Veteran Heath, Wellness & Mental Health

We consider it our most sacred responsibility to look out for each other and our fellow veterans. Since May 2019, by way of an organization-wide Resolution, Legionnaires conduct Buddy Checks during the weeks of The American Legion’s birthday, March 15, and Veterans Day. Legion posts also perform this vital function whenever it makes the most sense in their communities.

Legionnaires are also proud to participate in The Department of Veterans Affairs National Buddy Check Week, launched in 2023.

Find a Legion Post near you!

At K9 Partners for Patriots, we pair veterans battling PTSD, TBI, or MST with rescued dogs and guide them through training to become service dog teams—restoring purpose, strength, and freedom.Veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma often feel isolated and unsupported. At K9 Partners for Patriots, we empower them to train their own dog or a rescue dog into a service dog—restoring confidence, connection, and independence.

The Million Veteran Program (MVP) is VA’s largest research program. We study how genes, lifestyles, military experiences, and exposures affect health and wellness. We started in 2011 with the goal of more than one million Veterans joining our program, because genetic research works best with participation from large amounts of people from diverse backgrounds. On November 8th, 2023, the one-millionth Veteran joined MVP—and we’re not stopping there. Every Veteran who joins our program helps us make discoveries to improve health for Veterans and, ultimately, everyone.

MVP makes discoveries that matter to Veterans.

Mental health: We’re working to find earlier and better preventions and treatments for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicide

Heart health: We’re studying what puts people at risk—and what protects people—from different kinds of heart diseases

Cancer: We’ve made advances in areas like breast cancer and prostate cancer, with more cancers studied every year

Wellness: We’re finding ways for Veterans to live healthier lives through nutrition and lifestyle choices

And more: We’re studying dozens of health conditions that matter to Veterans, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, endometriosis, osteoarthritis, and impacts of military exposures. Visit our Science Corner to learn more.

Call the MVP Info Center toll-free at 866-441-6075

The National Veterans Legal Services Program has worked since 1981 to ensure that the government delivers to our nation’s 18 million veterans and active duty personnel the benefits which they have earned because of disabilities resulting from their military service to our country at no cost to them.

The Ocala VA Clinic provides a broad range of general and specialized medical, psychiatric, nursing, and ancillary services.

HOURS OF OPERATION are Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed Sat/Sun/holidays)

If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, please call the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1. The VCL is private and free – caring, qualified responders, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are available 24/7. You can also call 911, go to the nearest Emergency Room, or to the nearest VA medical center anytime, day or night.

Inpatient Behavioral Health Hospital for psychiatric and substance use disorders. We offer individualized mental health and addiction treatment to adults in a secure and private setting.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the federal agency charged with serving America’s veterans and their families. It administers programs for health care, disability compensation, pensions, education benefits, home loan guarantees, burial and memorial services, and more. The VA is organized into three principal service areas: Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and National Cemetery Administration. Find a location.

Core Services & Programs:

• VA Health Care — Medical treatment, preventive care, mental health, rehabilitation, and community-based services.

• VA Benefits & Compensation — Disability claims, pension services, education benefits (including GI Bill), life insurance, home loan guarantees, and vocational rehabilitation.

• Cemetery & Memorial Services — National burial services, maintenance of veteran cemeteries, headstones/markers, and grants to states for veterans’ cemeteries.

• Appeals & Oversight — Board of Veterans’ Appeals, Office of Inspector General and administrative oversight functions.

Services are available to U.S. military veterans, their eligible dependents or survivors, and in some cases active-duty service members. The VA operates nationwide with local VA medical centers, regional benefit offices, and national cemeteries.

Call MyVA411 information line: 1-800-698-2411 for assistance

The VA North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System provides comprehensive, compassionate health care services to veterans, their families, and caregivers. Guided by a deep commitment to those who served, the system offers a wide range of medical, mental health, and social support programs designed to enhance quality of life and promote wellness for all veterans in the region.

Services Include:

• Primary Care – Routine health exams, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
• Mental Health Care – Counseling, PTSD treatment, substance use support, and psychiatric services.
• Specialty Care – Cardiology, orthopedics, women’s health, and other advanced medical services.
• Social Services & Support Programs – Case management, caregiver resources, housing assistance, and community referrals.

Service Area:

North Florida and South Georgia regions.