Milwaukee VA Medical Center

Percy Cox, the supervisory administrative officer for Nutrition and Food Services at the Milwaukee VA, handles a lot of administrative functions behind the scenes, such as financial management, administration, supply chain management, and liaising with human resources on behalf of the division.
As a Marine Corps Veteran, Percy came to the Milwaukee VA more than 11 years ago. At the time he couldn't find his footing in terms of a job and had turned to drinking. He knew he needed to make a change, so he got sober in 2013 and joined the medical center’s Compensated Work Therapy program in 2014. While reflecting on how far he has come, Percy said it’s not a big thing to him because he went through it, but “it means a lot when other people will say ‘Percy started here, and he did this. He’s an example of what you can do with hard work.’”
It makes Percy proud to see other Veterans succeed through the CWT program. He hopes to be an example for them, and wants them to know that, "You can succeed. You can go further, and you can get promoted. You won't be stigmatized forever. You can work past the stigmatization."
Percy continues to maintain his work ethic, both personally and professionally. In the past couple of years, he earned his Master's degree in business administration with an emphasis in healthcare management, and a post-graduate certificate in leadership of diversity, equity and inclusion. He also continues to progress his career goals and ambitions at the Milwaukee VA, We are proud to have him as an employee at Zablocki as one of the

**Happening now!** If you're in the area, stop up in the 3rd floor gym for VA"s National Creative Arts Competition performing arts show.

The landscape of opioid overdose response has seen a significant development with the introduction of the innovative Naloxone Trainer, a pioneering tool designed to empower individuals to respond effectively to opioid emergencies. Initially conceived by Milwaukee VA nurse, Diane Mosey, the Naloxone Trainer emerged from a simple yet powerful idea: create a sustainable and accessible method to educate providers and Veterans on how to respond to opioid overdose events.

Milwaukee VA's Microbiology Supervisor, Jeanna Donkle is recognized as Medical Laboratory Observer's Top 55 under 55! Her favorite thing about working in the VA lab? "Our impact in improving patient care and working with a variety of clinical staff." Congratulations! 🎉 https://www.mlo-online.com/management/careers/article/55134522/jeanna-donkle

**TODAY at 1 p.m.** Women's Health virtual focus group meet virtually to discuss the topics of Understanding Stress & Continuous Improvement. Hope you can join us! See event post details for information on how to connect: https://www.facebook.com/events/1177945696849287

Fisher House Foundation staff and Fisher House Wisconsin board members stopped by the Milwaukee VA's Fisher House Tuesday to talk with family members, volunteers and staff. They were in town for the annual Fisher House Wisconsin golf outing on Monday and provided some breakfast treats to enjoy. Fisher House builds comfort homes where military and Veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital.

Another day of heat! Keep informed and stay hydrated.

If you happen to pass these new employees in the halls of the Milwaukee VA, be sure to welcome them to the team! Today marked their first day in a rewarding career serving our Veterans.

If you are interested in learning how you can also serve and support our nation's heroes, check out the "work with us" page on our website: https://www.va.gov/milwaukee-health-care/work-with-us/

It's hot out there! Stay informed with the latest information from the US National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Wisconsin.

For the first time, the Zablocki VA’s Northeast Wisconsin Ambulatory Clinics have their own chaplain. Don Blomberg, a former pastor with experience in rural settings, became NEWAC’s first chaplain in June. Meet Chaplain Blomberg and learn about VA's Chaplain Services, link in the comments.

Today we celebrate Women’s Equality Day and the enactment of the 19th Amendment which barred states from excluding women from the ballot based solely on the basis of their s*x. While the amendment did not guarantee the vote for women, it was a benchmark moment for American democracy and an important milestone in women’s equality. Women’s Equality Day reminds us of the many hurdles overcome by women who faced violence and discrimination in their efforts to advance equality. For more information: https://www.va.gov/ORMDI/DiversityInclusion/FWP.asp

Claims predators are unaccredited and charge high fees, promise to accelerate the claims process, or obtain a 100% disability rating. Use VA accredited attorneys, claims agents, and VSO reps for benefits help to avoid aggressive claims predators! https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/

Veterans are feeling stronger every day thanks to the incredible support from VA's weight management program. It's a journey, but with the right team, anything is possible. Read what Veterans are saying about our team. For more information about MOVE!: https://www.move.va.gov/

Veterans using nonprescribed stimulants should talk to their health care provider about having naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, on hand.

