Nationwide 2K Event Will Support Homeless Veterans and Promote Employee Wellness

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs is once again hosting a nationwide 2K “Walk and Roll” event at more than 130 VA facilities on May 16 to coincide with National Employee Health and Fitness Day. The event will also encourage employee and local community support of homeless Veterans.

“Last year, VA’s 2K events were hugely successful with over 16,000 employees participating and VA collecting donated goods estimated at $172,000,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “I am proud of all VA employees who participated in the past and challenge even more individuals to walk or roll in support of homeless Veterans.”

VA’s employee wellness program is known as WIN (Wellness Is Now). WIN empowers employees with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to create a culture of health and wellness. Further, WIN encourages employees to use their appreciation of wellness to inspire Veterans to have healthier lifestyles.

WIN integrates traditional occupational safety and health programs with health promotion activities, addressing both workplace and worker health. Through this program staff find opportunities to embrace healthy and positive lifestyle choices that sustain and improve their own health, reduce preventable injuries and illnesses, reduce absenteeism and enable them to do their important work of serving the nation’s Veterans.

Email AskVHAEmployeewellness@va.gov to find out if your VA facility is hosting a 2K event. VA facilities can be located by visiting www.va.gov/directory.