On May 18, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. ET, VA, in collaboration with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF), will host the Seventh Annual National Caregiver Convening. This partnership with EDF reflects VA’s beliefs that caregivers are essential to Veterans’ care and have earned our nation’s gratitude and support.

We are proud to join EDF at this year’s event as we continue to put caregivers front and center, giving them the recognition and attention they so rightfully deserve.

This year’s convening, titled “Bold Steps for the Future: Action, Policy, & Priorities,” 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 speakers from EDF and VA and other experts, caregivers and keynote remarks.

Offering remarks will be Senator Elizabeth Dole and Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Donald Remy. Register here.

7th 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

·       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

Fine more information about VA’s continued commitment to supporting Veterans and their caregivers.