Veterans are enhancing their well-being through the Whole Health 6-Service Challenge, a competition utilizing the VA’s Share My Health Data app to promote healthy habits and teamwork. The challenge, part of VA Whole Health, focuses on individual wellness rather than just illness. It began in 2024 at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and has expanded to include facilities in Cleveland, Detroit, and Black Hills, with over 236 Veterans participating.

During the 10-week program, participants set activity goals and supported each other while competing for movement achievements. They collectively walked 378 million steps, traveled 189,000 miles, and burned 94 million calories. The Share My Health Data app plays a crucial role by allowing Veterans to track their fitness alongside their coaches and physicians, fostering real-time communication and personalized health advice.

Beyond physical activity, the challenge has helped Veterans build friendships and improve their health metrics, such as blood pressure and cholesterol. It also strengthened connections between Veterans and their Whole Health coaches, fostering trust and motivation as they worked toward their health goals. The initiative highlights the positive impact of technology on Veteran wellness across multiple states.