VA Whole Health Program | Personalized Veteran Care & Wellness

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VA Whole Health Program | Personalized Veteran Care & Wellness

Welcome to the Whole Health Page of my website.

I am proud to express my strong support and appreciation for the VA Whole Health Program and the meaningful, positive impact it has had on my life and the lives of many fellow veterans.

After completing both the Intermediate and Advanced Whole Health classes—eight sessions in total—I can confidently say this program is truly life-changing. It shifts the focus from simply treating illness to empowering veterans to take control of their overall well-being.

Through the program, I discovered what truly matters to me using Mission, Aspiration, and Purpose (MAP). This process helped me create a personalized health plan aligned with my goals and values.

The holistic approach—addressing physical, mental, and emotional health—has improved my stress management, mental clarity, and overall quality of life.
Access to complementary and integrative health services such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi has been especially impactful.

These practices provide practical tools that I continue to use every day.
I have also seen how this program helps reduce reliance on medications, including opioids for chronic pain, while improving mental health and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.

This page is dedicated to sharing the value, purpose, and life-changing impact of the VA Whole Health Program—not just as a concept, but through real experience. Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or simply exploring better ways to support your well-being, this approach offers something meaningful for everyone.

What is Whole Health?

Whole Health supports your health and well-being by focusing on what matters most to you—not just what is the matter with you. This personalized approach means your care team takes time to understand you as a person, helping you build a health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.

Start Your Journey with Whole Health

Take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life with a program designed around you.

Overview

Whole Health is a new way of thinking about and approaching care. Instead of focusing only on illness, it puts you at the center of your health journey. Through meaningful conversations, courses, and support from VA staff and fellow veterans, you will identify your personal goals and build a path toward improved well-being.
This approach empowers you to take an active role in your health, focusing on prevention, self-care, and long-term wellness.

Build Your Personal Health Plan

Your journey begins with a conversation. From there, you will complete a Personal Health Inventory and work with your care team to build a personalized plan using SMART goal.
Your plan reflects your unique priorities and may include:

• Clinical care
• Self-care practices
• Peer support
• Educational resources

The Personal Health Inventory uses the Circle of Health to explore all aspects of your life that influence your well-being, helping you create a plan that is both realistic and meaningful.

Take a Veteran-Led Course

Introduction to Whole Health

This peer-led, 2-hour session introduces you to the Whole Health approach. You will explore the Circle of Health and begin creating your Personal Health Plan in a supportive group setting.

Taking Charge of My Life and Health

This 9-week, veteran-led course offers deeper self-exploration, goal setting, and practical tools to help you take control of your health and well-being.

Explore the Circle of Health

The Circle of Health highlights the connection between different areas of your life—physical, emotional, mental, and social. Improving one area can positively impact others, creating a ripple effect that enhances your overall health and quality of life.

Why Whole Health Matters

Research and real-world experiences show that the Whole Health approach leads to:

• Better stress management
• Improved mental health
• Healthier lifestyle choices
• Reduced reliance on opioids
• Greater sense of purpose and well-being

A Call for Continued Support

Programs like Whole Health demonstrate the VA’s commitment to treating veterans as whole people—not just patients. I strongly encourage continued support, expansion, and promotion of this program so more veterans can benefit from this forward-thinking, highly effective approach to care.