Learn more: MentalHealth.va.gov/substance-use/stimulants.asp

The 2024 Quadrennial Women Veterans Summit registration is open! This summit brings VA resources and services in one place to connect women Veterans and transitioning service women to the benefits and services they have earned. Register Now: https://whova.com/portal/registration/women4_202409/
In-person attendance and limited livestream sessions available.

Register Now: https://whova.com/portal/registration/women4_202409/

You are cordially invited to the 2024 Quadrennial Women Veterans Summit – “The Year of Empowerment,” September 5-7, 2024, at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. This year’s Summit will be hosted by the VA Center for Women Veterans (CWV) and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Assault and Harassment Prevention Office (AHPO).
Women Veterans are the fastest-growing demographic within the Veteran community. We anticipate the largest number of attendees in the history of the summit. The 2024 Quadrennial Women Veterans Summit brings all VA resources and services in one place to connect women Veterans and transitioning servicewomen to the benefits and services they have earned.
Representatives will be onsite from VA, Veterans Service Organizations, military service organizations, local/state/federal entities, non-governmental organizations, and nonprofits to:
• Provide social needs and toxic exposure screenings and exchange information about VA benefits and services
• Solve current challenges women Veterans face, and address unique needs
• Have an open discussion on issues impacting women Veterans
• Share women-focused research and innovations and connect with community partners
Who Should Attend
• Women Veterans
• Transitioning Service Members
• Women Veterans Stakeholders
• Women Veterans Program Managers
• Intimate Partner Violence Program Coordinators
• Mental Health Professionals
• Professional Staff
Register Now: https://whova.com/portal/registration/women4_202409/
In-person attendance and limited livestream sessions available.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 Quadrennial Women Veterans Summit — “The Year of Empowerment.” Please share the Summit flyer with your network.

You Belong Here: Great turn out yesterday at Milwaukee VA's Special Emphasis Program's Diversity Fair! Zablocki VA fosters a culture that is welcoming, equitable, fosters a sense of belonging and advocates for all voices to be heard.

A new vending machine in the Milwaukee VA cafeteria won’t give you chips, soda or candy. Instead it dispenses valuable items that could save someone’s life. Known as a harm reduction vending machine, the dispenser contains fentanyl test strips, naloxone, gun locks and other items for those struggling with addiction or self-harm. And everything is free.
Read more: https://www.va.gov/milwaukee-health-care/stories/harm-reduction-vending-machine-provides-free-supplies-for-those-struggling-with-addiction-self-harm/

Have you faced pregnancy loss? VA’s maternity care coordinators or women Veteran program managers are ready to help. Whether you need clarify on your coverage and options, access to pregnancy loss resources, or answers to your questions, we are here to lend support. Reach out to your local VA and request to be connected to these resources at your location.

Thanks to CBS 58 for this spotlight on expanded health care for Veterans in the Oconomowoc area. Watch this Sunday feature and hear from a Marine that now gets primary care at the newest Milwaukee VA outpatient clinic:

'I’m glad they moved it out here': VA Medical Center expands footprint into Lake Country with new Oconomowoc clinic OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- This summer, a welcome sight for thousands of Wisconsin veterans who live in Lake Country and have struggled to keep up with their health care needs. The Milwaukee VA ad

VA Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Program
PGx testing uses your genes to help find a medicine or dose better suited for you.
PGx testing may help you and your healthcare provider understand:
o How a medicine may work for you
o Your risk of side effects
o Your medicines and treatment plan

https://ow.ly/JHLl50SZLjF

THANK YOU, NURSES! VA nurses are essential members of our professional team. Thanks to their diligent work, we are able to provide the best care for all our Veterans, and our Veterans notice!

Five health improvement projects connected to the Milwaukee VA Medical Center are among 40 in Wisconsin to receive Momentum Grant funding from the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment. The grants, each up to $250,000, were awarded through a competitive application process aimed at addressing the state's most urgent health challenges. For more information about the project: https://www.va.gov/milwaukee-health-care/stories/five-milwaukee-va-projects-earn-grant-funding/

Secondhand smoke puts the people near you at risk. Once you stop smoking, both you and those around you will breathe easier.

Sign up for VA’s SmokefreeVET text messaging program. Text the word VET to 47848 or visit smokefree.gov/VET.

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