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Health Systems Prioritize Physician Well-being to Combat Burnout and Improve Patient Care

Health Systems Prioritize Physician Well-being to Combat Burnout and Improve Patient Care

Leading U.S. health systems are actively implementing strategies to enhance physician well-being and reduce burnout, recognizing its critical role in delivering high-quality patient care and ensuring a sustainable healthcare system. Organizations like HCA Healthcare, Sanford Health, Confluence Health, Sutter Health, and Baptist Health are focusing on several key areas. These include monitoring physician burnout using assessment tools, establishing organizational commitment to workforce well-being through dedicated committees and chief wellness officer positions, and improving the efficiency of practice environments by measuring time spent on electronic health records (EHR) after work hours. Additionally, these systems are investing in leadership development for front-line physicians, enhancing teamwork through improved structures and workflows, and fostering a supportive culture by addressing stigmatizing language in credentialing processes related to mental health and substance use disorders. The American...
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Sean's House Offers Free Mental Health Support to Young Adults in Delaware

Sean's House Offers Free Mental Health Support to Young Adults in Delaware

Sean's House, a Delaware-based nonprofit organization, provides free mental health assistance to individuals aged 14 to 24. With locations in Newark and Lewes, the organization was founded in memory of University of Delaware student and basketball player Sean Locke, who died by suicide in 2018 at the age of 23. Sean's father transformed Locke's former residence on West Main Street in Newark into a mental health center offering trained, peer counseling. Since its opening in September 2020, Sean's House has served over 50,000 people. The organization recently received an NBCUniversal Local impact grant to expand its services, including additional therapy sessions and further location expansion.
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VA Secretary Doug Collins Announces Hiring of Over 2,000 Employees to Address Surging Claims

VA Secretary Doug Collins Announces Hiring of Over 2,000 Employees to Address Surging Claims

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is set to hire over 2,000 additional claims processors across the United States during fiscal year 2027. This initiative aims to manage the increasing volume of disability and pension claims filed by veterans. VA Secretary Doug Collins stated that these new hires are crucial for continuing the department's progress in claims processing volume, speed, and accuracy. In fiscal year 2026, the VA processed a record 3.1 million compensation and pension claims, while receiving over 3.15 million new claims, marking an approximate 80% increase compared to 2022. The VA currently employs more than 13,000 individuals in claims processing, achieving a 93.88% accuracy rate in fiscal year 2026, with only 3.2% of decisions appealed. The new employees will be responsible for reviewing disability claims, evaluating supporting evidence, and applying federal laws and regulations to determine benefit eligibility. The VA is actively encouraging veterans and others to apply for these posit...
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Department of Veterans Affairs Details Historical Struggle and Current Comprehensive Care for Women Veterans

Department of Veterans Affairs Details Historical Struggle and Current Comprehensive Care for Women Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has highlighted the historical journey and current provisions for women veterans' healthcare. Historically, women who served in the military, such as Civil War nurses, were often denied federal care and benefits, being classified as contract workers rather than formal military members. It wasn't until 1892 that Congress granted pensions to Union nurses. Even after women's roles in the military became more formalized with the establishment of the Army Nurse Corps in 1901 and their significant contributions in World War I, access to adequate federal healthcare remained a challenge. Facilities were not prepared to admit women, leading advocacy groups like the Women’s Overseas Service League and the American Legion to push for equitable treatment. A turning point occurred on September 14, 1923, when the Board of Managers of the National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers voted to admit women veterans, designating separate facilities for their care. Legislation in...
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Former Air Force Flight Attendant Cortni Potts Pursues Counseling Degree to Aid Veterans with PTSD

Former Air Force Flight Attendant Cortni Potts Pursues Counseling Degree to Aid Veterans with PTSD

Cortni Potts, a veteran who served 21 years in the Air Force, including 17 years as a flight attendant for high-ranking officials, is now pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at Arizona State University (ASU). Potts's career involved providing five-star service on flights for dignitaries such as First Lady Jill Biden and President Barack Obama. After retiring from active duty in 2021 and working briefly as a federal civilian, Potts was diagnosed with PTSD two years later, prompting her to seek therapy. This personal experience led her to shift her career focus towards helping other veterans, particularly those with combat PTSD. She aims to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Potts also teaches yoga at Black Swan Yoga in Phoenix, a practice she adopted during her military service to manage physical and mental strain.
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HHS Integrates VA and Defense Health into TEFCA Network to Unify Veteran and Service Member Care

HHS Integrates VA and Defense Health into TEFCA Network to Unify Veteran and Service Member Care

