National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships
OCE Partnership Impact
VHA partnership offers Veterans access to the great outdoors—even virtually
Partnerships that help Veterans and support the social determinants of health (SDOH) exist throughout Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Partnership experts working in the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP, formerly OCE and CCI), VHA’s partnership hub, seek to uplift the stories of these meaningful partnerships and how they add to what VHA is already able to provide.
One such partnership is the Wellness and Recovery Incorporating Outdoor Recreation (W.A.R.I.O.R.) Program, developed by the San Francisco VA Health Care System, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The W.A.R.I.O.R. program offers monthly guided parks experiences aimed at improving Veterans’ physical, mental, and social health and wellness, increasing their access to parks, and assisting their reintegration into their communities.
Mark Smith, occupational therapist within the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) and program coordinator, said that 10 to 30 people participate on each trip—there have been more than 500 participants and 40 trips over four years. The Parks Conservancy provides a shuttle from the SFVAMC to parks, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area staff members provide education on natural, cultural, and historical elements.
Veterans’ responses have been overwhelmingly positive, Mr. Smith said. “Most of the Veterans talk about camaraderie and a sense of connection, being among other Veterans,” he explained. That’s just one of the SDOH this partnership fulfills. SDOH are conditions in the environments where Veterans live, learn, play, worship, and age. The SDOH were also the theme of HAP’s 2021 National VHA Community Partnership Challenge.
Social support is a positive SDOH the W.A.R.I.O.R. Program brings to the table, along with access to a natural environment, transportation options, and educational opportunities. One Veteran who participated, Mr. Smith explained, described working through past trauma and how the program has helped.
“Sometimes she doesn’t want to talk to people, but she can go outside and hang out in the grass and the trees aren’t asking her any questions, they’re not judging her, they’re just there. She’s able to just be out, and it helps,” he said.
During the past year as restrictions have affected in-person gatherings, SFVAMC sent iPads and tablets to Veterans who don’t have tools for internet access at home. That way, they can attend a park visit virtually.
“There will be a component where [I say to Veterans], ‘OK, you’ve visited this park or virtually visited this park, how can you visit this park on your own? What is the public transit? What are the volunteer opportunities? How can you get involved?” Mr. Smith said.
That educational element helps Veterans from all backgrounds take it upon themselves to sustain their connection to parks, and all the benefits that outdoor recreation offers.
Veterans in the San Francisco area who would like to get involved with the W.A.R.I.O.R Program can contact Mr. Smith at 415-609-7986. VA providers who are interested in starting their own parks partnership can contact Mr. Smith as well.
For more information on HAP’s partnership work on the SDOH, the outdoors, and more, please visit va.gov/HEALTHPARTNERSHIPS/updates.asp.
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Posted March 10, 2021
