The Million Veterans Program (MVP) is a health research program inviting veterans to participate in improving health and wellness in the veteran population as a whole. What started as a dream in 2011 to enroll a million veterans is now a reality as more than 1,050,000 veterans have now joined the program.

MVP studies the interactions between health and wellness, genes, lifestyle, military experiences, and exposures. Current research areas include the following: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, Cancers, Cardiovascular Disease, Cholesterol, COVID-19, Diabetes, Gulf War Illness, Kidney Disease, Macular Degeneration, Mental Health, Military Experiences and Exposures, Osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Use Disorders, Suicide Risk, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Tinnitus.

Particular strides have been made in the area of brain health, with the understanding of the relationship between PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), genetics, and dementia. A strong causal relationship has been found, for example, between TBI-PTSD and dementia. Many veterans who report suicidal ideation also experience several sleep problems such as insomnia. Others who attempted suicide had a harder time absorbing oxytocin, a natural hormone that encourages interaction with and trust in others.   

MVP is yielding great results because it includes veterans from all backgrounds. Despite its successful 13-year history in garnering the million participants, the program continues to invite every veteran across race, gender, age, ability, and service branch to join the effort.