The Million Veteran Program (MVP) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a national research program looking at how genes, lifestyle, military experiences, and exposures affect health and wellness in veterans. Since launching in 2011, approximately 960,000 veterans have joined MVP, making it the largest research effort at VA to improve health care for veterans and one of the largest research programs in the world studying genes and health. As part of its push to reach a million participants with 40,000 more to join, MVP will be in St. Louis to participate in the BVA 78th National Convention’s Exhibit Hall and other activities August 15-16.
MVP is studying heart health—what puts people at risk and what protects them from different kinds of heart diseases. Various forms of cancer are also part of the research with a goal to contribute to advances in treatment and prevention. The project is further focused on wellness—discovering ways for veterans to live healthier lives through nutrition and lifestyle choices. In the mental health area, MVP is working to find earlier and better preventions for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Veterans can join MVP online via a secure sign-in process through one of its sign-in partners such as MyHealtheVet, DS Logon, LOGIN.gov, or ID.me. They then complete the consent process which allows MVP to access their health records. A blood sample is then provided, either by mail or by scheduling an appointment at a participating VA facility. Veterans are then asked to complete surveys about health, lifestyle, military experiences, and exposures.
Most of the steps for participating in the program can be covered by convention attendees who visit MVP in Booth 116 at the National Convention from 9:30am until 5:30pm on August 15 and from 8:00am until 5:30pm on August 16. A blood sample can be drawn onsite in the Pershing Room of the St. Louis Grand from 9:30am until 5:00pm both days.
“I want to be able to raise my hand and be a part of some research that can be groundbreaking for men and women who have served,” said Army veteran and MVP participant Terence Hayes, who explains in greater detail in a testimonial video why he decided to participate in the MVP initiative. View the video here. For more information about MVP and how to join the campaign, click here.
