HomeMy WebLinkAbout071526 - At the Table_ A New Series with U_S_ Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen VadenALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Founded in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law an act of Congress establishing the United States Department of Agriculture
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2022/05/5917042/usvhavisn20-logo_original.png>
NewsFlash
At the Table: A New Series with U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=
govdelivery%26v=twKfczxvOO4/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/W6W-RX0H5A8SEZo7yjtOfrQlzfDZ1k8bNdjKPBp-DrM=452>
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D. is excited to launch the first episode of At the Table, a new series where he sits down with leaders across
government and the community to talk about programs and opportunities that support Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.youtube.co
m%2Fwatch%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%26v=twKfczxvOO4/2/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/M54K-8S-GHTavLiphDX13qZ5jvptTFpBqfoeMra8ERU=452>
.
Dr. Lawrence's goal with this series is to create a space where he can highlight resources, programs, and share real success stories that help Veterans build strong futures.
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2026/06/13803251/6932497/vha80_crop.jpg>
In this first episode, Dr. Lawrence talks with USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden about how Veterans can find purpose and opportunity in agriculture and how USDA supports them with
training, financial tools, and dedicated resources.
Dr. Lawrence looks forward to bringing more voices to the table in future episodes and continuing to shine a light on programs that make a difference.
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2025/06/11790968/6527628/divider_crop.jpg>
Farmers.gov <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.farmers.gov%2Fyour-business%2Fmilitary-veterans%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2
-51aa611c0be1-000000/a_eCwOTAr0Aqo_exVrwnqleoKimMkOBRmIGKXJAi-jo=452>
Are you returning home to the family farm or ranch, or starting your own after military service? Transitioning to a new civilian career can be a big adjustment.
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2026/03/13257294/nwmirecc_original.jpg>
➤ NewsFlash <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2Findex.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-
51aa611c0be1-000000/8GCP8grzHLU1rkLqoVNk5MwksIfHhrzBrnsZCLMqMzA=452>
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa61
1c0be1-000000/YAKNZBzrS2K8ADcAiC_HkxSNi8vGlIfjUiN8j9vhBQE=452> ➤ Adaptive Sports <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FAdaptiveSports.asp%3Futm_med
ium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/n6oDMMRkjNoW-BCr-f-bCsVg69753iD4jvLW4PoPdsA=452>
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa61
1c0be1-000000/Jr3MAhXIgq8cLnNiKCrvKZPEyWPkOq6tT7McT0ZF6ps=452> ➤ Financial Readiness <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FFinancialReadiness.asp%3
Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/Qvkj9YOXxv8RDodvODF7s0pt6G1Lz1zcxeqOXAVnn-k=452>
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/3/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa61
1c0be1-000000/0n5I5k4wvNjjNc0obmwwbp2yyB5EVcrPM7wVAnwGGF8=452> ➤ Resources <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2Fresources.asp%3Futm_medium=email%2
6utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/nRmpin0Rsv0wbB_d6B_eMsm0KboSnZDA8kmhui1YLmA=452>
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/4/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa61
1c0be1-000000/1znCVrCV4zk1dkKmcFsdkdF7pHlP82tYqFzPWrwh124=452> ➢ Brochures <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2Fbrochures.asp%3Futm_medium=email
%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/sUFZu2R3ThA_foVMspGOdBa-Pd2w2v185PiZQiCOv1A=452>
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/5/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa61
1c0be1-000000/vSV3PD0gzbM4Cvc1hR0iSQhRbbKuzgAdNKLjZHQoSR4=452> ➢ Digital Media <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FDigitalMedia.asp%3Futm_mediu
m=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/DfFuxhmBkI8qhOPh2oepLqm2_6PMej0FFnMS0nv5dtw=452>
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/6/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa61
1c0be1-000000/qq-ynT3cCwGEkfG9MK0Ws8pRplwdtukJ0t_SjkW06K0=452> ➤ Service Dogs <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FServiceDogs.asp%3Futm_medium=em
ail%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/rhL580IK4rDvW5a5W1f93mDhJ2TBBKRuHOSEpIBLCHQ=452>
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/7/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa61
1c0be1-000000/2tKoHJ-CSUcCEXv_x5k7Ibjszo2jfW9iiyYyulS-dfo=452> ➤ Transition Assistance <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FTransitionAssistance.a
sp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/Gq5ZVIo21wlu7ouSuELk6qDUoOB9nG8rREhQrVWE6Lw=452>
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/8/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa61
1c0be1-000000/_Owel17gztOCILyImv3iRRXzTfudG0FLXxX4mdm7_Zs=452> ➤ Warrior Care <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp%3Futm_medium=em
ail%26utm_source=govdelivery/9/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/MNthixYol8R67bZqhpoVNFutNq8YakL6Y-iZxkYpvQ8=452>
➢ U.S. Flag and Holidays <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FUS-Flag.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2c
a-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/pMPIMcSYpJv26adppm_ddYKIjOAA5cGJ92m8LYAruZs=452>
FORWARD MARCH: Founded in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law an act of Congress establishing the United States Department of Agriculture.
