Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

War Related Illness and Injury Study Center

Menu
Menu
Quick Links
Veterans Crisis Line Badge
My healthevet badge
 

Veteran Education Classes

Veteran Education Classes

Class participants

Our goal is to make sure that Veterans who have deployment-related health concerns receive the most up-to-date information and education about these concerns.

Military Environmental Exposure Telehealth Classes

Person webconferencing

These live, virtual classes are held throughout the year by WRIISC clinicians who discuss military environmental exposures such as Gulf War exposures, Agent Orange, and Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pits.

Upcoming class topics include:

  • Agent Orange: What you need to know
    Calendar icon Next Class: September 25, 2025
    This class provides an overview of the history and potential exposures during the Vietnam era. It focuses on Agent Orange, including what it is, where and when it was used, and potential health effects.
  • Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits: What You Need to Know
    Calendar icon Next Class: February 2026 - Exact date TBD
    This class provides an overview of deployment-related airborne hazards, potential health concerns, and available resources and health education.
  • Gulf War Exposures & Health Concerns
    Calendar icon Next Class: May 2026 - Exact date TBD
    This class provides an overview of the history and potential exposures during service in the Gulf, and discusses potential health effects.

To register to attend these free classes, call the NJ WRIISC at 1-800-248-8005.

Integrative Health Classes

Yoga class

WRIISC offers free meditation and yoga classes to Veterans to help optimize wellness.

Phone-in iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation Classes:

These guided phone-based meditations are open to all Veterans every Tuesday and Thursday — no registration is required. This meditation class blends several styles of meditation, including breathing exercises, visualization practice, body awareness, and relaxation techniques. During class, Veterans can expect to:

  • Discover a heartfelt mission and purpose and establish a goal for the meditation
  • Establish and connect with an inner safe haven
  • Explore the connection between body sensations, emotions, thoughts and beliefs with an awareness of how thoughts and emotions affect the body and mind
  • Experience the inner joy that is always present and develop a deeper awareness
  • Connect with an inner strength and resiliency in order to more appropriately respond rather than react to situations in life
  • Veterans may also benefit from the restful sleep-like state achieved during the meditation

This class is appropriate for all levels. You can access the class flyer here.

For Tuesday classes at 5pm ET, dial 1-404-397-1596 USA or Toll Free 1-833-558-0712, and enter the Access code: 433 794 55

For Thursday classes at 8pm ET, dial 1-404-397-1596 USA or Toll Free 1-833-558-0712, and enter the Access code: 199 731 6363

Access Recorded Meditations to help you establish a daily practice

If you have further questions regarding the phone-in Yoga Nidra Meditation Classes, contact DC WRIISC Yoga Staff at 202-550-4248 or CA WRIISC Yoga Staff at 650-815-9463.

Mindfulness Mediation Classes:

This class provides an opportunity to learn about and practice mindfulness meditation techniques. During each class, a topic related to mindfulness is introduced, followed by a guided meditation practice. Typically, these classes are held every first Friday of the month from 11am — 12pm ET via telephone.

To participate, dial 1-404-397-1596 or 1-833-558-0712 (Toll Free) and enter the participant Access code: 433 794 55.

You can access the class schedule on the class flyer.

Online Yoga Classes:

All VA-enrolled Veterans with an Inter-Facility Consult (WRIISC YOGA WELLNESS) are eligible to attend virtual yoga classes currently offered through VA Video Connect. These classes are appropriate for all levels and include breathing exercises and mindful movements to strengthen, stretch, and relax. Yoga can provide relief of symptoms from chronic pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, enhance balance, and improve general health and sense of well-beng. Yoga can help improve flexibility, but you do not have to be flexible to begin taking these yoga classes.

How do I enroll?

Your VA clinician will need to enter a "IFC WRIISC Yoga Wellness" consult request in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and indicate "for yoga" in the comments. Veterans will receive instructions for how to join the classes once they are referred.

Current Class Schedule:

  • Monday 3 PM PT/6 PM ET Chair Yoga
  • Tuesday 3:15 PM PT/6:15 PM ET Yoga Qi Gong Meditation
  • Tuesday 5 PM PT/8 PM ET Yoga for Women Veterans
  • Wednesday 11 AM PT/2 PM ET Mat Yoga
  • Wednesday 6 PM PT/9 PM ET Yoga for Pain and Chronic Pain
  • Thursday 10 AM PT/1 PM ET Trauma Sensitive Chair Yoga
  • Friday 10 AM PT/1 PM ET Chair Yoga

You can access the class flyer here. For more information please contact Jennifer.nelson-criss@va.gov.



return to top go