Social support programs for older veterans with depression
Official title: VOICES Socials for Older Veterans with Depression
Funded at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital · NIH-10999300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly social support program called VOICES Veterans Socials to help older veterans who are feeling down by encouraging them to connect with each other and improve their overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bedford, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004894-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older veterans aged 65 and above who are experiencing symptoms of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not veterans or those who do not have depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and implementing a peer-led social support program called VOICES Veterans Socials specifically for older veterans experiencing depression. The program aims to enhance social engagement and support among veterans, which is crucial for improving their mental health and overall well-being. Through interviews and expert consultations, the research will adapt existing materials to better serve this population and will conduct an open trial to assess the program's feasibility and effectiveness. By fostering connections and reducing social withdrawal, the initiative seeks to improve the quality of life for older veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and social functioning of older veterans suffering from depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community-based social support programs can effectively improve mental health outcomes for older adults, suggesting a promising approach for this population.
Where this research is happening
-
Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
Bedford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gorman, Jay — Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gorman, Jay
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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.