Orlando VA Healthcare System

Join us for the Orlando VA's 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Event & Walk! Let's come together to honor those affected by breast cancer and celebrate their strength and resilience. Walk with us to raise awareness, show support, and celebrate the journey of survivors and their families.

Join us at the Orlando VA Medical Center- Lake Nona on Tuesday, September 24 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. to make a life-saving donation!

From September 15 - 21 we celebrate the incredible surgical technologist who play a vital role in the operating room! These dedicated professionals are responsible for setting up the OR, arranging essential equipment, and even assisting physicians during life saving surgeries. Happy Surgical Technologist Week to our amazing surgical techs at the Orlando VA! Thank you for all you do!

Join Us for the 2024 Orlando VA Mental Health Summit!

This important event will foster collaboration and innovation in mental health care for Veterans and their families. Join us for expert-led panel discussions on key topics like su***de prevention, substance abuse recovery, and outpatient care!

Let’s work together to support our Veterans' mental health!

Learn more: https://shorturl.at/b6Fst

Please join us in raising awareness and breaking the silence about pregnancy & infant loss. We celebrate and honor the lives of all babies that departed too soon. If you wish to honor your baby during the event ceremony by providing their name and/or memento, please send an email to [email protected] and confirm attendance.

It’s that time of year! As a healthcare entity, we must set the example, especially when your health is in our hands.

Just as our Executive team rolled up their sleeves, it is now your turn! Protect yourself and those around you by getting the flu shot. Enrolled Veterans can receive their vaccine at the Orlando VA Medical Center, surrounding CBOCs, or during walk-in clinic hours. If you receive your shot from a community provider, don’t forget to send us your documentation to keep your records updated.

It only takes a couple of minutes, come by during the below times:

Lake Nona Hospital | Monday-Friday @ 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lake Baldwin Clinic | Monday-Friday @ 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | No Flu Shots 1st Tuesday of each month 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Kissimmee CBOC | Monday & Wednesday @ 8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Deltona CBOC | Monday & Wednesday @ 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Daytona Clinic | Monday-Friday @ 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

Westside Pavilion: Appointment Only @ POC: 386-366-6700

Tavares CBOC | Wednesday & Thursday @ 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Clermont CBOC | Monday-Friday @ 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Viera CBOC | Monday-Friday @ 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Palm Bay CBOC | Monday-Friday @ 8 a.m. -1200 & 1 -3:00 p.m.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/BNaV50Tm024

Greek Yogurt with Warm Berry Sauce. A simple and flavorful summertime desert that always pleases. See how easy it is to make in the current issue of Veterans Health Matters at www.visn8.va.gov/VISN8/news/publications.asp

Navy Veteran Darnette Evans wasn’t living her best life because too much “stuff” was getting in the way. Teaming with her Whole Health coach, she cleared the clutter.

Read more: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/features/Crafty_Veteran_Overcomes_Obstacles.asp

We shall never forget the events that took place on this day 23 years ago.

September 11th (Remember The Day) Written by & performed by Kendra Negron.

The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) will host a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the canteen, on the first floor of the Orlando VA Medical Center, located in Lake Nona, Orlando Fla.

This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. The ceremony will honor and remember the lives lost during the tragic events of Sept 11, 2001.

The ceremony will also feature special guest speaker, Dr. Kulsum Casey, OVAHCS Associate Chief of Staff for Clinical Analytics, who was among the first responders at the Level 1 Trauma Center that served World Trade Center in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. Dr. Casey will share her experiences and reflections on the day that forever changed our nation.

In addition to the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to view the 9/11 Remembrance Wall, a moving tribute to the victims and heroes of that fateful day. The wall will be located in the piano lobby at the rear entrance of the Orlando VA Medical Center.

Veteran Outreach tables will also be available before and after the ceremony, providing resources and support for Veterans and their families.

For planning purposes, event organizers kindly request your RSVP here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BWX29CQ

The Global War on Terrorism Wall of Remembrance is now on display in the piano lobby on the first floor of the Orlando VA Medical Center. This powerful tribute honors the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed in the fight against terrorism. Special thanks to the Patriot Guard Riders for bringing this meaningful memorial to our community and allowing us all to pay our respects.

Every fall and winter, flu virus spreads around the United States. And each year, new flu vaccines are ready to help prevent people from getting sick with flu. Stop the Spread. Flu Shots are now available. Check locations and schedules:
https://ow.ly/sy9w50TjqQP

Join us this morning at 8:00 a.m., for our VISN 8 Su***de Prevention Awareness Event. During this event we will provide training and discussions to assist in raising awareness of su***de prevention and share that help is available, and su***de can be prevented. Information on how to join and more available at https://department.va.gov/integrated-service-networks/visn-08/ (view under VISN 8 Highlights) ***dePrevention ***deAwareness

🏌️‍♀️ Local Army Veteran Participates in National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic! 🏌️‍♀️

We’re proud to share that Colonel Paula Jones Edwards (Ret.), a distinguished U.S. Army Veteran and long-time Orlando resident, is participating in the 31st National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic in Riverside, Iowa!

