G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center

We hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day! A big thank you to our Center for Development and Civic Engagement Service for adding a festive touch with freshly popped popcorn. Your efforts help make our celebrations special! 🎉🍿

On Labor Day, we recognize the work of Veterans and their caregivers—and the VA employees who serve them.

REMINDER...

The outpatient clinics and administrative offices at the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and all community-based outpatient clinics will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day.

The Emergency Department and all inpatient services will remain operational.

If you have non-urgent, non-emergency matters that require attention, we recommend using the convenience of My HealtheVet Secure Messaging. This platform enables you to communicate with your healthcare team regarding prescription refills, appointment scheduling or cancellations, and access to your medical records.

If you do not have a My HealtheVet account, take time and Register Today, by visiting: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/user-registration. Do not forget to opt-in to receive email notifications for Secure Messaging.

The resurfacing project continues, and the following parking lots will be closed next:

🅿️ Veteran Parking Lot A: Closed September 3 - September 5
🅿️ Veteran Parking Lot B: Closed September 7 - September 9

Additionally, Employee Parking Lot C will be reserved exclusively for Veteran parking. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our facilities!

🌟 Compliment Corner 🌟 We're honored to share some of the positive feedback from our incredible Veterans! Your words inspire us to continue delivering the care and support you deserve. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey.

Join us in welcoming our newest employees! 🌟✨ They attended New Employee Orientation earlier this week and we couldn't be more excited to have them on board.

If you're interested in joining our team of dedicated employees, please visit the link below to view available job opportunities. Come make a difference with us!
https://bddy.me/3TsSOi0

The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center is undergoing a parking lot and road resurfacing project to enhance safety and accessibility on campus. Please note the following closures:

- Veteran Parking Lot A: Closed Sept 3 – Sept 5
- Veteran Parking Lot B: Closed Sept 7 – Sept 9

If you have an appointment during these times, expect minor delays and plan for extra travel time. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our facility! 🛠️

The outpatient clinics and administrative offices at the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and all community-based outpatient clinics will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day.

The Emergency Department and all inpatient services will remain operational.

If you have non-urgent, non-emergency matters that require attention, we recommend using the convenience of My HealtheVet Secure Messaging. This platform enables you to communicate with your healthcare team regarding prescription refills, appointment scheduling or cancellations, and access to your medical records.

To access Secure Messaging, ensure that you are registered as a VA Patient on My HealtheVet and have a premium account. If you haven't already registered, we encourage you to take a moment and complete the process today. Additionally, don't forget to opt-in to receive email notifications for Secure Messaging, keeping you informed about important updates and responses from your healthcare team.

If you do not have a My HealtheVet account, take time and Register Today, by visiting: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/user-registration. Do not forget to opt-in to receive email notifications for Secure Messaging.

The Hospital Incident Command System was activated last week for a mock tornado drill to rehearse and sustain incident command activities that occur during crisis events that impact our medical center. The incident command team is composed of various medical center leadership and personnel that ensure the safety of our staff and Veterans during the event of an emergency, great work IC Team! 🌪️🦺👍

‼️ Attention ‼️

The Veterans Crisis Line is currently experiencing intermittent technical issues with their phone system. If you are unable to reach them by dialing 988 (press 1), you can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by contacting the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center at 601-362-4471 and pressing 7. You can also reach the Veterans Crisis Line by chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat) or text (838255) to reach responders. If you are in imminent danger, call 911.

Yesterday, staff across the medical center joined together to celebrate Women's Equality Day! 👯‍♀️

Women’s Equality Day is observed annually on August 26, and it marks the historic day in 1920 when the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed, granting women the right to vote. Women’s Equality Day is significant for women Veterans who have broken barriers within a traditionally male-dominated field. Women have served in various capacities in the military for generations, often without the recognition or rights given to their male counterparts. From serving as nurses in the World Wars to taking on combat roles and leadership positions today, women Veterans epitomize the courage and perseverance that Women’s Equality Day celebrates.

Read more about Women's Equality Day: https://news.va.gov/134226/celebrating-womens-equality-day-a-journey-toward-inclusive-liberty/

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾 Let's celebrate our furry friends with extra walks, treats, and belly rubs today. Whether you have a loyal pup at home or dream of adopting one in the future, let's show our love for these amazing animals. Check out a couple pics of our employee's pups!

After last week’s Veteran Town Hall, our Atrium became the backdrop for something truly special. During the PACT Act Resource Fair, our Chaplain Service had the privilege of personally pinning our Vietnam Veterans—a small but powerful gesture of our immense gratitude.

Notify VA Immediately | Inform the emergency care provider to report your emergency treatment to VA’s Centralized Emergency Care Reporting Center as soon as possible after your treatment starts by:

Using the VA Emergency Care Reporting portal -https://emergencycarereporting.communitycare.va.gov/ OR calling 844-72HRVHA (844-724-7842)

Meet the Recruitment and Retention Committee!

The Recruitment & Retention Committee promotes a workplace culture of recognition for the contribution of nurses and the health care provider team. Your achievements are encouraged, supported, and recognized at Jackson VAMC! 🩺🎉

"Thinking Beyond Borders, Nursing Beyond Limits"

We were thrilled to see over 50 Veterans and caregivers come together for our recent Veteran Town Hall! Interim Medical Center Director Michael Renfrow and Jackson VA Regional Office Executive Director Darryl Brady led an engaging session, addressing key concerns and answering important questions.