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), has announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) have officially joined the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). This integration is a significant step in federal health IT policy, aiming to unify military, veteran, and civilian clinical data within a single national interoperability backbone. The expansion connects active-duty service members, veterans, and their families to America’s national health information exchange network. This move is designed to ensure that clinical data flows bidirectionally between private community providers, military treatment facilities (MTFs), and VA medical centers, addressing historical fragmentation in patient care continuity. The VA and DoD join other federal agencies already on TEFCA, including the Indian Health Service (IHS), the Consumer Product Safety Com...
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Georgia's American Legion Post 90 Prioritizes Year-Round Mental Health Support for Veterans and Families

Georgia's American Legion Post 90 Prioritizes Year-Round Mental Health Support for Veterans and Families

The American Legion's Dexter Allen Post 90 in Statesboro, Georgia, is implementing a continuous approach to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, extending beyond traditional annual events. Post 90 Commander Bobby Godwin stated that their goal is to conduct one or two suicide prevention and mental health awareness training events annually to educate veterans, families, and the community on recognizing crisis signs and offering help. Since October 2023, the post has also been hosting peer support groups twice a week for veterans and once a week for spouses, providing a space for connection, shared concerns, and mutual support. These efforts aim to ensure veterans and their families feel welcome and supported, emphasizing that they do not have to face challenges alone. The post is also planning a Mental Health Stand-Down on November 14, sponsored by Post 90 and Georgia nonprofit Captivating Hope, to further promote mental health awareness, provide resources, and encourage conversations about suicid...
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Home of Record Project Expands Veteran Housing and Support in Mesa, Arizona

Home of Record Project Expands Veteran Housing and Support in Mesa, Arizona

The Home of Record Project, a nonprofit organization founded by Marine Corps veteran and Arizona State University graduate Gary Schell, is expanding its housing and support services for veterans in Mesa, Arizona. The organization's Mesa property currently features six buildings with 16 units, and renovations are underway to increase its capacity to house up to 36 veterans. These improvements aim to enhance living spaces and include plans for community partners to offer classes and connect veterans with additional resources. The project provides emergency financial assistance, eviction prevention, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing, addressing the critical needs of former service members facing homelessness or housing insecurity.
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HNTB Appoints Chris Masters as Capital Region Transit and Rail Director

HNTB Appoints Chris Masters as Capital Region Transit and Rail Director

HNTB Appoints Chris Masters as Capital Region Transit and Rail Director
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U.S. Office of Special Counsel Reports Record Outcomes in Fiscal Year 2026 Despite Government Shutdown

U.S. Office of Special Counsel Reports Record Outcomes in Fiscal Year 2026 Despite Government Shutdown

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) achieved record results in fiscal year 2026, as highlighted by Special Counsel Charles Baldis in a Federal News Network op-ed. Despite a 43-day government shutdown, the OSC resolved 363 prohibited personnel practice cases with at least one favorable outcome, marking a new record for the agency. Additionally, the OSC referred 47 whistleblower disclosures for agency investigation, the highest number since fiscal year 2021. These disclosures led to significant corrective actions, including addressing understaffing at the Federal Aviation Administration, overstaffing at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reimbursement backlogs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and systemic failures in opioid prescribing practices also at the VA. The OSC's statutory authority covers four federal laws: the Civil Service Reform Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Hatch Act, and the Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
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Department of the Interior Promotes Veteran-Led Outdoor Recreation Events and New Resource Ahead of Veterans Day

Department of the Interior Promotes Veteran-Led Outdoor Recreation Events and New Resource Ahead of Veterans Day

The Department of the Interior, in collaboration with partner agencies of the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR), has announced a series of veteran-led outdoor recreation events on public lands and waters. These events are scheduled for the week surrounding Veterans Day. Concurrently, the Interior Department and its partners have launched a new repository on Rec.gov. This online platform serves as a centralized location where veterans, service members, and military families can access information regarding various outdoor recreation opportunities offered by participating federal agencies. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized the nation's gratitude to veterans and highlighted the importance of providing them access to the country's natural beauty. FICOR Chair and Bureau of Land Management Director Stevan Pearce noted that this new resource consolidates information previously scattered across numerous agency websites, making it more accessible for military families. Events ...
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The Community Lighthouse Expands to Rio Rancho, Addressing Local Mental Health Needs

The Community Lighthouse Expands to Rio Rancho, Addressing Local Mental Health Needs

The Community Lighthouse, a therapy office with over three decades of experience in Albuquerque, has opened a new location in Rio Rancho. This expansion is driven by a recognized need for mental health support in the area, particularly for children. Meridyth Stefhon, a company representative, noted that many referrals for their services have historically come from Rio Rancho. The new office will focus on children's therapy, offering services like play therapy to help young individuals express their emotions and experiences. Additionally, The Community Lighthouse will provide support for common mental health challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression, catering to both children and adults. The organization aims to destigmatize seeking therapy by encouraging open conversations about mental health support.