APPLETON CLINIC IS OPEN: Fox Valley Veterans, our clinic in Appleton is open in the wake of Monday's devastating storms. All of our normal services are available. Our thoughts are with all of you dealing with the aftermath of the storms. If you have questions, feel free to contact the Appleton clinic at 920-831-0070.
IN PRAISE OF NURSES: U.S. Army Veteran Bill Guida's recent stay at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center for treatment of Lyme disease exposed him to something else: great nursing care. "They demonstrated unquestionable professionalism, skill, care, empathy and compassion," he said. Read more in Mr. Guida's first-person account: https://t.co/L8fY0eAxcD
"CHRISTMAS IN JULY" HELPS HOPTEL: The "Happiness Heroes" — a group of nurses in the Milwaukee VA's Medicine Division — recently completed their second annual "Christmas in July" initiative, teaming with the American Legion Auxiliary, Greendale Post 416. Last year, the Happiness Heroes created a Giving Tree at the Hoptel and filled it with essential items to make Veterans' stays at the Hoptel more comfortable. The effort was repeated this year, and the tree was loaded with personal care items, socks, hats, sunglasses, gift cares and more. "Veterans were so appreciative, and seeing their smiles made every bit of effort worth it," said Happiness Heroes member Tammy Bell. "Huge thank you to our staff, the Auxiliary and the whole team for keeping this tradition alive. Here’s to making 'Christmas in July' an annual burst of joy for our Veterans!"
Check out what a Veteran had to say about the care they received at the Green Bay VA! Thank you for trusting us with your healthcare needs!
Interested in learning more about how VA can serve you? Check out our website: https://t.co/9gKm2xK339
WOMEN VETERANS HEALTH SUMMIT: Our inaugural Women Veterans Health and Wellness Summit today was a hit! About 50 veterans gathered to learn about a variety of topics, including menopause, maternal health, military sexual trauma, media and health literacy and increasing access to well-being. Participants took part in a number of activities, such as chair yoga, and heard a personal account from a Veteran about how the VA helped her. They also received information on the many services the VA provides for women Veterans. Learn more about those services here: https://t.co/d6f3tAwrce
Did you know that as you get older, retire, and start your next phase of life, VA has mental health support for you?
Get support for the challenges you may experience later in life: https://t.co/0nDyiXthEA
"I HAVE TO BE WITH THE VETERANS": Jennie Riemer's dedication to serving Veterans — she worked for many years at the Milwaukee VA and now volunteers in the DAV Transportation Service — has led to her being named national DAV Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year. "She does so much more than people know," said her supervisor, Patty Davis. Learn more here: https://t.co/IFXCWQKqpV
Veterans - you may have heard we'll be implementing the new Electronic Health Record at the Milwaukee VA in January 2027. Most Veterans should hardly notice the transition other than improved health outcomes and less time spent repeating your health history at visits.
But there are a few things Veterans can do to prepare and ensure a smooth transition. Take it from our EHR mascot "Rally B-EHR," who says signing up and using the MyHealthEVet app for secure messaging and managing your health care is something that can make this upcoming change seamless. Together, we can knock this out of the park!
Visit the information page below to learn what else you can do as a Veteran to help prepare for the EHR:
https://t.co/69eh2IA4Mk
WOMEN VETERANS: Do you have questions about your health care? We've got answers! Join us this Friday, July 24, for the Women Veteran's Health and Wellness Summit, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Matousek Auditorium at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, 5000 W. National Ave., Milwaukee. We'll start the day with some chair yoga (optional) before our keynote address about maternal health. Following will be short, 10-15 talks on a variety of topics, including health literacy, military sexual trauma, menopause and Whole Health. We'll round out the event with lunch and a Veteran panel discussion. This is free to attend, and no registration is required, though an RSVP is requested to assure we have enough lunches available. Learn more here: https://t.co/4itbKXXnx5
Congratulations to our Milwaukee VA Veterans who participated in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Detroit July 9-14. We had 18 Veterans participate this year, showcasing their strength and determination while having fun. 🐄
Our Milwaukee VA Youth Summer Volunteer Program participants have been busy learning about and supporting the Milwaukee VA and the Veterans we serve! The young volunteers learned about our 3-D clinical printing lab, visited and helped out at the Fisher House, and called bingo for inpatient and resident Veterans. We are grateful to have such a wonderful group of youth volunteers interested in learning about and supporting our Veterans!
