 On Purple Heart Day, August 7, 2025, we pause to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who were wounded or gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
This day reminds us of the high cost of freedom and the unwavering bravery of the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.
The Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration still awarded in the United States Army, traces its origins to 1782 when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit to recognize exceptional service during the Revolutionary War.
The Purple Heart is awarded to service members who are wounded or killed in action, symbolizing their profound sacrifice. Its purple color stands as a tribute to the courage of all who have suffered wounds in battle.
National Purple Heart Day offers us a moment to reflect with gratitude on the service and sacrifice of our nation’s Purple Heart recipients.
Thank you Veterans for your service and continued dedication, today and every day.
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 Veterans from the Durham VA Health Care System were all smiles as they came together at the 2026 National Veteran Golden Age Games and the National Veteran Wheelchair Games. With support from our Rehabilitation staff, these athletes trained hard, traveled far, and returned home with outstanding results.
At the Golden Age Games in Tampa, 22 members of the Carolina Bulls team brought home 12 Gold, 8 Silver, and 9 Bronze medals, along with numerous top‑ten ribbons.
Just days later, our Durham Avengers traveled to Detroit for the Wheelchair Games, where four remarkable Veterans earned 7 Gold, 5 Silver, and 3 Bronze medals across highly competitive events.
Our staff’s commitment to helping Veterans prepare, stay focused, and feel supported during these national events continues to serve as a powerful reminder to focus on the health and well-being of Veterans 55 and older. It is the perfect opportunity for Veterans across the country to reunite and inspire one another to stay active, regardless of age or ability.
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Two youth volunteers, Benji Holl and Jacob Rabinovitz, are working with the Veteran Experience Office and were excited to take on a project to install phone charging stations as part of the Summer Youth Program. Their project is designed to support Veterans who may not have access to chargers, including homeless Veterans, as well as those who spend long periods in waiting areas.
Rachel Strawder, Medical Support Assistant with the Veteran Experience Office, helped oversee this project and noted that charging stations already fill an important gap for Veterans and families who rely on their phones during long visits at the medical center.
“The stations provide direct access to charging for homeless Veterans who may not have access to chargers or for family members coming in during emergencies,” said Strawder.
The stations are located throughout the medical center, including the Emergency Department, the Information Desk waiting area, the pharmacy waiting area, several first-floor clinics and labs, the Discharge Lounge, radiology, the eye clinic, and other busy units to make it easier for visitors to stay connected while they wait for services or appointments.
Holl said he hopes the project encourages other young people to get involved in helping however they can.
“An hour of my day could make a lifetime of change for Veterans at the VA. It feels good knowing that I can do something to make their day a little better,” said Holl.
Rabinovitz said he was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a project supporting Veterans at the medical center.
“I’m happy to help wherever I’m needed to help Veterans, even in small ways,” Rabinovitz said.
The project adds convenience and comfort for Veterans visiting the Durham VA and highlights the positive impact that youth volunteers can have through simple yet meaningful contributions.
 Falls are the leading cause of non‑fatal injuries, injury‑related deaths, hip fractures, and traumatic brain injuries in this population. Veterans face these same risks, but the encouraging news is that many falls can be prevented.
To support fall prevention and promote safety, the Durham VA Health Care System will host a multidisciplinary screening and education event on September 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans will have the opportunity to learn strategies to reduce risk, stay safe, and maintain independence.
Learn practical ways to manage diabetes that fit your daily life. Diabetes self‑management education and support (DSMES) services can help you set health goals, build the skills you need, and find support when it matters most. These services also teach you how to make diabetes care a natural part of your routine.
If you or someone you know could benefit from DSMES, talk with a health care provider about getting a referral or connect with a local program. Services are available in your community, including Durham at 919‑286‑0411 ext. 176931 and Greenville at 252‑240‑2349.
Take the first step toward confident, informed diabetes management—call or visit today.
Gerofit offers free virtual exercise classes designed to help Veterans 65 and older improve strength, balance, and overall well‑being from home.
Ask your VA provider for a referral to join and start experiencing the benefits.
Visit https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/gerofitexercise or scan the QR code on the flyer for more information.
As of October 1, 2019, the Durham VA Health Care System grounds and all our clinics are smoke-free to patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and employees. This includes not only cigarettes, but cigars, pipes, any other combustion of tobacco, and e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-cigars.
If you wish to smoke, you must do so off Durham VA property.
Giving up smoking isn't easy, but it can be done!
Click for VA smoking cessation resources.
Emotional and mental health distress can happen to anyone, often triggered by changes like relationship difficulties or job loss. Sometimes, distress leads people to think about self-harm or suicide. Veterans face a higher risk of suicide than civilians, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and know what to do.
Warning signs of a mental health crisis or suicide risk can include:
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Hopelessness or feeling no way out
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Talking about death or suicide
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Withdrawing from loved ones
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Risky or self-destructive behaviors
If someone is thinking about suicide—or showing immediate risk:
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Call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1
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Text 838255
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Chat at Veterans Crisis Line
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Go to your nearest ER or call 911
For more support and resources, visit:
Help is always here, please reach out.
Veterans can now schedule appointments and get quick support through the VA Health Chat app—no phone call needed.
 Encourage Veterans to promptly report any suspicious letters, phone calls, or messages they receive. Reporting helps protect their personal information and allows VA to take action against potential fraud. Veterans can report concerns through any of the following official channels:
• Office of Integrity and Compliance Helpline: 866‑842‑4357 or VHAOICHelpline@va.gov
• VSAFE Fraud Hotline: 833‑388‑VSAFE or https://vsafe.gov/
• VA OIG Hotline: 1‑800‑488‑8244
For updates and FAQs, visit the Durham VA Health Care System website.
Visit our Website: VA Durham Health Care
Like us on Facebook: Durham VA Health Care System
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