The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Research Service is devoted to uncovering new knowledge, cultivating the next generation of VA research pioneers and healthcare leaders, and driving innovative solutions.
We are committed to ensuring veterans have opportunities to benefit from and actively participate in the ongoing world of medical discovery. Our ultimate goal is to harness the power of research to enhance the health and well-being of all veterans.
Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)
The Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC) is dedicated to transforming the lives of our older veterans. Through groundbreaking research, leading-edge clinical care, and enriching educational programs, we empower veterans to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Explore the Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center.
Rocky Mountain MIRECC (Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center) for Suicide Prevention
The Rocky Mountain MIRECC is on a mission to understand and reduce suicidal thoughts and actions within the veteran population. Our work has the potential to significantly alleviate the burden of suicide in this community. The Rocky Mountain MIRECC focuses on developing promising clinical interventions, as well as exploring the cognitive and neurological factors that contribute to suicidal ideation and behavior, paving the way for innovative prevention strategies.
We envision a future where veterans, their families, and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) have access to more information and treatment options. We recognize the vital role stakeholders like you play in achieving this vision, ensuring that care decisions and practices are centered around reducing suicide risk. Learn more about Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention.
Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation (COIN)
Building upon decades of impactful research and quality improvement initiatives, the Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation (COIN) focuses on creating a more Veteran-centered and value-driven healthcare system. Our COIN’s key goals are to:
- Conduct high-quality health systems research, encompassing areas such as access to care, cardiac care, and pain management, all aimed at promoting Veteran-centered and value-driven care.
- Disseminate our findings to advance the well-being of Veterans.
- Collaborate closely with VHA policy and operational leaders, valuing their insights and expertise to ensure that research results are translated into real-world clinical practice.
- Develop and mentor the next generation of health systems researchers, safeguarding that our work continues to make a lasting difference in the future of healthcare.
Learn more about Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation (COIN).
Interview: Uncovering Innovations in Veteran Healthcare
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news, where we explore the latest advancements in various fields. Today, we’re privileged to have Dr. Emily Carter, a senior researcher at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Research Service. Dr. Carter, thank you for being here.
Dr. Emily Carter (EC): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share our work and its impact on veterans’ lives.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is known for fostering innovative solutions and cultivating future healthcare leaders. Can you elaborate on how you are achieving this?
EC: Absolutely. Our approach centers around three core tenets: groundbreaking research, education, and community engagement. We not only focus on uncovering new medical knowledge but also ensure that emerging researchers—particularly those passionate about veteran health—are supported through mentorship and funding opportunities. This dual focus allows us to push boundaries in veteran healthcare.
TNE: That’s incredible. Could you highlight some specific projects or advancements that have arisen from your research efforts?
EC: Certainly! One of the flagship programs is our Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, or GRECC. We are conducting pioneering research aimed at improving the lives of older veterans. Our studies have led to better understanding of geriatric syndromes, ultimately enhancing clinical care and educational resources for both veterans and healthcare providers.
TNE: It’s heartening to hear about those advancements. You also mentioned the Rocky Mountain MIRECC, which focuses on suicide prevention within the veteran community. What innovative strategies are being developed there?
EC: The Rocky Mountain MIRECC is dedicated to tackling the complex issue of veteran suicide through both clinical interventions and research into the cognitive and neurological factors contributing to suicidal ideation. We are exploring psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and employing cutting-edge neurobiology studies to better understand the brain mechanisms involved.
TNE: Mental health is such a crucial aspect of veteran care. How do you involve veterans in your research processes?
EC: Veterans are at the heart of our mission. We actively engage them in our research through focus groups, participant recruitment for clinical trials, and advisory councils. Their input not only shapes our research initiatives but also ensures that we remain responsive to their unique needs and experiences.
TNE: It’s fantastic to see such collaboration. Speaking to the future, how do you envision the role of innovation in veteran healthcare evolving over the next few years?
EC: I believe we will see a greater integration of technology, such as telehealth and digital mental health platforms, providing veterans with more accessible care. Additionally, I envision enhanced personalized medicine approaches, tailoring treatments to individual veterans based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
TNE: That sounds promising! Before we wrap up, what message do you want to convey to veterans about the ongoing research and its impact on their lives?
EC: I want veterans to know that the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is deeply committed to them. Our ongoing research aims to enhance their health and well-being, providing them with opportunities to not only receive care but also to participate and contribute to the ongoing journey of medical discovery. We are here to support them every step of the way.
TNE: Dr. Carter, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. It’s inspiring to see such dedication toward improving the health of our veterans.
EC: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to discuss our work, and I hope more veterans will engage with and benefit from the resources we offer.
TNE: We look forward to more breakthroughs in veteran healthcare. Thank you for joining us!