After the Town Hall, Veterans took proactive steps at the PACT Act Resource Fair—signing up for the burn pit registry, scheduling toxic exposure screenings, and filing claims with VBA staff.

A big thank you to all who participated and made this event impactful!

Did you know? Eligible disabled Veterans may be able to combine their VA home loan benefit with the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant to customize a new manufactured home for an affordable housing option.

Learn more: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEnRIFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdOX9LMtbTYEDZYcqMxnv7qxAT3AhNYPl52omJV2RLldJN7abwhbbg1JhA_aem_wMo7VSC_vH2G2Su46EIqPA

HAPPENING TODAY! The Veteran Town Hall will take place today from 11:00 am-12:00 pm in Montgomery Hall. Immediately following, we will have a PACT Act Resource and Enrollment Fair from 12:00 pm-2:30 pm in the Atrium.

REMINDER!!! The Veteran Town Hall will take place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The town hall is going to be from 11:00 am-12:00 pm in Montgomery Hall.

The Town Hall will includes updates from the Interim Medical Center Director and a live Q&A segment. A panel of staff including Primary Care, Community Care, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) representatives will be available to answer questions during the event.

Immediately following, we will have a PACT Act Resource and Enrollment Fair from 12:00 pm-2:30 pm in the Atrium. The PACT Act Resource and Enrollment Fair aims to raise awareness about the PACT Act. The fair will provide toxic exposure screenings, assistance with VA healthcare enrollment, help with PACT claims, and additional resources for Veterans.

Did you know you can get VA care from the comfort of your home or wherever you may be? Call the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC Clinical Contact Center for your virtual urgent and tele emergency care needs by dialing 1-800-949-1009. Prefer secure chat over the telephone? Download the VA Health Chat app at no cost on the Google Play or Apple App stores and connect with staff anytime between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday except on Federal holidays.

NOTE: The G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC Clinical Contact Center should not be used for life-threatening emergency situations. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, please call 9-1-1 or visit the emergency room closest to you.

Veterans, today is National Patient Advocacy Day. Patient advocates are located at your local VA to assist you with your health care needs.

Special thank you to our Patient Advocates!

To learn more or to contact our Patient Advocates, visit https://www.va.gov/jackson-health-care/health-services/patient-advocates/

REMINDER!!! The Veteran Town Hall will take place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The town hall is going to be from 11:00 am-12:00 pm in Montgomery Hall.

The Town Hall will includes updates from the Interim Medical Center Director and a live Q&A segment. A panel of staff including Primary Care, Community Care, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) representatives will be available to answer questions during the event.

Immediately following, we will have a PACT Act Resource and Enrollment Fair from 12:00 pm-2:30 pm in the Atrium. The PACT Act Resource and Enrollment Fair aims to raise awareness about the PACT Act. The fair will provide toxic exposure screenings, assistance with VA healthcare enrollment, help with PACT claims, and additional resources for Veterans.

The Veterans Crisis Line is free and confidential — you decide what information to share. A qualified responder will answer, ready to listen and help 24/7.
Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

VA Connected Care is partnering with Tech For Troops for a live event! The discussion will feature VA experts and will highlight how VA tools are bridging the digital divide to connect Veterans to care. Join VA and Tech For Troops for a Facebook Live event on Wednesday, August 21 at 12 noon ET.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v7pRaAr5yPrsPD9k/

If you think you might have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are resources to help you recover. Explore treatment options, self-help tools, and more: MentalHealth.va.gov/ptsd/index.asp

❗EXTREME HEAT STRESS🥵—The state is expected to experience extreme heat starting today through Saturday (8/15-8/17). No matter which color your county is highlighted, it's vital that every Mississippian use extreme caution over the next few days. Heat stroke is possible if spending prolonged time outdoors.

💧Stay Hydrated
🏡Stay Cool
💛Stay Safe

VA provides compassionate care for pregnancy loss. You have support from gynecologists, mental health care specialists, chaplains, support groups, maternity care coordinators, primary care providers, and women Veteran program managers. Find the support you need at VA.
www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/pregnancy-loss.asp

Military sexual trauma (MST) can affect people in different ways. But wherever you are and whatever you’re going through, you are not alone. VA offers free MST-related care for survivors.

Both women and men can experience MST. Visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp to learn more about the MST-related recovery programs and services at VA.

Did you know... Every VA has an MST Coordinator to help
you access services and resources. Contact our very own Timiko Williams, MST Coordinator, at 601-362-4471 ext. 56366 to learn more.
MentalHealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp

Our busy lives can make it hard to keep up with loved ones and friends. Make time today to pick up the phone and check on a buddy. You never know the positive impact one call can make.

VA’s Safety Plan app helps you create personal coping strategies and find resources that can help reduce thoughts of su***de, making a crisis easier to handle.

Download the app and create a plan that works for you today: mobile.va.gov/app/safety-plan .

G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC employees celebrated their August VA anniversaries during a brief ceremony. Together, these employees celebrated a combined total of 445 years of service to the Federal government!