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2023/11/8500696/6706918/veteransdaystar_crop.png>
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2025/06/11790968/divider_original.jpg>
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has resources available to help. Start by learning how programs can serve you, connecting to USDA staff for support, and discovering how other veterans
have used USDA programs for their operations.
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2025/02/11125999/6029797/usarmedforces-1_crop.png>
USDA defines a military veteran farmer or rancher as a producer who served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, including the reserve components
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.farmers.gov%2Fyour-business%2Fmilitary-veterans%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0b
e1-000000/5h105sKeOCZjGAX3Zy7qKT0riAJzG-1qFuGZFITTbF4=452> . All individual members of a legal entity or a joint operation must independently meet the veteran definition.
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-growing-momentum-behind-usdas-product-usa-label-10-n
ew-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/cPa1F-8tW4LK8HWBNTiXCEV4xmTvLHwTOiUbsDL78Vc=452>
The newest companies to adopt USDA’s Product of USA label include:
* Harris Ranch – California <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-growing-momentum-behind-u
sdas-product-usa-label-10-new-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/zTTb7wJ1_oeXE7M6zpT7CWs_pkmz52831zas7S8SedI=
452>
* One World Beef – California <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-growing-momentum-behind
-usdas-product-usa-label-10-new-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/3/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/WwVfzGfyIvg-iJ7WrS8XfGTk5UBKKvq1X147gQRwVx
g=452>
* Upper Iowa Beef – Iowa <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-growing-momentum-behind-usda
s-product-usa-label-10-new-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/4/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/aidVj4bwtckVA_MPHo06Fzo9qHkLgE8V5KJoIkLBXnY=452
>
* American Foods Group (AFG) – Multiple locations <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-gro
wing-momentum-behind-usdas-product-usa-label-10-new-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/5/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/ulTo0iVMz7vnnN7nLhFVwf
RmU5AWE2d6nZ08NrkiRz4=452>
* Agri Beef – Idaho <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-growing-momentum-behind-usdas-pro
duct-usa-label-10-new-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/6/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/6Zj0QNcobLZsvfV001uY21DwGxq6752Ih3kLKIn4MJs=452>
* FPL Food – Georgia <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-growing-momentum-behind-usdas-pr
oduct-usa-label-10-new-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/7/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/scaYIJzdWA3v29K4dPwJivs676HDOIgmZF91_71nRU0=452>
* Hadrick Farms – South Dakota <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-growing-momentum-behin
d-usdas-product-usa-label-10-new-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/8/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/A_X993HI2_exFwopAsRmhUB9R_2lD3OYyeG8em6du
Hg=452>
* Fort Worth Meats – Texas <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-growing-momentum-behind-us
das-product-usa-label-10-new-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/9/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/9qqJ5hp215awkM7hky3c_ZloiNjYJTcld6pAti_HRoU=4
52>
* Wholestone Farms – Nebraska <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-growing-momentum-behind
-usdas-product-usa-label-10-new-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/10/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/QC6gA-EbMzgQtWAugE5JWx55Olmz0zgN5sQ9KLRA9
_0=452>
* Harrison’s Poultry – Illinois <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usda.gov%2Fabout-usda%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2F2026%2F07%2F10%2Fsecretary-rollins-announces-growing-momentum-behi
nd-usdas-product-usa-label-10-new-companies-joining%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/11/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/Dl0TSvE4mUnxoRVgspdqyeZxUuJ-GOFRQUbfeTZ
2Zkw=452>
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdepartment.va.gov%2Fhistory%2Ffreedom-250%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-0000
00/wrLb15ClE4aRNcXXuPLg3XpooIMZ41nQWJ7obFC2L1M=452>
Buy, build, repair or refinance your home through USDA Rural Development <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.rd.usda.gov%2Fprograms-services%2Fsingle-family-housing-programs%3Futm_me
dium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/EIGiDHKzK6-EIl2ed2ZS2GU-DNnM7rmG-n2B6oYTYpE=452>
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2026/06/13884332/7011786/homeloansoldsign_crop.png>
Well built, affordable housing is essential to the vitality of communities in rural America. USDA's Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Programs <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2
Fwww.rd.usda.gov%2Fprograms-services%2Fsingle-family-housing-programs%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/kfBtZBMne29BBe54L8r18M
ctus2gR9Tbdpc8fPj2CRI=452> give families and individuals the opportunity to buy, build, or repair affordable homes located in rural America. Eligibility for these loans, loan guarantees,
and grants is based on income and varies according to the average median income for each area.
