The VA of Nebraska-Western Iowa received $10 million in grants last year for research in to treatment for diabetes, battlefield injuries, and more.
This week is VA Research Week. VA of Nebraska-Western Iowa spokesman Will Ackerman says more than 155 research studies are underway at the Omaha VA Medical Center.
“Some of the research areas that we’re currently working on here include things such as diabetes management, working on agents to control bleeding on the battlefield. Currently, we’re involved in a cooperative study that involves patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and we’re one of 12 sites within the VA that is involved in that particular study.”
He says some of the research focuses on specific treatment for veterans. “Veterans have chronic diseases that are common in them, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and aging problems. And so we look at those areas and try to find better ways to treat them. Some of the other areas of significance focused on veterans include substance abuse and mental health issues.”
He says VA research benefits the health care system as a whole by finding efficiencies and better ways to provide care. The VA Omaha Medical Center also collaborates with other hospitals, such as UNMC, on research.