The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NCP), a section of the Office of Patient Care Services (OPCS), was established in 1995. The purpose of NCP is to provide a central office for monitoring and encouraging VHA activities with respect to the provision, evaluation, and improvement  of preventive health services and to promote the expansion and improvement of clinical, research, and education activities related to VHA preventive health service. This Directive provides information on the responsibilities of the NCP.

The Veterans Health Administration is home to the United States’ largest integrated health care system consisting of 152 medical centers, nearly 1,400 community-based outpatient clinics, community living centers, Vet Centers and Domiciliaries. Together these health care facilities and the more than 53,000 independent licensed health care practitioners who work within them provide comprehensive care to more than 8.3 million* Veterans each year.