The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) now provides free online and in-person yoga classes and mindfulness training to Veterans across the country. These services are offered through a partnership with Veterans Yoga Project, Inc., facilitated by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP).
This initiative gives Veterans a no-cost opportunity to improve their mental, physical, and emotional well-being through the transformative practices of yoga and mindfulness.
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Expanding Access to Yoga and Mindfulness
Through their collaboration, VA and Veterans Yoga Project aim to raise awareness of the many benefits of yoga and mindfulness for Veterans. Together, they are working to increase the number of available classes while encouraging partnerships between local VA medical centers and Veterans Yoga Project instructors.
Veterans can participate in these classes in-person or virtually via VA-approved telehealth platforms. This flexibility ensures that more Veterans can access these vital resources, regardless of location.
Kimberly Pugh, a health system specialist at the VHA National Center for Healthcare Advancement & Partnerships, explained:
“Through this partnership with Veterans Yoga Project, we are addressing top VA priorities, expanding Veteran access to care, and enhancing the overall health of Veterans. Including yoga and mindfulness in their health care routine provides Veterans with additional tools to manage stress, improve physical health, and build resilience.”
Proven Benefits of Yoga and Mindfulness for Veterans
Research shows that yoga and mindfulness practices have measurable benefits for Veterans. According to Veterans Yoga Project’s 2023 report:
- 75% of participants experienced reduced distress.
- 72% of participants reported a significant reduction in pain.
These practices offer Veterans tools to improve their physical health, reduce stress, and build resilience, directly addressing common challenges they face.
Key Goals of the VA and Veterans Yoga Project Partnership
This groundbreaking partnership focuses on several objectives:
- Educating Veterans about the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for mental, physical, and emotional health.
- Making yoga and mindful resilience training more accessible to Veterans.
- Building connections between local VA medical centers and Veterans Yoga Project instructors.
- Offering free yoga and meditation classes in communities across the nation.
Classes That Reduce Pain and Stress
Brianna Renner, CEO of Veterans Yoga Project, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“Veterans Yoga Project is proud to partner with VA and deliver yoga and mindful resilience practices as a primary service to America’s Veterans. As an integral part of VA’s Whole Health initiative, together we have the ability to empower more Veterans to live, thrive, and actively belong. With a robust teacher network and over a hundred free yoga classes weekly, we are dedicated to growing the impact of our classes to reduce pain and stress and support as many Veterans as possible.”
These efforts align with VA’s Whole Health System of Care, which emphasizes a personalized, whole-person approach to health care. Yoga is a key component of this system, providing Veterans with supportive, effective health options.
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How Veterans Can Get Involved
Veterans interested in exploring yoga and mindfulness practices can access these free classes through their local VA medical centers or virtually.contact your local VA center.
By incorporating yoga and mindfulness into their routines, Veterans can take proactive steps toward improving their overall health and well-being.
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