October is a month of reflection and recognition across the federal health landscape. As we observe American Pharmacists Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month and look ahead to Veterans Day in November, this issue of ImPACT highlights reports that honor the resilience of our nation’s veterans and the professionals who serve them—through science, care, and innovation.
This month’s cover feature “Does Help for Veteran PTSD Begin in the Gut?” explores groundbreaking research that may one day transform how we understand and treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychologist and researcher Lisa Brenner, PhD, of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, has spent years unraveling the intertwined effects of mild traumatic brain injury, chronic inflammation, and PTSD. Her work with Christopher Lowry, PhD, at the University of Colorado Boulder, delves deep into the gut–brain connection, an emerging field revealing how microbes in the gut may influence mental health. Brenner and Lowry’s collaboration represents the best of translational science—turning curiosity into clinical promise, and potentially offering veterans an additional path to relief alongside traditional therapies.
Complementing that theme of service and scientific dedication, our pharmacy feature spotlights Austin De La Cruz, PharmD, BCPP, psychiatric pharmacist at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy and clinical pharmacy specialist at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. His story is one of passion, persistence, and purpose. Dr De La Cruz has devoted his career to supporting the mental wellness of veterans—from Vietnam-era patients to those returning from more recent conflicts.
He describes psychiatric pharmacy as both an art and a science—balancing pharmacologic precision with human empathy. Through his work developing an outpatient psychiatric pharmacy clinic at the VA, mentoring new pharmacists, and building awareness of veterans’ mental health needs, Dr De La Cruz demonstrates what it means to serve those who have served. His reflections on resilience and trust remind us that mental health care is as much about partnership as it is about prescriptions.
The VA News Roundup this month underscores how policy and program innovation continue to shape veterans’ access to care and support. The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced $42 million in grants through its Legal Services for Veterans program, funding assistance for those facing eviction, custody disputes, or other legal challenges that can compound the risk of homelessness. This initiative comes alongside new research showing that veterans who gain housing are more likely to stay up to date on preventive screenings, including for colorectal and breast cancer—further proof that stable housing can directly improve health outcomes.
In addition, the VA has rolled out a new feature in its Health and Benefits mobile app, enabling eligible veterans to file mileage-only travel claims directly from their smartphones. This streamlined process not only modernizes a longstanding administrative task but also reflects the VA’s broader goal: making every touchpoint—from appointments to reimbursements—more veteran-centered and efficient.
Taken together, these stories tell a larger narrative about progress. Whether through the microbiome, a pharmacist’s daily practice, or a mobile app update, each represents a step toward a more connected, compassionate, and responsive system of care for veterans.
As we approach Veterans Day, we’re reminded that behind every program, study, or innovation are the individuals who have worn the uniform—and the clinicians, researchers, and policymakers working to honor their service through better health. This issue of ImPACT is a tribute to both groups: those who have given so much, and those striving to give back through science, medicine, and advocacy.
Thank you for joining us this month as we explore these vital intersections of care, community, and commitment.