Prioritizing Veteran Social Well-Being: A Call to Action.

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has an increased interest in addressing the well-being and whole health of Veterans. In March of 2023, the VA convened a conference to discuss whole-person outcomes of relevance for Veterans in clinical, research, and population health areas. Based upon perceptions from conference participants who are Veteran community members, the aim of this manuscript is to offer a Veteran community perspective on the importance of prioritizing social well-being as part of VA Whole Health programming. Through the involvement of Veterans, their caregivers and their families, the VA can offer a more culturally relevant model of holistic care that promotes social belonging, connectedness, and support for all Veterans.
Competing Interests: K.W. sits on the advisory council of the Armed Services Arts Partnership, which includes, among its mission, increased social connectedness of veterans and military-connected individuals. Her role is limited to advising on topics related to writing and publishing. H.L.W. is serving in their personal capacity. The remaining authors declare no conflict of interest.