Million Veteran Program Enrolls Millionth Veteran

The Million Veteran Program (MVP) enrolled its one-millionth veteran in November 2023, making it the largest, most diverse genetic research program within a health care system in the world.

Launched in 2011, the MVP aims for its research findings to identify news ways to detect, prevent, and treat health conditions important to veterans. To date, the program has advanced understanding in several areas, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and mental health.

In recognition of the recruitment milestone, Disabled American Veterans, the National Association of Veterans’ Research and Education Foundations, and other veteran advocacy organizations explained why they support the MVP on the VA News website.

“The potential of MVP-driven science has the ability to accelerate progress in various research areas, especially in improving how we deliver precision care to veterans,” Hawk Tran, chief operating officer of the National Association of Veterans’ Research and Education Foundations, told the website.

Other organizations echoed the sentiment. A Disabled American Veterans spokesperson noted the program’s role in providing a “holistic view of how genes, lifestyle, military experiences, and various exposures affect the health and well-being” of veterans. The Military Women’s Collective appreciated the program’s “unwavering dedication to improving the lives of veterans through research, community building, and advocacy.”

With its own focus on collaboration to support regional veterans, the San Diego Veterans Coalition considers the MVP an integral part of the veteran ecosystem. Coalition president Ron Stark noted the “the health care innovations and discoveries that have already been made” as well as those still to be discovered.

The mental-health focused Objective Zero Foundation and PsychArmor also noted their groups’ alignment with the MVP mission. The Objective Zero Foundation Program Manager Glori Fernandez and Executive Director Betsey Mercado stated, “It’s a way to give back … while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.”

“With our focus on public health solutions and improved wellness outcomes for … the military-connected community, PsychArmor understands firsthand the imperative for more data and understanding of the veteran population,” Carole Turner, PsychArmor senior advisor, told VA News.

References

Oriel A. Veteran organizations’ support for the Million Veteran Program. VA News. January 23, 2024. Accessed January 26, 2024.

Oriel A. One million strong: VA’s Million Veteran Program makes history. VA News. November 15, 2023. Accessed January 26, 2024.