VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System

Drive-Thru and Extended Hours Flu Clinics

Our drive-through flu shot clinics kicked off on Monday, 9/23, at the Topeka and Leavenworth Campuses! From now through Nov. 1 Monday – Friday, 7a – 1p. Topeka Drive-Thru @ Bldg. 3, circular drive. Leavenworth Drive-Thru @ Volunteer Services Bldg. 94. Extended hours also available (click website below). Most community-based outpatient clinics are also hosting extended hours flu clinics. See dates and locations: https://www.va.gov/eastern-kansas-health-care/programs/flu-vaccination-program/drive-thru-flu-shot-clinics-for-veterans/

Designed to Support
Our efforts to standardize are not just about procedures; they're about people. By aligning our systems to the strengths and weaknesses of human performance, we make our health care environment safer and more efficient for everyone involved.

VA offers resources for su***de loss survivors - VA News If you have lost a loved one to su***de, you may be struggling to cope and unsure of what to do next. VA offers help and resources.

VA has mental health resources to address the unique stressors and experiences that Veterans may face. We’re just a click, call, text, or chat away.

MentalHealth.va.gov/get-help/index.asp

Shared Responsibility
In Veterans Health Administration, leaders and staff members share accountability for safety. Together, we work to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring that our responses to incidents lead to real improvements, not just quick fixes.

Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members in defense of the nation’s freedom, and as an opportunity for the public to reflect on the enduring impact on families still awaiting answers.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has the mission to research, identify and work to return POW/MIA remains to their families.

Take a moment of silence today to remember those who are still missing.

We will never forget those who are imprisoned and missing-POW/MIA.

Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center has been named a TOP ORGANIZATION by the Community Blood Center for the tremendous support of our VA staff and veterans in donating blood.

We have donated more than 100 pints of blood over the past year for those who are in need in our area.

Thank you for your support of those in our community.

Our next blood drive will be:

Date: 10/17/2024
Start Time: 09:00 AM
End Time: 01:00 PM
Where: Colmery O'Neil VA Medical Center/Building 24, Recreation Hall - Room A113

Make an Appointment: https://donate.savealifenow.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/81394

Many options are available to Veterans concerned about their substance use, including preventive tools designed to support their quality of life as they pursue recovery.

Learn how compassion can lead to recovery from unhealthy substance use. https://www.va.gov/recovery/

Valuing Our Front-Line Staff members
The greatest resource we have is our engaged front-line staff members, who observe and understand patient care dynamics firsthand. In VHA, we value and act on your insights to continuously improve our care systems and keep Veterans safe.

Help us Welcome our newest team members to VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System.
September 2024 Leavenworth VAMC New Employees

🎉 We were thrilled to announce that the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System recently opened a new full-time VA clinic in Southeast Kansas! 🏥✨

To celebrate, we held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Open House, and Health Fair at the new Iola VA Clinic. 🎀🎊

The event featured keynote speakers:

Mr. Rudy Klopfer, Health Care System Director
Senator Jerry Moran
Iola Mayor Mr. Steven French
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable occasion! 🎈👥

Drive-Thru and Extended Hours Flu Clinics

Our drive-through flu shot clinics kick off on Monday, 9/23, at the Topeka and Leavenworth Campuses! Sept. 23 – Nov. 1., Monday – Friday, 7a – 1p. Topeka Drive-Thru - Bldg. 3, circular drive. Leavenworth Drive-Thru - Volunteer Services Bldg. 94. Extended hours also available. Most community-based outpatient clinics are also hosting extended hours flu clinics. See dates and locations: https://www.va.gov/eastern-kansas-health-care/programs/flu-vaccination-program/drive-thru-flu-shot-clinics-for-veterans/

Concerned about your substance use? VA has resources to help you pursue recovery in a safe and healthy environment.

Look forward to a fulfilling and rewarding life without substance use.

Learn about National Recovery Month and how VA can help: https://www.va.gov/recovery/

Whether you are worried about your own substance use or that of someone you care about, VA has many options to help you take the next step.

Explore VA resources to help you get started: MentalHealth.va.gov/substance-use/next-step.asp

Teamwork Saves Lives
Effective teamwork in health care isn't just about working together, it's about working smarter. National Center for Patient Safety Team Training empowers our staff members with the tools to communicate clearly and coordinate seamlessly, reducing risks and enhancing care for Veterans.

Women Veterans within our Eastern Kansas Health Care System are invited to join the Women's Health Virtual Wellness Event this evening, Thurs, Sept 12, from 6-7pm. Livestream at https://access.live/WomensHealthVirtualWellnessEvent or dial in at 833-305-1719. Hosted by the Marion VA HCS Women Veterans Program.

Thanks to Heroes on the Water for the write up about their collaboration with our Life Enrichment Center at the Topeka VA Medical Center. Through the healing power of outdoor recreation and skill-based therapy, they offer veterans’ innovative ways to manage mental health challenges, build confidence, and reintegrate into their communities.

Hands on Healing Recently, we sat down to speak with the team of social workers at the Life Enrichment Center (LEC) at Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas. The Topeka LEC is a Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) offering intensive outpatient care for veterans with severe mental il...

VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System is having a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for our NEW Iola VA Clinic on Friday, Sept 13, 2024, 10:30AM, at 1408 East Street, Iola, KS. This location allows us to expand healthcare services to Veterans in the southeast section of Kansas and to centrally serve Veterans in 5 counties. This Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will feature an open house and health fair. Keynote speakers include Health Care System Director, Mr. Rudy Klopfer, Senator Jerry Moran and Iola Mayor Mr. Steven French.

Veterans …You’re invited to attend our 2024 VA Eastern Kansas Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Summit, featuring notable keynote speakers and a networking fair with some of our VA programs and community partners. The Summit will take place Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the Lied Center of Kansas University, from 9a-3p (registration starts at 8:30a). Theme this year is “Empowering Veteran Wellness and Connection.” Other presentations by Su***de Prevention, Whole Health, and more. Please note registration is required due to limited space. Use the following link: https://varedcap.rcp.vaec.va.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=PD4PN4ADPCTNHN3D
Each individual who plans to attend should register separately.

Today, Patriot Day, we remember the 2,977 people who lost their lives and the thousands more injured during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. We also remember those served in the wake of those tragedies, putting themselves in harm’s way to answer the call.

May we never forget the cost of freedom and work to be worthy of their sacrifices.

Salute them on this National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Take a moment to read about the impact of a Whole Health approach to care for a local VA Eastern Kansas Veteran! To learn more about how to begin your own Whole Health journey, visit
https://bit.ly/vaeasternkansaswholehealth
today.

Expert Insights
Safety in Veterans Health Administration is driven by expertise. Our Patient Safety Managers are key voices in shaping a safer environment for Veterans. Their insights directly reach the top through scheduled one-on-one meetings with our leaders.