Helping Veterans connect socially to reduce isolation
Official title: Increasing Veterans' Social Engagement and Connectedness (CONNECTED)
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-10863703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program called CONNECTED that helps Veterans feel less lonely by connecting them with peers and support through online meetings over eight weeks, aiming to boost their overall health and happiness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rlr VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1I01HX003741-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans experiencing social isolation, particularly those with a history of mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Veterans or those who do not experience social isolation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to tackle social isolation among Veterans, a significant issue affecting their mental and physical health. The CONNECTED program will implement a novel intervention that combines peer support and patient navigation, delivered through telehealth over eight weeks. By engaging Veterans in meaningful social interactions, the program seeks to improve their overall well-being and reduce the negative health impacts associated with isolation. The study will focus on diverse Veteran populations within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) healthcare system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the social engagement and mental health of Veterans, leading to improved health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that peer support and patient navigation can effectively reduce social isolation in various populations, suggesting a promising approach for this intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
Rlr VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eliacin, Johanne — Rlr VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Eliacin, Johanne
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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.