Colonel Jones Edwards joined the U.S. Army in 1985 and served with honor for 30 years. During her career, she held a wide range of leadership roles, including Assistant Chief of Staff G-1, overseeing Human Resource actions for over 5,000 Soldiers and civilians. Among her many decorations are the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. She also commanded at the company and battalion levels.

In addition to her military service, Colonel Jones Edwards is a passionate advocate for veterans and an active community volunteer. She serves as a board member for Tee-Lo Jr. Golf, volunteers at the VA Orlando, and leads veteran support initiatives with Wounded Warrior Project and Horses & Heroes.

Now, she’s bringing that same dedication and spirit to the Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, where she joins fellow veterans from across the nation in this amazing event!

Thank you, COL Paula Jones Edwards, for your service and continued commitment to our community. Best of luck at the clinic! 🎉

Safe, stable, and comfortable surroundings have a positive effect on your health. Learn more about how surroundings impact your health and how you can make improvements.

Whole Health: Surroundings Surroundings are a key component of VA Whole Health. The surroundings and environments you are in can affect the way you think and feel impacting your health...

The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) will host two At-Risk Monitoring and Outreach (ARMOR) Program events on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in recognition of Su***de Prevention Month. The day will begin with a Su***de Prevention Walk from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., followed by the Su***de
Prevention Resource Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Su***de Prevention Walk will start at the flagpole in front of the Orlando VA Medical Center and is open to all Veterans, staff, and community members. The first 100 Veterans to sign in on the morning of the walk will receive a free T-shirt.

Following the walk, the Armor Program Su***de Prevention Resource Fair will take place on the first floor near the atrium of the Orlando VA Medical Center. The fair will run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring over 40 VA programs and local community agencies dedicated to providing resources and support to Veterans.

This combined event offers Veterans and their families an opportunity to connect with critical services and programs designed to promote mental health, wellness, and su***de prevention.
https://ow.ly/yP6J50ThKW5

The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) announced that it received a 5 star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings and 5-Stars from CMS’ quarterly patient satisfaction review, the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Systems (HCAHPS). Read More: https://ow.ly/BRmR50ThCmS

Share your story with UCF Community Veterans History Project (CVHP). Created in the fall of 2010 , the CVHP honors American war Veterans by giving them the opportunity to share their stories. The recorded history of our wars will not be complete without the voices of those who were involved.

CVHP is committed to serving the Central Florida Veteran community by digitally preserving their stories for future generations. Over 600 Central Florida Veterans have participated in the project by sharing and archiving their experiences. Learn more at https://vetstories.cah.ucf.edu

During Su***de Prevention month, facilities across VISN 8 will host Su***de Prevention Awareness Month events in conjunction with the Sep 10 virtual Prevention Awareness event. Access link to join and learn more at https://department.va.gov/integrated-service-networks/visn-08/ (view under VISN 8 Highlights) ***dePrevention ***deAwareness

🚧Attention, Veterans! 🚧
The Tavares CBOC will be undergoing roof repairs starting today, September 4th, through Friday, September 6th. Please note that the clinic will remain OPEN during this time. The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority, so we’ll be reaching out to Veterans with scheduled appointments to offer virtual visits if appropriate. Lab collection hours will remain unchanged.

Thank you for your understanding!

Who should get a flu shot? All people age six months and older…and those who want to reduce their risk of getting sick from flu. These include people with health problems like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Pregnant women, people older than 50, health care personnel, and those who care for friends and family members should get a flu shot. Learn more at www.publichealth.va.gov/flu

Taking opioids recreationally or not as prescribed comes with a significant risk of overdose. On International Overdose Awareness Day, and every day, know how to identify and prevent an opioid overdose.

Join us for a tabling event at the Orlando VA today!

Learn more: https://www.va.gov/orlando-health-care/news-releases/august-31st-is-international-overdose-awareness-day-ioad/

Join Us for the 2024 Orlando VA Mental Health Summit!

This important event will foster collaboration and innovation in mental health care for Veterans and their families. Join us for expert-led panel discussions on key topics like su***de prevention, substance abuse recovery, and outpatient care!

Let’s work together to support our Veterans' mental health!

Learn more: https://shorturl.at/b6Fst

Join us on Sep 10 for a virtual Su***de Prevention Awareness event from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. The theme is “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” Every conversation can change a life. We urge you not to wait. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Access link to join and learn more at https://department.va.gov/integrated-service-networks/visn-08/ (view under VISN 8 Highlights) ***dePrevention ***deAwareness

📢 Exciting News! Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is now available at the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) for Veterans currently enrolled in VA health care. PGx testing helps determine how your body responds to medications, allowing for more personalized and effective treatments. Learn more about this incredible service today!

https://www.va.gov/orlando-health-care/news-releases/orlando-va-healthcare-system-introduces-pharmacogenomic-testing-for-veterans/

Be Physically Active for Your Whole Health. Moving the body is about more than traditional exercise. Explore what this could mean for you in the latest issue of Veterans Health Matters at www.visn8.va.gov/VISN8/news/publications.asp.