My Why - As part of Milwaukee VA's Tour of Duty program, VA staff take a moment to write down why they choose to work or stay at the Milwaukee VA.
One employee wrote: "I stay at the VA because we care for our Veterans in more ways than just their health. We provide so much support and resources that can help them in other aspects of their life. Hearing Veteran stories inspires me to be a better nurse and proud to be one."
Make this refreshing berry lime banana sorbet your summer staple: It’s naturally sweet, packed with nutrients, and a great way to stay cool in the summer heat. #VAnutrition
Try the recipe here:
https://t.co/EHxMN9ksw0
HELPING VETERANS EXPERIENCING VISION LOSS: Brenda McGinley, our Visual Impairment Services Team coordinator, received national accolades recently thanks to her work to get life-changing services to more Veterans — especially those in rural areas of northeastern Wisconsin. “We are truly fortunate to have Brenda as part of our team, and her efforts have made a lasting difference for our Veterans and staff alike,” said Suzi Bloedel, program manager for the Milwaukee VA’s Blind Rehabilitation and Speech Pathology department. Learn more here: https://t.co/QsFyZdv8i8
HONORING A PATRIOT: Sherry Wiesner, Assistant Nurse Manager of Patient Surgical Services at the Milwaukee VA, was surprised with the Patriot Award on Wednesday. The award goes to supervisors who go above and beyond to support employees called away from work due to their duties in the National Guard or Reserve. She was nominated by JoEllyn Heller, a registered nurse in Surgical Services who is also a lieutenant commander and critical care nurse in the Navy Reserves. “I have been called away so many times at the last minute, and she’s always very understanding and very supportive, not only as a leader but as a friend,” Heller said. Weisner, who is retiring at the end of the month after 20 years at the Milwaukee VA, called the award “one of the highlights of my career. It means a lot to not only support the patients, but also our employees who are Veterans.” Though not a Veteran herself, Wiesner said her uncle, who served in World War II, was like “a second father” and inspired her appreciation for Veterans and her desire to work for VA. “You don’t know how much I like working at the VA and taking care of Veterans. I can’t say enough about it. It’s the best job in the world.”
Congratulations to Judith Olapo, a registered nurse with the Milwaukee VA's Progressive Care Unit, on receiving the DAISY Award in recognition of her exemplary clinical judgement, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to Veteran-centered care! 🎉
Judith was nominated for her actions while providing overnight care for a Veteran. She identified a symptom that had not yet been detected by treating providers, reviewed the Veteran's medical history noting a significant and relevant previous diagnosis, and raised her concerns. Her observations triggered an immediate diagnostic workup, ultimately revealing a significant abscess.
From the nomination, "Judith's dedication directly changed - and likely saved - the life of this Veteran. She is a shining example of VA I CARE values in action, and a nurse truly deserving of the DAISY Award."
Have you seen what the Milwaukee VA's Optometry team can do for you? 👀
Our optometrists offer comprehensive eye exams, preventive vision care, and treatment for conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. We provide prescriptions for eyeglasses and other assistive devices. We also provide low-vision rehab services for Veterans with vision loss or brain injuries.
Learn more on our website: https://t.co/cVSo3JuRqM
Remember that good hydration is part of staying healthy in the heat. While you’re grilling and gathering, say cheers with this cranberry-rosemary sparkler
https://t.co/nzIxHvmxLQ