Public Health
Mindfulness-based stress reduction classes available by phone for Veterans
A free, phone-based program called “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction” is available to Veterans of all eras, including Vietnam-era Veterans. Mindfulness mediation has been shown to be effective in treating several health conditions, such as insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, chronic pain, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This program complements existing treatments and is safe to participate in while taking prescribed medications or with current exercise plans.
VA’s War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) manages this program. The WRIISC begins each call with a topic related to mindfulness, followed by a guided meditation practice. While the lasting benefits of mindfulness meditation come with regular practice, many Veterans report feeling more relaxed and able to cope with symptoms by the end of each call.
The WRIISC offers an hour-long session on the first two Fridays of each month, from 11am-noon EST. Veterans can call in as many times as they like. The toll-free call-in number is 1-800-767-1750, access code 54220.
