CALL FOR ABSTRACTS — APHA 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo
Veterans Caucus
Meeting theme: "Making the Public’s Health a National Priority"
Submission Deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025
Caucus Overview
The Veterans' Caucus (previously named the Vietnam Caucus, Est. 1990) was established to focus on the continued health effects of the Vietnam war and its impact on veterans and their families. Now, the Veteran's Caucus is proud to invite all veterans, active duty members of the military, their families, and any civilians affected war and Global Conflict. The Caucus also works diligently with APHA to help shape public policy in support of research and health care for veterans.
Abstract Submission
The Veterans Caucus invites abstracts that advance these objectives and encompass our mission. We are particularly interested in abstracts that advance the understanding of the continued health effects of war, including but not limited to the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War and other global conflicts; we also invite abstracts that focus on said impact not just on veterans, but also active duty military personnel and civilians affected by war and conflict.
Topics include:
Aging Veterans and Geriatric Care
Public health strategies to address aging-related health challenges in the veteran population.
Ensuring accessibility and affordability of long-term care for older veterans.
Chronic Disease Management in Active-Duty Military and Veterans
Promoting public health interventions for chronic conditions prevalent among active-duty military and veterans (e.g., diabetes, heart disease).
Expanding preventive care initiatives tailored to active-duty military and veterans.
Emergency Preparedness and Veterans
Leveraging veterans' skills in national disaster response and public health emergencies.
Supporting veterans affected by climate change and natural disasters.
Environmental Exposures and Toxic Hazards
Long-term public health impacts of burn pit exposure and other military environmental hazards.
Advocating for improved screening and care for active-duty military and veterans affected by toxic exposures.
Health Equity and Intersectionality in Veteran Populations
Ensuring health equity for active-duty military and veterans from diverse racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ backgrounds.
Addressing systemic barriers to healthcare access for minority veterans.
Housing, Homelessness, and Veterans’ Health
Addressing homelessness as a public health crisis among veterans.
Collaborative efforts to provide stable housing as a determinant of health.
Innovations in Veteran Healthcare Delivery
The role of telehealth in improving access to care for veterans.
Integrating public health and technology to enhance veteran care services.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Among Active-Duty Military and Veterans
Expanding and evaluating mental health resources for active-duty military and veterans.
Addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its intersection with public health.National strategies to reduce suicide rates among active-duty military and veterans.
Partnerships Between VA and Public Health Agencies
Strengthening collaborations between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and local health departments.
Public health lessons from VA healthcare models.
Prioritizing Veterans’ Health in National Public Health Policies
Integrating active-duty military and veteran-specific needs into federal health initiatives.
Addressing disparities in healthcare access for active-duty military and veterans in rural and underserved areas.
Public Health Education for Veterans and Service Members
Enhancing health literacy and preventive health education for veterans.
Developing programs to educate service members about their health rights and resources.
Reintegration Challenges and Social Determinants of Health
Public health initiatives to support veterans transitioning to civilian life.
The role of community organizations in promoting veterans' well-being.
Substance Use and Addiction in the Veteran Population
Public health approaches to combat opioid addiction and alcohol misuse among veterans.
Strategies for increasing access to evidence-based treatments for veterans.
Veterans as Public Health Advocates
Highlighting the contributions of veterans in public health leadership.
Mobilizing veterans for community health initiatives and public health advocacy.
Women Active Duty and Veterans’ Health
Public health strategies to address the unique healthcare needs of women active duty and veterans.
Preventing and addressing sexual trauma in military service and its public health implications.
Please note that any topic suggested can be applied to both active duty military members and veterans.
Chair: Jenevieve Peecher, MD/MPH, RN/BSN, FAWM
Co-Chair: Andrew Michalik
Program Planner: Jenevieve Peecher, MD/MPH, RN/BSN, FAWM & Andrew Michalik
Caucus Collaborative Representatives: Linda Williams & Andrew Michalik
