Secretary of the VA Outlines Priorities for the Future at Gaming Summit

In a large gesture of support, the Secretary of the VA attended the Warrior Gaming (GMR) Foundation Mental Health and Gamming Summit.

Pop Smoke Media Founder, Daniel Sharp spoke with Secretary McDonough about the importance of having Veterans involved in decision making, during a live broadcast of the event.

Secretary McDonough emphasized the VA's commitment to listening to Veterans and outlined the following priorities:

• Focusing on continuity of care to avoid having Veterans not have to "re-tell their story" over and over again with new providers.
• Stepping away from the historic overreliance of prescribing psychiatric medication, and opioids, to treat Veterans.
• Offering access to alternative modalities to include psychedelics, yoga, acupuncture, chiropractors, mindfulness, and massage therapy.

In conclusion, Secretary McDonough reaffirmed that the VA is striving to "come to meet Veterans where they are."

He expanded by saying that previously, the VA had expected Veterans to conform their lives around the VA, and that needed to change. Furthermore, one of the ways the VA intends to improve was by providing more virtual outreach initiatives, and access to therapeutic VR options.