VA Secretary Wilkie discusses efforts to prevent Veteran suicide, Survivors' Quick Start Guide, Get your Flu Shot today - Sept. 27, 2019

"This Week at VA" is a digital newsletter with top news and stories from across the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

TOP PHOTO: VA Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness, Daniel R. Sitterly, gets his flu shot while visiting Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Photo by Jeff Bowen. Click here to learn more about no-cost flu shot options for Veterans TOP STORIES VIDEO: President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End the National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) VA Secretary Robert Wilkie was joined by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen to discuss VA's efforts to prevent Veteran suicide. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Beyond fun and games, there's real healing at Summer Sports The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is one of six, major national events held throughout the year to address the needs of all Veterans recovering from post-traumatic stress, as well as amputations, blindness, paralysis, mobility issues and more. READ MORE VA releases Survivors Quick Start Guide Part of VA's Welcome Kit, this guide will help families identify VA Survivor benefits they may be eligible for after a Veteran loved one has passed. READ MORE VA staff's instant action prevents a Veteran suicide A Veteran told a staff member about his plans to end his life. They immediately contacted his treatment team, who provided treatment and saved his life. READ MORE Borne the Battle  This week's Borne the Battle episode features Mike Fisher, the Chief Readjustment Counseling Officer for VA's Health Administration, who discusses some of the unique and generous benefits that Vet Centers offer. Listen to the entire episode here: Borne the Battle #164 Clearing the cholesterol confusion Your VA dietitian can help you with lifestyle changes to lower your cholesterol and your risk for heart disease, and can really help clear the confusion. READ MORE VANTAGE POINT Walk-in flu clinic protects Veterans, employees, against seasonal influenza virus Veteran goes from fighting in Iraq to firefighting Stand Down helps homeless Veterans D-Day's Oldest Soldier: Theodore Roosevelt Jr. VA North Texas employees train to save lives of Veterans in crisis Postvention is key to suicide prevention says surviving spouse, advocate Vet arranges flag honor for doc's life-saving work Light-emitting diode (LED) therapy program works for this Veteran   Free flu shots for Veterans at your local Walgreens During flu season, protecting your health with a flu shot is easier than ever — and as close as your local VA or neighborhood Walgreens! VA and Walgreens care about your health and are partnering to offer enrolled Veteran patients easy access to flu shots. VA NEWS RELEASES VAReleases 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report  VA appoints a new chief data officer  VA strengthens Caregiver Support Program and expands timeline of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers  Every September, Suicide Prevention Month gives individuals and communities across the country an opportunity to reflect on the ways we can all prevent suicide, including among Veterans. You don't need special training to help prevent suicide, and even simple actions of support can make a real difference to a Veteran going through a difficult time. For instance, asking how a Veteran is doing — and listening — shows you care. Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.