Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and historic deployments across multiple eras have put service members in a difficult position. Veterans are returning from deployment with a range of physical and mental health concerns which do not improve with traditional treatment. It is no secret that better medical intervention is required to adequately address war related illness in these men and women who so selflessly serve our country.
This is why, in November of 1999, it was recommended that the VA establish centers to study war-related illnesses in Veterans. Proven models of care, research, and education were applied (similar to the way in which geriatric research was already being addressed) to place a focus on understanding war related disease and illness. Two years later, the first two WRIISC centers were established in Washington, D.C. and East Orange, NJ. A third center was created in Palo Alto, CA in 2008.
The WRIISC is intended to be a post-deployment health resource for Veterans and their families. They focus on providing assessments and evaluations for Veterans with chronic, medically unexplained, or difficult to diagnose symptoms that may be related to deployment. With the information collected, the VA is committed to research and establish innovative treatments that will improve the overall health of our Nation’s Veterans.
Veterans’ Health Matters is a podcast established in mid 2020 and sponsored by the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center. Hosts provide up to date information – intended for Veterans, their families, and medical care teams – about recent findings and advancements in treatment for these illnesses.
The podcast is a great resource for any person suffering from post-deployment health concerns. While it might not provide a comprehensive view of all health issues that impact Veterans, it can get the ball rolling for anyone who feels like they need help but doesn’t know where to start. Stream Veterans Health Matters wherever you find your podcasts.
For more information on the War Related Illness and Injury Study, deployment exposures, health conditions, and the research center, visit www.warrelatedillness.va.gov.
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