Richmond Institute for Veterans Research
​(Formerly known as McGuire Research Institute, Inc.)
We invite you to learn about how we are exploring the possibilities through cutting-edge research, bringing quality care to our Veterans, and building a better future.
We are committed to providing quality health care to Veterans and offer opportunities for patients to participate in research-related clinical trials.
The cutting-edge research conducted at RIVR consists of laboratory studies, clinical studies, and health outcomes pertaining to a wide range of disease processes and conditions that affect Veterans as well as the general population.
At RIVR we support education and training for employee and patient related activities.
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Latest Happenings
✨ On August 26, the Federally Employed Women’s Special Emphasis Committee celebrated National Women’s Equality Day with an educational table highlighting the history and importance of this day. This program has been mandated
throughout the VA since 1973.
A big thank you to our amazing committee members: Meenakshi Bindal, MD (Co-Chair), Denise Lester, MD, FASAM (Co-Chair), Levetta Frasier, RN, Debra Jordan Cole, RT, Kristal Syracuse, MS, Mikela July, Administrator, Chauncey Roach, RN, and Brooke Albright Trainer, MD, FASA for helping bring awareness to this important milestone.
📅 First declared by Congress in 1973, Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. It’s a reminder of progress made and the continued work toward equal rights and opportunities for all. 💪🌸
The Richmond Institute for Veterans Research was honored to participate in Boots on the Ground, a country western–themed event designed to support and celebrate Seniors and Veterans. The event brought together a wide range of community organizations, each providing valuable resources, information, and services.
In addition to the opportunity for meaningful networking, the event fostered strong community engagement and highlighted the importance of collaboration in serving Seniors and Veterans. Attendees also enjoyed themed activities, including music and line dancing, which created a welcoming and engaging environment.
Participation in this event allowed the Richmond Institute for Veterans Research to strengthen existing partnerships and establish new connections that will help further our mission of supporting Veterans within the community.
The Monthly Buzz
August 7 | National Purple Heart Day 💜
Today, we honor the brave service members who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Purple Heart is a symbol of their courage, resilience, and sacrifice.
At the Richmond Institute for Veteran Research, we do what we do because of them.
Our mission is driven by the strength and perseverance of our veterans. Through dedicated research and veteran-focused initiatives, we aim to create better outcomes and brighter futures for those who have given so much in service to our nation.
💜 To every Purple Heart recipient we see you, we honor you, and we are committed to standing beside you.
Research Spotlights
Learn more about the dedicated individuals and teams at Richmond Institute for Veterans Research who are committed to advancing research for the benefit of our veterans.
In honor of September being Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Richmond Institute of Veteran Research is proud to recognize Dr. Bjork for his recent research advancing suicide prevention for our military and Veteran communities.
Dr. Bjork, in collaboration with academic data scientists, was recently featured in the Military REACH newsletter and published in the Journal of Biomedical Informatics.
The study examined how applying machine learning (ML) to electronic health record data can be used to better predict and prevent suicide among active-duty service members and Veterans, an urgent issue as suicide rates in these communities continue to rise. By reviewing existing ML research, the team concluded that ML has successfully identified major risk factors for suicide found in previous non-ML research, but with differences in suicide-predictive factors based on PTSD and biological sex. These insights can help identify high risk individuals earlier, improve prevention strategies, and ultimately save lives.
This work also identifies other gaps in current ML methods and calls for stronger collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and researchers to protect the well-being of our military and Veteran populations.
Article- https://lnkd.in/eETehfN4
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. You are not alone—help is here, and hope is here.
Pain Awareness Month Spotlight: Celebrating International Recognition
In honor of Pain Awareness Month, we are proud to highlight the incredible accomplishments of Dr. Denise Lester and the Interventional Pain Research Team—Kristal Syracuse, Levetta Frasier, Meenakshi Bindal, Robert Trainer, and Debra Jordan Cole.
This year, the team has been invited to present internationally at the International Society for Pain and Neuroscience Biannual Meeting in London on October 11th. Together, they will share a series of research updates, including:
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A podium presentation reviewing six-month outcomes of their prospective national RESET study for low back pain. A study now in its 5th year with our site as the lead.
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Data from several retrospective research studies.
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A collection of exciting and impactful case reports.
This marks the first time our Interventional Pain Research Team will present internationally as a large group, an incredible milestone that reflects their dedication, expertise, and hard work throughout the year.
We are deeply proud of their contributions to advancing pain research and treatment, and we celebrate their commitment to improving the lives of Veterans and the broader community. Congratulations the entire team on this well-deserved recognition!
🔬 VA Research News & Advancements
Over the last few months, NAVREF has been collaborating with the global market research firm Ipsos on a project to collect data regarding Veterans’ perceptions of VA research. This groundbreaking survey conducted by Ipsos in partnership with NAVREF, highlights the OVERWHELMING veteran (and American public) support for research conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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Article from Ipsos: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/americans-support-va-research-better-veteran-care-and-medical-advancements
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NAVREF Press Release: https://navref.org/Advocacy/13495369
Voice of the Veteran: What Inspires Us
Through this powerful new series, NAVREF will shine a spotlight on veterans who have
contributed to groundbreaking medical advancements by taking part in clinical research at the VA. Click the link below to read these impactful stories and learn what inspires us to continue our work with VA Research.
OUR PATIENTS SAY...
"Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Vitamin D Supplementation of Bone
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I really enjoyed participating in the program. I have benefited from the exercise and training a great deal I had muscle atrophy in my legs and torso area from my injury 27 years ago but I can feel more muscle mass in my calves,thighs, and buttocks, also me being a T1 C8 paraplegic, my stomach muscles don't work making it bigger and since I started the study my stomach and waist size has gotten smaller I lost 3 and a 1/2 pounds I feel that overall I'm healthier at the present than at the start of the study. I hope that my participation in the study will help someone else as well. "
"Participating in the research last conducted I hope helped the team learn and find avenues to help people who need blood thinners. I hope my being a part helped to find a better solution."
