Discover What Matters to You. Live Whole Health!

Whole Health is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and to live their life to the fullest. 

The Whole Health System includes conventional treatment, complimentary and integrative health approaches, and supports for self-healing and self-care. The Cincinnati VA is making a shift to focus not only on “what’s the matter” and include what matters most to each Veteran. Instead of focusing only on problems, the focus expands to explore what matters to a person and  why they want their health in the first place .  This focus on values changes everything. It helps to individualize care using a personalized health plan. It leads both Veterans and clinicians to be more engaged.  Our goal is to achieve optimal health and well-being. 

There are several components to the Whole Health System:

1 . The Pathway— Whole Health Partners and Coaches work with Veterans and caregivers to explore their mission, aspiration, and purpose, and begin their overarching personal health plan. 

· Red Vest Ambassadors share about Whole Health in the hospital Welcome Center near the revolving doors.  

· New patients are invited to the Red Carpet Welcome session where they learn how to navigate the VA, including pharmacy, after-hours needs, My HealtheVet, and Whole Health.  They receive a comprehensive guide to the Cincinnati VA, The New Enrollee Handbook.  Any Primary Care scheduler can schedule a Red Carpet Welcome session. 

· Whole Health Coaches are available in Primary Care to support PACT teams to engage Veterans in Personalized Health Planning.  Veterans can ask their PACT team to connect them to a Whole Health Coach. 

· The Whole Health Group, a 9 week series, is available to all Veterans to help them "Take Charge of Their Life and Health!"  Veterans can request this group by calling (513)475-6381.

2. Wellness Strength for Life— With a focus on self-care, skill building and support, this group-based program is open to all Veterans, no diagnosis needed.  Veterans and caregivers create a personal health plan in an orientation session. Services include proactive, complimentary and integrative health (CIH) approaches such as stress reduction, yoga, tai chi, mindfulness, nutrition, creative arts, and health coaching.   Clinician referrals (Wellness Strength for Life Consult) and self-referrals are welcomed.  To learn more, Veterans may call (513) 475-6381. 

3. Whole health Clinical Care—Clinicians are trained in Whole Health and incorporate complementary and integrative health approaches based on the Veteran’s personal health plan.  Care is grounded in a healing relationship. This approach is very effective for Veterans with complex conditions, such as chronic pain and the invisible wounds of war. Additionally, the whole health approach improves access and supports Veteran partnership with primary care.  

4. Employee Whole Health—The VA recognizes the challenges of caregiving and supports employees to strive for optimal health and work-life balance.  Employees who are able to Live Whole Health are resilient and serve as great role models to colleagues and Veterans. 

Learn more about VA whole health