Memphis VA Medical Center

Celebrating Freedom!

Juneteenth is considered our nation's second independence day. Despite its long-standing celebration in the African American community, this significant event remains largely unfamiliar to most Americans. It is observed annually on June 19th to honor the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth is important, because it reminds us of what we came through and what we can achieve. -Mary Elliott, Curator of American Slavery-

Learn more about the importance of Juneteenth here:
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/why-juneteenth-important

To maintain a healthy metabolism and reduce food cravings, ensure you get at least 6 hours of sleep each night. Avoid consuming caffeine, ni****ne, and alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime and establish a consistent sleep schedule.

For assistance with your health and weight goals, contact the VA MOVE! Program at 901-523-8990 ext. 17974.

The Public Affairs Office (PAO) at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center has been honored with a Gold Aster Award! Our PAO team received the award for their outstanding work on a Special Video Production titled A Tribute to Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. Congratulations to Fredrika Adeleye and Romeo Lucchesi for their dedication to this project. This recognition marks the 6th consecutive year our PAO team has been honored with the award.

The video pays homage to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr., an American hero and aviation pioneer as one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. Thank you to the Weathers family for allowing us to tell their father's amazing story!

You can view the video here: https://www.facebook.com/MemphisVAMC/videos/831928348086754

Since its establishment in 2002, the Aster Awards has been the nation’s premier competition dedicated to acknowledging the most skilled healthcare marketing professionals for their exceptional work in advertising, marketing, and communications.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the Juneteenth celebration at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center. Juneteenth serves as a powerful symbol of our country's true independence and a reminder of the importance of holding onto hope during difficult times.

We would also like to thank the Equal Employment Opportunity Diversity & Inclusion Program for their hard work organizing this meaningful celebration. A special thank you goes out to Dr. Eulah Peterson for delivering such an impactful speech and to Joy Madkins for her powerful dance performance.

View the full ceremony on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=mlkJxFHnWBfZdBBk&v=SNHJik1H-ww&feature=youtu.be

Get moving with MOVE! We've expanded our class schedule to include a 4:30 PM VA Video Connect (VVC) group. For more details, feel free to reach out to the MOVE! Program Manager at 901-523-8990 ext 7974.

Attention all Veterans!

The National Veterans Creative Arts Competition is fast approaching. Sign up now!

Attention Veterans!

Happy Pride Month! Staff from VA Memphis supported the Annual Mid-South Pride Parade this weekend to celebrate the inclusivity of our community.

-Photography by Donald Mooney

Congratulations to the newest members of our I-Care Wall of Heroes!

Bee Award winner - Phyllis Williams, Nursing Assistant
Daisy Award winner - Joshua Weil, Registered Nurse
Physician of the Quarter - Travis McKinzie, M.D., ER Physician
Employee of the Quarter - Jarvett Stevenson, Social Worker

At VA Memphis, we aim to acknowledge and honor employees who have made remarkable contributions aligned with the medical center's mission, vision, and values, especially those who demonstrate exceptional dedication in caring for veterans.

PRIDE is important at VA!

We Celebrated the second annual PRIDE kickoff event yesterday, hosted by our VA LGBTQ+ Veterans Care Coordinators and the VA Memphis Diversity & Inclusion Committee. A special thank you to Marcella Simien for the fantastic musical performance and to everyone who attended and supported this exciting event!

-Photography by Donald Mooney

If you missed yesterday’s event, check it out on our YouTube Page!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5a2Wt-a6iU

Be sure to subscribe for future events.

Today is World - No To***co Day! Big thank you to all the staff and Veterans who supported today's event to raise awareness about the harmful effects of to***co and promote a healthier lifestyle. The event wouldn't have been possible without the support of the Shelby County Health Department and our VA Memphis Lung Cancer Screening Team for hosting this great event. ***coDay

On May 24th, our outstanding staff and resident magician, "the Amazing Grayson," joined in the Red Nose Day fun! We believe in supporting activities that create a better world for children. At VA Memphis, we understand the importance of children in the lives of our heroes and their families.

JOIN US TOMORROW FOR WORLD NO TO***CO DAY!
Are you a current smoker? Interested in resources available on how to quit? Visit our "No To***co Day" event, May 31st!
There will be giveaways, resources from the Shelby County Health Department, and an exhibit of the inflatable giant lung!

Today, the director joined the dedicated staff at our Phelan facility for a BBQ lunch. We appreciate our staff's continued commitment to serving our nation's heroes. Thank you for all you do!

-Photography by Donald Mooney

The Summer BBQ at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center was a sweet and savory success! We appreciate our staff's hard work and dedication to caring for our nation's heroes. Thank you!

-Photography by Donald Mooney

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible nurses at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center, particularly during Nurses Week. We extend our congratulations to all the graduates for their hard work and dedication. Your commitment to serving our veterans and patients is truly commendable. It was an honor to have Dr. Wilhoite, VISN 9 Chief Nursing Officer, as our guest speaker at the event. The occasion was not only a graduation ceremony but also a Nurses appreciation event, recognizing the hard work and dedication of all nurses.

-Photography by Donald Mooney

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month program.

The event, hosted by Dr. Mang Ensell and the EEO-Diversity & Inclusion Program at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center, was made even more meaningful by your active involvement. Your participation played a role in raising awareness about these diverse and rich cultures.
https://youtu.be/MgvJX5earF4?si=J1BjdjraRBXEoqrX

-Photography by Donald Mooney

Got any old or unused medications?

Safely dispose of them to prevent misuse. A medication disposal bin is now available by the Emergency Department entrance. This is the safest way to get rid of expired or unused nonprescription and prescription medicines. Remember to remove any personal information from the pill bottle label and medicine packaging.

Accepted items include controlled and non-controlled substance prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and liquid medication up to 4 ounces.

Unaccepted items include aerosols, alcohol, batteries, hydrogen peroxide, illicit substances, mercury thermometers, and trash.

A Veteran Justice Outreach event will be held May 28th.

The Veterans Justice Outreach program aims to assist Veterans with Legal issues by offering free consultation visits with legal counsel. The event will focus on helping with criminal expungements, estate planning for those in AR, business law, and landlord/tenant issues. This event is open to all Veterans who need legal assistance.

Contact Harvey Reid, the Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator at 901-523-8990 Ext. 7753 for more details.

Today, Executive Director Joseph Vaughn and Executive Director Wes Holt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center and We Are The 22 (WAT22) to enhance su***de prevention efforts by ensuring immediate access to mental health care for Veterans in crisis. The MOU describes how both organizations will collaboratively identify Veterans in crisis and provide immediate access to appropriate mental health services, including acute psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and ongoing supportive mental health services.

The VA prioritizes su***de prevention and has adopted a public health approach to achieve this. The goal is to equip communities to help Veterans get care whenever and wherever they need it by collaborating with various organizations and stakeholders.

This past Monday, the 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Awards Social was held at the Great Hall in Germantown. This year's theme was game night. The nominees were recognized in various categories such as male and female volunteers of the year, drivers of the year, and rookie of the year.

The award plaques will be displayed at the Bed Tower entrance, where the Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) is located. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers for their selfless service.

-Photography by Donald Mooney