The objective of this thesis is to address, study and evaluate the current Veteran suicide epidemic and discuss current initiatives and recommended reforms to decrease Veteran suicide rates across the nation. This thesis holistically demonstrates the significance of this issue with presenting and analyzing extensive recent data and information gathered from military reports. Next, this thesis assesses federal policies and programs along with statewide suicide prevention efforts created to mitigate this issue, including unique anecdotal evidence and observed data. In order to illustrate the nature and efficacy of current suicide prevention measures, this thesis carefully relies on information from diverse primary sources, examining stories, claims, and perspectives from state Veterans-affiliated leadership, some of whom are former service-members themselves. To comprehensively unite these various state profiles and perspectives, this thesis conducts careful theme-based analysis, studying and dissecting each state using a uniform set of themes. Finally, this thesis proposes thoughtful and evidence-based recommendations for future efforts to further decrease Veteran suicides, offering insights for key changes to important processes and federal reporting as well as suggestions for the implementation of specialized prevention efforts on a nationwide scale with the goal of promoting the welfare of our nation’s former service members.

The purpose of this study was to find an appropriate solution in reducing inflammation around the ankle joint for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients, so they are able to increase their endurance and improve their overall quality of life. RA patients have to deal with a significant amount of complications that include chronic inflammation, continuous pain in their joints, and overwhelming stress. In addition, it is very common for RA patients to develop severe mental issues that only makes matters worse. As a result, it is imperative that treatments are provided to RA patients to improve their current situation. Three devices from the current market, made for reducing inflammation of the ankle, were chosen for evaluating the effectiveness of each device. It was determined that with 95% confidence that the Gonicc Professional Foot Sleeve was the most effective in reducing inflammation. A prototype was developed based on the feedback of the participants. Further improvements, the prototype will be compared against the Gonicc Professional Foot Sleeve to determine which is the best solution to improve millions of RA patients' lives.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an innovative injury prevention program based on the FIFA 11+ for soft tissue injuries increased the participation and engagement levels of children aged between 10-14 years old. The innovative injury prevention program consisted of FIFA 11+ activations turned into fun, recess-like, games. This was also considered a gamification of the FIFA 11+. Current research about the FIFA 11+ lacks studies that seek to understand the low engagement levels in injury prevention programs although they have been proven to be effective. This study conducted a five-week injury prevention program that was built in association with Dr. Cory. After every session, the participants were asked to fill out a five-minute survey where they were asked about their engagement levels during the session and if they would want to participate in the future. The data was collected via the Survey Monkey platform. The major findings of the study were that the participants enjoyed the program and the majority wanted to participate again in future sessions. It can be concluded that turning the FIFA 11+ exercises into fun, recess-like games results in increased engagement levels in the injury prevention program.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an innovative injury prevention program based on the FIFA 11+ for soft tissue injuries increased the participation and engagement levels of children aged between 10-14 years old. The innovative injury prevention program consisted of FIFA 11+ activations turned into fun, recess-like, games. This was also considered a gamification of the FIFA 11+. Current research about the FIFA 11+ lacks studies that seek to understand the low engagement levels in injury prevention programs although they have been proven to be effective. This study conducted a five-week injury prevention program that was built in association with Dr. Cory. After every session, the participants were asked to fill out a five-minute survey where they were asked about their engagement levels during the session and if they would want to participate in the future. The data was collected via the Survey Monkey platform. The major findings of the study were that the participants enjoyed the program and the majority wanted to participate again in future sessions. It can be concluded that turning the FIFA 11+ exercises into fun, recess-like games results in increased engagement levels in the injury prevention program.