA and the general public. VHA
continually evolves and cultivates ongoing cutting-edge medical research and innovation to improve the lives of America’s patriots. NW MIRECC brings together complementary research,
education, and clinical programs from VA Puget Sound (VAPSHCS) and the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS). The collaborative approach to mental health research, education and
treatment has had a profound impact on the lives of Veterans.
VA ranks as one of the nation's leaders in health research. NW MIRECC research studies significantly contribute to advancements in our understanding of medical problems that lead to
health improvements for Veterans and civilians alike. The knowledge produced by NW MIRECC research efforts is disseminated through web-based and face-to-face educational offerings nationwide
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ztnA1Ffw=442> and directly implemented in our specialty clinics throughout the Northwest. This collaborative approach to mental health has had a profound impact on the lives of Veterans.
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VAPSHCS and VAPORHCS were commissioned by Congress and the VA as one of the first three MIRECCs in the United States. That center, the NW MIRECC, now provides protected research time,
developmental study support, and new resources to a diverse, multidisciplinary cadre of biostatisticians, endocrinologists, geneticists, molecular biologists, neurologists, neuropsychologists,
psychiatrists, radiologists, educators, clinicians, young investigators, and support staff, all of whom work together to deliver world-class, cutting-edge science, education, and clinical
care to Veterans and health professionals at medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics throughout Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) 20. In the Pacific Northwest,
VISN 20 serves Veterans in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, most of Idaho, and one county each in Montana and California. This important work spans three time zones and is only possible
through productive collaborations with local and national academic, government, industry, military, and community partners. Encompassing 23% of the US's land area, VISN 20 is the largest
geographic region of VA <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FAbout_NWMIRECC%2Fnwmirecc-history.asp/1/0100019c20070350-ac681896-5e20-4acc-9cef-21e20161bc46-00
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acc-9cef-21e20161bc46-000000/TXrq9LWnB1kpVFSdUkk6QRwUbygmZKky8UijtFnOzfg=442> . As of the end of FY2024, 39% of VISN 20 enrollees resided in rural or highly rural areas.
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Most notably, staff at the NW MIRECC pioneered the use of the blood pressure medication prazosin to treat trauma-related nightmares, one of the most common symptoms of military PTSD.
Due in part to our educational outreach efforts, this medication is now prescribed to over 100,000 Veterans and active-duty Servicemembers, and we continue to investigate its usefulness
for other psychiatric conditions that are common in Veterans. NW MIRECC studies are conducted through clinical research and through translational research <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:
%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2Fclinical%2Findex.asp/1/0100019c20070350-ac681896-5e20-4acc-9cef-21e20161bc46-000000/-DJPQCHbaCq9RHPTIan8j36v5EH7L-flNdNoBKv7mdk=442> wherein teams
of clinicians and scientists work side-by-side to characterize and model key features of clinical problems and then translate the findings from scientific theory or animal models into
practical applications for Veterans. Research studies at NW MIRECC are currently enrolling Military Veterans, First Responders, Health Care workers, and Civilians in Seattle, Washington
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d4fZoWlqW1xVK43UcXc=442> .
About VA Research
VA Research relies on a dynamic ecosystem - a network of interconnected partners that collectively help ensure that Veterans are our focus and benefit from real-world research and innovation.
Congress oversees the VA Research program, establishes funding, and helps to define scope. Congress can dictate specific conditions, diseases, or populations to be studied. Through legislation,
Congress ensures that VA's research remains Veteran-focused and delivers on the VA mission.
Medical Schools and Academic Medical Centers help accelerate VA Research and directly improve Veteran health care; 97% are affiliated with the VA. In return, Veterans get access to top
quality care and state-of-the-art equipment. Over 70% of all US physicians trained at a VA medical center.
VA Medical Centers are an integral part of the VA Research program. Of the 174 VA medical centers across the country, 106 support a robust research program. Because medical centers and
research are connected, Veterans quickly benefit from the results of new discoveries.
VA Researchers ensure Veterans receive state-of-art treatments, procedures, and medications each day. Nearly 90% of VA Researchers are also faculty at a US medical or osteopathic school.
Veteran Service Organizations and Partners (VSOs) advocate for Veterans and collaborate with the VA and Congress. VSOs work closely with the VA to ensure that the unique needs of Veterans
are represented in research and research funding.
Non-Profit Research Corporations (NPCs) support VA research and provide a flexible funding mechanism for approved research and education activities. NPCs have been an integral partner
and supporter of VA research since 1988. NPCs are state-chartered corporations legally distinct from VA that receive and manage research grants from other agencies and private sector
organizations. There are presently 77 NPCs nationwide.
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VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS)
Mail Stop: P3MIRECC
3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road
Portland, OR 97239
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.vetcenter.va.gov%2F/1/0100019c20070350-ac681896-5e20-4acc-9cef-21e20161bc46-000000/I1TZnV692R2u
Z3uOcAaX4nuFIU8yN-h_KmtSOL6hwBA=442> that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty
Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Vet Center Call Center 1-877-927-8387
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or any other issue they are facing in transitioning after military service or trauma and get connected to their nearest Vet Center. Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline
Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans may dial 988 and press 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans
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Use of these Materials and Finding VA Health Care: Please note that the health care information provided in these materials is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the
role of a medical practitioner for advice on care and treatment. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your nearest VA medical center by using the Veterans Integrated
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iJNn44MQWs5KLeI4=442> . Along with links to every VA medical center, VISN resources provide Annual Reports, Points of Contact, and biosketches of VA leadership. Financial Readiness resources
are also for educational purposes only. It does not replace the role of a financial advisor for advice on savings and investments. Investing in your future means saving for retirement,
college or a rainy day fund. If you're working with an investment professional, or someone is trying to sell you an investment, check them out before handing over your hard-earned money
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