Annual National VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP)/Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) Convening

7th Annual VA/EDF National Caregiver Convening

This year’s convening: Bold Steps for the Future: Action, Policy, & Priorities

On Wednesday, May 18^th, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. EST, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in collaboration with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF), will host the 7th Annual National Caregiver Convening. This partnership with EDF reflects VA’s beliefs that caregivers are essential to Veterans’ care, and that caregivers themselves have earned our nation’s gratitude and support. 

We are proud to join the EDF at this year’s event as we continue to put caregivers front and center once again at this year’s event giving them the recognition and attention they so rightfully deserve. This year’s convening—titled, Bold Steps for the Future: Action, Policy, & Priorities and will lay out— steps for the future of caregiving, address policy, and establish priorities through which we can create a better environment for caregivers and Veterans alike. The Convening will feature live speakers from both EDF and VA, as well as other subject matter experts, caregivers, and special keynote remarks. 

Among those offering their remarks will be Senator Elizabeth Dole and Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Donald Remy.

Register here and see below for a full agenda of the day’s events:

7^th Annual National Caregiver Convening Agenda

Opening Remarks

• Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
• Kim Mingo, VP Government Sales and Business Strategy, Philips

State of the Caregiver Conversation

• Steve Schwab, CEO, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Moderator
• The Honorable Donald M. Remy, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Meg Kabat, Senior Advisor for Families, Caregivers, and Survivors, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

A Message from General Mike Linnington, CEO, Wounded Warrior Project

Understanding the Experiences and Challenges of America’s Military and Veteran Caregiver Survivors

• Melissa Comeau, Director of the American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN) Red Cross

Panel: Support in the Journey from Caregiver to Survivor – A Roadmap for the Future

• Bonnie Caroll, President and Founder, TAPS
• Ann Duff, Director, Office of Survivor Assistance, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Chad Maxey, Chaplain Program Manager for Family Care and Bereavement, Office of Chaplain Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Laura Taylor, National Program Manager for Advance Care Planning via Group Visits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Qwynn Galloway-Salazar, Founder, In Their Honor, LLC

I Am A Caregiver

• Dole Caregiver Fellows

Special Address by Senator Elizabeth Dole

A Message from Dr. Kevin Vigilante, Chief Medical Officer, Booz Allen Hamilton

Panel: Prioritizing Healthy Caregivers: A Vital Component of Aging in Place

• Colleen Richardson, Executive Director, Caregiver Support Program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Daniel Schoeps, Director, Purchased Long-Term Care Policy Group in the Office of Geriatrics & Extended Care, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Prince Taylor, Deputy Director, Center for Development and Civic Engagement, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Bob Stephen, Vice President, Caregiving and Health Programs, AARP
• Angelena Taylor, 2021 Michigan Dole Caregiver Fellow
• Leah Christensen, National Program Manager, Caregiver Support Program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

A Message from Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP

Campaign for Inclusive Care Presentation and Champion Awards Announcement

Closing Remarks

• Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
• Colleen Richardson, Executive Director, Caregiver Support Program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Link to the "7th Annual National Caregiver Convening" event on YouTube: Elizabeth Dole Foundation 2022 Convening - YouTube*

Elizabeth Dole Foundation website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ *

Need Help?

Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line (CSL) at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you, and for assistance connecting with the Caregiver Support Team/Coordinator, at your local VA Medical Center.

VA CSL Expanded hours:
      -Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET
      -Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET

Your local Caregiver Support Coordinator is a licensed professional who can support you by matching you with services for which you are eligible, and providing you with valuable information about resources that can help you stay smart, strong and organized as you care for the Veteran you love.

Subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.

Disclaimer: *Links will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

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