AF11--520-23-3-035-0059 Tai Chi Training

Whole Health would like to expand the number of VA Employees trained in offering Tai Chi for Veterans, to improve quality and care opportunities for Veterans enrolled at GCVHCS. GCVHCS will increase Tai Chi opportunities available to Veterans at GCVHCS by providing initial training for new clinicians as well as providing additional and advanced training to practicing clinicians who are currently practicing facilitating his CIH modality or previously trained to practice it. Whole Health would like to purchase a series of four Tai Chi Facilitator or Coach Trainings, consisting of two, 8-hour days (total 16 hours training), to be offered quarterly over a 12 month time frame, consisting of 20 participants each (total 80 participants).

Tai Chi is comprised of more than choreography; the strength and healing benefits of Tai Chi come from a merging of breath practice and mindfulness meditation synchronized with movement. There are a variety of Tai Chi Certifications available, and the GCVHCS is looking for one suited to healthcare professionals, specifically for VA employees/Veterans, if available. Critical concepts to be included in the Tai Chi training curriculum scope are movement, breathwork, and mindfulness. At the conclusion of each 16 hour training, each participant will have a certificate to validate training and be competent in incorporating Tai Chi into GCVHCS Veteran care.