Through the program options below, USDA Rural Development offers qualifying individuals and families the opportunity to purchase or build a new single family home with no money down,
to repair their existing home, or to refinance their current mortgage under certain qualifying circumstances. There are also programs to assist non-profit entities in their efforts
to provide new homes or home repair to qualifying individuals and families.
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2025/06/11790968/divider_original.jpg>
Help enhance Veteran care by forwarding this email to your colleagues.
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdepartment.va.gov%2Fveterans-day%2Fposter%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-0000
00/FlwRQeJg6DTldMLTMERfRjBZhjrDgTpeGPkfdNCRV1o=452>
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2025/06/11811670/6297679/usflag_crop.jpg>
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 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FAbout_NWMIRECC%2Fnwmirecc-histor
y.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/OgoOaPQsF0eRyGIuhr5qP-ccsFgqs3-xSLN41vlMDLg=452> to improve the lives
of America’s patriots. VA's Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20 serves Alaska, Washington, Oregon, most of Idaho, and one county each in Montana and California. Operating
across three time zones over 817,417 square miles, VISN 20 is the largest geographic region of VA, spanning 23% of US land mass. 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.
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2026/03/13257407/6743916/puget-sound-washington-va-medical-center_crop.jpg>
VAPSHCS and VAPORHCS were commissioned by Congress and the VA as one of the first three MIRECCs in the United States <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outloo
k.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%252Fvisn20%252FAbout_NWMIRECC%252Fnwmirecc-history.asp%26data=05%257C02%257C%257Cb62e861b39334593693308dc2d828a49%257Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251a
b3bf%257C0%257C0%257C638435285899560228%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=VdwUqaI%252B7itapmlk9pptEN7U1n1fg
6%252FyJXHVAEHVr%252F4%253D%26reserved=0/1/01000194b0cb14ca-ac446921-8aa6-4ef1-b529-d0324b9dc2cb-000000/XKWGNaSEeA4Qr0A-fszk2d30V6QGn1vhm65dwQ8wbm0=390?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery>
. The mission of NW MIRECC is to improve the quality of life and function of Veterans by developing, evaluating, and promoting the implementation of effective treatments for Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its complex comorbidities. PTSD comorbidities include the behavioral consequences of repetitive blast mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), Substance Use Disorder
(SUD), chronic pain (in particular, post-concussive headaches), cognitive impairment, and increased risk for neurodegenerative disorders (chronic traumatic encephalopathy [CTE] and
Alzheimer’s disease [AD]). VA MIRECC's provide for the improvement of the provision of health-care services and related counseling services to eligible veterans suffering from mental
illness (especially mental illness related to service-related conditions) through—
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2026/02/13098077/6723832/woundedwarriormountrainier_crop.jpg>
• the conduct of research (including research on improving mental health service facilities of the Department and on improving the delivery of mental health services by the Department);
• the education and training of health care personnel of the Department; and
• the development of improved models and systems for the furnishing of mental health services by the Department.
