About Veteran Engagement

VA strives to be a Veteran-centered health care system, which includes ensuring research conducted at the VA reflects the needs and perspectives of Veterans.  

Veteran engagement involves active and meaningful collaboration between Veterans and researchers across all stages of the research process, where Veterans’ experiences, values, and expertise guide research decision making. This concept of partnered research is in alignment with the goals of a learning health system which turns the experience of caring for patients into insights and improves and accelerates the uptake of research innovations and discoveries in clinical practice. 

Mission: The Pain/Opioid CORE helps bring Veteran voices into VA research and care by offering researchers, clinicians, and program leaders opportunities, supported by CORE staff, to meet with a team of Veterans who have lived experience expertise related to pain, opioid medications, opioid use disorder, or substance use harm reduction. 

FAQs

What engagement opportunities does the Pain/Opioid CORE offer VA researchers and program leaders? The Pain/Opioid CORE supports two standing Veteran Engagement Panels, comprised of Veterans from across the country, available to consult with VA researchers or program leaders (guests) during regular monthly consultation studios facilitated by experienced engagement staff. Staff work with guests to co-design a meeting agenda, discussion questions, and materials. CORE staff take and share notes, freeing guests to be fully present, listen, and interact with Veterans during a two-hour meeting. 

Who can schedule a consultation with the Pain/Opioid CORE Veteran Engagement Panels (VEPs)? Eligible guests include VA researchers, program leaders, and clinicians with questions related to VA research or patient care. 

What do guests need to do to prepare? View the steps of the meeting process. As a guest, expect to spend three to four hours over a 4- to 6-week period to prepare for your meeting with a Veteran engagement panel.

What's the difference between the two panels of Veterans? Both panels are comprised of male and female Veterans from across the U.S. who have a variety of life and work backgrounds. 

  • Panel 1: Pain/Opioid VEP - Established in 2020, this panel’s 11 Veterans have experience relevant to chronic pain and opioid medication use.  
  • Panel 2: Overdose Prevention VEP - Established in 2025, this panel’s 11 Veterans have experience with substance use and harm reduction (e.g., opioid education, naloxone distribution, or syringe services programs). 

When do the panels meet? Each VEP meets monthly with a different guest. Meetings are often reserved months in advance; reach out early (if possible) for scheduling.

Can guests request a letter of support (LOS)? Yes, you may request a letter of support. Requests will not be considered until you’ve scheduled a visit. A LOS will describe our (staff and Veterans) experience with you and your project; we do not endorse the quality or importance of projects.

What is the cost? This service is a complimentary resource to VA researchers, clinicians, or program leaders. Staff time and compensation for Veteran panel members are paid by the Pain/Opioid CORE through funding from VA Health Systems Research and the VA Office of Mental Health-Substance Use Disorders Program.

How do guests schedule a consultation with a CORE Veteran engagement panel? Contact Tracy Sides at [email protected] with questions or to schedule a consultation with one of the panels. 

Read more about the Pain/Opioid CORE engagement approach and our processes through the following articles: