Geri Pride: a tailored program to help older LGBTQ veterans age well
Official title: Geri Pride: an adapted intervention to supporthealthy aging of sexual and gender minorityVeterans
Funded at Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr · NIH-11245808 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A VA-backed effort is adapting an existing health-promotion program to fit the needs of older sexual and gender minority (SGM) veterans to support healthy aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tuscaloosa, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RD000615-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11245808 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older LGBTQ+ veterans who have participated in PAWS or are interested in health-promoting activities and aging-related content.
✕Less likely to help
Veterans without access to VA services or who are not interested in digital or aging-focused content may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to customize the Pride in All Who Served (PAWS) program into a geriatric version called Geri Pride, with aging-focused content delivered virtually. It involves collaborating with older PAWS participants, experienced facilitators, and clinical leaders to ensure the content meets aging-related needs. The project will adapt materials and resources so older SGM veterans can engage in health-promoting activities from home. The focus is on reducing health disparities and improving resilience among aging SGM veterans within the VA system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, older SGM veterans may experience better health, greater engagement in care, and reduced disparities.
How similar studies have gone: PAWS has been implemented in many VA centers, showing prior feasibility and engagement, with a new aging-focused adaptation being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr
Tuscaloosa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hilgeman, Michelle M. — Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hilgeman, Michelle M.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.