As part of the VISN 20 NW MIRECC mission to enhance access to mental health expertise, the NW MIRECC collaborates and consults with other MIRECCs and Centers of Excellence, as well as
with other VA, Department of Defense (DoD), Federal, State departments of Veterans Affairs, community agencies, and experts. The close geographic proximity (40 miles) of DoD Joint Base
Lewis-McChord/Madigan Army Medical Center to VAPSHCS has provided an exciting opportunity to develop innovative and productive research, education, and clinical care collaborations
with DoD personnel that address PTSD and its associated conditions in their early stages in active-duty Servicemembers.
VA ranks as one of the nation's leaders in health research. Every year, thousands of research studies are conducted at VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. For
example, the VA has:
<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/USVHAVISN20/2026/02/13098080/6723833/1078a_crop.jpg>
• Developed artificial limbs that allow amputees to have more independence and better quality of life
• Invented the cardiac pacemaker
• Performed the first successful liver transplantation
• Developed the nicotine patch to help people stop smoking
• Played a major role in the development of the CT/CAT scan to view the inside of the body
• Tested new drugs and treatments for diseases such as AIDS, Diabetes, Alzheimer's and Osteoporosis
NW MIRECC research studies significantly contribute to advancements in our understanding of medical problems that lead to health improvements for Veterans and civilians alike. Research
studies at NW MIRECC are currently enrolling Military Veterans, First Responders, Health Care workers, and Civilians in Seattle, Washington <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.saf
elinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257C%257C8f0c3bb6a4bc45de764f08dd402ff634%257Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%257C0%257C0%257C638737296918060739%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB
0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=L6VHetJD9QCgTyX4RdNWo27PpxnDG7mRtmHCtfHSK6A%253D%26url=https%253A%2
52F%252Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%25252Fvisn20%25252Fresearch%25252Fptsd-tbi-research.asp%252F1%252F01000194b0cb14ca-ac446921-8aa6-4ef1-b529-d0324b
9dc2cb-000000%252F61ZqhBU8mNfLUahonm_JkBBUKvC65z7PGuBwsvNcMd8%253D390%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-7
08a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/Wm-aNyk0exthrjjHO-SMwNzJaxEK2ALk6tskVuaW98k=452> .
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FUSVHAVISN20%2Fsignup%2F46011/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/4FQNxSHR0j-vJgG9qtNqx
AD5TFipiiaqJppvVCvgNNg=452>
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%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708
a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/7dy4Fj6IUQukwEs_OT2Vsn4mEJY5XzBSPf-nbcgwXSY=452> 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 (1-877-WAR-VETS) <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.vetcenter.va.gov%2FVETCENTER%2Fmedia%2FCall-Center-PSA.asp%3Futm_medium=em
ail%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/BWLlgLB9d-lpd3miohXJqxteO-2_XNxK7wB29nHGn9Q=452> is an around the clock confidential call
center where Veterans, service members and their families can talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in transitioning after military service or trauma
and get connected to their nearest Vet Center. The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The Veterans Crisis Line can help even if you're not enrolled in VA benefits or health care. Available 24/7: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat live (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat <https://links-1.govdeliver
y.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.veteranscrisisline.net%2Fget-help-now%2Fchat%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/lhpPgVj6cz5HHrnGOw
N5tcT6f42TR9qZsy899QFUot8=452> ), or text 838255.
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
Service Network (VISN) map <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdepartment.va.gov%2Fintegrated-service-networks%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca
-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/g9aiEbJnveq9FBQ70rYT_3nfTNlkUkHkc7m5BN_hSVo=452> <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2FHEALTH%2Fvisns.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=
govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/TArso6wa_PCrVoisolKnH3eKCW2HV-9z9XZ2F6OqPFw=452> . NewsFlash <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.
gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2Findex.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/bNTNLvqhjqUxN3siKmxyz5f-ep569R3c97cFRIbAVLQ=452>
and Financial Readiness <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FFinancialReadiness.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019f6621e4
ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/4-G6-i-yqbyMdXhLPmuZzfqqvPRpykWiQ32QYLJFAxc=452> 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 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fadviserinfo.sec.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%2
6utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/5f_FYFu5TWWP3ZdguBYCZRw4SnjmFCGcZMXDZYWiHC4=452> . NewsFlash pages may contain links that will
take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
________________________________
VA Web Disclaimers
Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute
or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of
the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. Disclaimer of Hyperlinks: The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute
endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department
does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department and the
VA website. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate and about specific additional external links which you believe ought to be included.
