Advancing Veteran Health Through Research That Matters
At the Veterans Health Research Institute of Central New York, we are committed to improving the lives of those who served through innovative, evidence-based research. From pioneering treatments for PTSD to tackling chronic pain, cancer, and infectious diseases, our work addresses the pressing health issues veterans face every day. These aren’t just studies—they are solutions with the power to change lives.
Home of the Veterans Health Research Institute of Central New York
Driven by Impact, Powered by Partnership
Every project we lead is built around one goal: better outcomes for veterans. Our investigators are engaged in nationally funded research focused on suicide prevention, cancer care, and behavioral health. What makes our approach stand out is our strong network of collaborators. Working alongside the Syracuse VA Medical Center and academic institutions like Syracuse University, we bridge clinical care and research—turning medical challenges into opportunities for healing.
Through this integrated model, we offer opportunities not only for researchers but also for veterans to participate in meaningful studies, for students to gain hands-on experience, and for partners to join a mission that truly makes a difference.
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Research Spotlight: Transforming Veterans’ Mental Health Care After Hospitalization
At the Veterans Health Research Institute of CNY, Inc., we are proud to be part of a groundbreaking national research collaboration aimed at preventing suicide among veterans recently discharged from psychiatric hospitalization—one of the most vulnerable populations across the VA health system.
Thanks to a $3.1 million grant from the Warren Alpert Foundation, our team—led by Dr. Todd Bishop, a leading investigator at the VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention—is partnering with researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brown University to evaluate a promising new approach: the Coping Long Term with Active Suicide Program (CLASP).
This study, one of the largest of its kind, enrolled veterans from seven VA inpatient psychiatric units nationwide. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either CLASP’s structured, remote post-discharge support or standard care. In total, over 850 veterans are part of this important trial.
We are investigating whether CLASP can significantly reduce suicide-related behaviors—including deaths by suicide, overdose, and nonfatal attempts—in the critical six months following discharge. We are also analyzing how patient characteristics and care environments impact outcomes.
At the Veterans Health Research Institute of CNY, Inc., we are committed to innovative, data-driven solutions that directly improve the lives of veterans and their families. The CLASP study exemplifies our mission: advancing evidence-based care that supports our veterans when they need it most.
