Richmond Institute for Veterans Research
​(Formerly known as McGuire Research Institute, Inc.)
We invite you to learn about how we are exploring the possibilities through cutting-edge research, bringing quality care to our Veterans, and building a better future.
We are committed to providing quality health care to Veterans and offer opportunities for patients to participate in research-related clinical trials.
The cutting-edge research conducted at RIVR consists of laboratory studies, clinical studies, and health outcomes pertaining to a wide range of disease processes and conditions that affect Veterans as well as the general population.
At RIVR we support education and training for employee and patient related activities.
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Latest Happenings
📣 Join Us at This Upcoming Community Event! ðŸ¤
The Richmond Institute for Veterans Research (RIVR) is proud to be a sponsor of this meaningful event open to all interested Seniors & Veterans!
If you’re in the Richmond area, don’t miss our Seniors & Veterans Celebration - Boots on the Ground - at The Laurels of Willow Creek
August 21, 2025
Open House Style: Stop by anytime between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Live line dancing starts at 12:30 PM, and everyone gets a fan – it’s part of the Boots on the Ground fun!
11611 Robious Rd, Midlothian, VA
Join us for music, great vibes, tours of the beautiful facility, door prizes, and fun photo ops with a Western backdrop!
It’s a Western-themed party, so feel free to dress the part – boots, hats, and all – but it’s totally optional.
RSVPs or questions?
Call/text: 804-802-2607
Email: Terri@theseniorsavvy.com
Stop by our RIVR informational table to learn more about how we’re supporting Veterans through groundbreaking research and community-driven initiatives. We’ll have free resources, giveaways, and a team ready to connect and share our mission.
This is a great opportunity to engage, learn, and connect with others who care about the well-being of our Seniors & Veterans.
The Monthly Buzz
Happy Independence Day from the Richmond Institute for Veterans Research
We honor the values of freedom, resilience, and sacrifice that define our nation. As we celebrate, we especially honor the courageous service of our Veterans past and present who have protected the liberties we cherish
From all of us at RIVR, we wish you a safe and meaningful 4th of July. May this day remind us of the strength found in unity and the ongoing importance of serving those who served us.
Research Spotlights
Learn more about the dedicated individuals and teams at Richmond Institute for Veterans Research who are committed to advancing research for the benefit of our veterans.
Alzheimer’s Research Spotlight
In collaboration with Dr. Xianlin Han (UT Health San Antonio), Dr. Dupree of RIVR is studying how a specific brain lipid called sulfatide sharply decreases in early Alzheimer’s—and how this may play a key role in disease progression.
Our research focuses on how sulfatide supports vital cell-to-cell communication in the brain. When it’s lost, neurons suffer, leading to cell death. By identifying how this process breaks down, we aim to develop new therapies to protect brain health and slow Alzheimer's in Veterans and beyond.
Funded by the NIH (National Institute of Health), VA Merit Research Program, and grant administered by RIVR (Richmond Institute for Veteran Research).
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Dupree for his time, expertise, and continued dedication to advancing medical research through RIVR. His contributions are driving real progress—and hope—for those who have served and beyond.
PTSD Awareness Month - Research Spotlight
Military service can shape rigid thought patterns, which may contribute to irrational beliefs following trauma. Recognizing this, Dr. Grove developed the REBT-Informed Group Therapy, a non-trauma-focused approach for treating PTSD in Veterans.
This intervention was built on three key insights:
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The clinical need for non-trauma-focused PTSD treatments
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The strong link between irrational beliefs and emotional distress
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The unique relevance of these beliefs in military populations
Initial studies compared a five-session REBT group to a traditional ten-session PTSD Recovery Group—both showed similar improvements in depression and PTSD symptoms. These results were published in July 2021 and presented at the 2021 Military Psychology Summit.
A follow-up study (July 2023) revealed that symptom improvement was largely due to a reduction in irrational beliefs, even when accounting for factors like trauma type, deployments, or medication use—supporting the core theory behind REBT.
In 2024, Dr. Grove published a commentary in an international journal discussing how irrational beliefs influence not just PTSD, but areas like military culture, politics, and education. He has also developed a treatment manual (published January 2023) and is now seeking funding to move into a randomized clinical trial.
We thank Dr. Grove for his dedication to reshaping PTSD care for our Veterans.
🔬 VA Research News & Advancements
Over the last few months, NAVREF has been collaborating with the global market research firm Ipsos on a project to collect data regarding Veterans’ perceptions of VA research. This groundbreaking survey conducted by Ipsos in partnership with NAVREF, highlights the OVERWHELMING veteran (and American public) support for research conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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Article from Ipsos: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/americans-support-va-research-better-veteran-care-and-medical-advancements
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NAVREF Press Release: https://navref.org/Advocacy/13495369
Voice of the Veteran: What Inspires Us
Through this powerful new series, NAVREF will shine a spotlight on veterans who have
contributed to groundbreaking medical advancements by taking part in clinical research at the VA. Click the link below to read these impactful stories and learn what inspires us to continue our work with VA Research.
OUR PATIENTS SAY...
"Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Vitamin D Supplementation of Bone
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I really enjoyed participating in the program. I have benefited from the exercise and training a great deal I had muscle atrophy in my legs and torso area from my injury 27 years ago but I can feel more muscle mass in my calves,thighs, and buttocks, also me being a T1 C8 paraplegic, my stomach muscles don't work making it bigger and since I started the study my stomach and waist size has gotten smaller I lost 3 and a 1/2 pounds I feel that overall I'm healthier at the present than at the start of the study. I hope that my participation in the study will help someone else as well. "
"Participating in the research last conducted I hope helped the team learn and find avenues to help people who need blood thinners. I hope my being a part helped to find a better solution."