Disclaimer of Liability: With respect to documents available from this server, neither the United States Government nor any of its employees, makes any warranty, express or implied,
including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any
information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference from this web page or from any of the information
services sponsored by the VA to any non-governmental entity, product, service or information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the VA or any of its employees.
We are not responsible for the content of any "off-site" web pages referenced from this server. Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement
of products or services on the part of the VA. The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.
Sent on behalf of:
US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420
Veterans Health Administration — VISN 20 MIRECC <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-7
08a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/iKnDT4svfL3AisyKevasXF4xsp76UtFtGy47A8oz30o=452>
1-877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)
Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdeli
very.com%2Faccounts%2FUSVHAVISN20%2Fsubscriber%2Fnew%3Fpreferences=true/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/YAz29OydEVCDac3Wtj-epPymxnh8QLeLXUUTU3C0UeQ=452>
.
________________________________
This email was sent to jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: USDVA Veterans Health Administration — VISN-20 MIRECC · Northwest MIRECC · Portland,
OR 97239 <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgranicus.com%2Fsolution%2Fdigital-communication-engagement%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a
-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/1_rFx4nj4OeGd0gyodBDDPInKQ9vKb3j_kAnDhk9-Uc=452>
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CI1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/d4qy4M7vFYFjnSnrVZaCYeJOzFwq1nDU-XnZlJI5DK4=452>
2F%2Fwww.vetcenter.va.gov%2FVETCENTER%2Fmedia%2FCall-Center-PSA.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/BWLlgLB9d-lpd3miohXJqxte
O-2_XNxK7wB29nHGn9Q=452","url/anchorText":"Vet Center Call Center 1-877-927-8387 (1-877-WAR-VETS)","url/urlTextSpan":{"beginIndex":70054,"length":54},"@EntityId":"662cc412-669e-483c-8a26-3645657de947
","@extractionTimeUtc":"2026-07-15T14:16:10.2711908\u002B00:00"},{"url":"https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.veteranscrisisline.net%2Fget-help-now%2Fchat%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_s
ource=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/lhpPgVj6cz5HHrnGOwN5tcT6f42TR9qZsy899QFUot8=452","url/anchorText":"VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat","url/urlTextSpan":{"be
ginIndex":71180,"length":27},"@EntityId":"bba4ec5d-d29c-4f32-847e-dd7bec94511a","@extractionTimeUtc":"2026-07-15T14:16:10.2711924\u002B00:00"},{"url":"https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2F
department.va.gov%2Fintegrated-service-networks%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/g9aiEbJnveq9FBQ70rYT_3nfTNlkUkHkc7m5BN_hS
Vo=452","url/anchorText":"find your nearest VA medical center by using the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) map","url/urlTextSpan":{"beginIndex":72001,"length":95},"@EntityId":"d357518c-5b1
8-4e56-b027-2ee133fa3894","@extractionTimeUtc":"2026-07-15T14:16:10.2711954\u002B00:00"},{"url":"https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2FHEALTH%2Fvisns.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26u
tm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/TArso6wa_PCrVoisolKnH3eKCW2HV-9z9XZ2F6OqPFw=452","url/anchorText":"","url/urlTextSpan":{"beginIndex":72501,"length
":0},"@EntityId":"36fe3671-f291-47f5-abd0-7623e82ff7c5","@extractionTimeUtc":"2026-07-15T14:16:10.2711977\u002B00:00"},{"url":"https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn
20%2FNewsflash%2Findex.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-000000/bNTNLvqhjqUxN3siKmxyz5f-ep569R3c97cFRIbAVLQ=452","url/anchorText"
:"NewsFlash","url/urlTextSpan":{"beginIndex":72853,"length":9},"@EntityId":"c6f4c3a3-1296-42b6-9be8-a8e1b80472f1","@extractionTimeUtc":"2026-07-15T14:16:10.2712002\u002B00:00"},{"url":"https://links-
1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FFinancialReadiness.asp%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/2/0100019f6621e4ed-bb67e2ca-708a-4938-89c2-51aa611c0be1-0
00000/4-G6-i-yqbyMdXhLɋ䤀㉎ࣈប匨✋