Richmond VAMC

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[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Women’s Self-Defense & Personal Safety Seminar
The Department of Veterans Affairs Police Service invites female Veterans and female employees to a Women’s Self-Defense & Personal Safety Seminar focused on practical skills, situational awareness, and personal safety.

Thursday, August 20, 2026
10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Multi-Purpose Room, Main Building
Central VA Health Care System
1201 Broad Rock Blvd.

Sessions will be held from 10:00–11:00 a.m., 12:00–1:00 p.m., and 1:15–2:15 p.m.

Instructors include Professional Boxer and Martial Artist Carmen “The Momba” Gulliksen; Senior International Master Charles Battle, 7th Dan, Tang Soo Do; and Grand Master Vincent Searls, 8th Dan, Hapkido.

To register or request more information, contact SGT Charles Battle at [email protected].

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Hurricane season is here. If you're enrolled in VA health care, VA Health Connect lets you reach care 24/7 from wherever you are—before, during, and after a storm.
• Talk with a nurse or medical provider
• Get help with medicines
• Manage your VA appointments
Save this post so you're ready when the weather changes.
#VAHealthConnect #HurricaneSeason #Veterans

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Get your VA payments faster and safer with Direct Deposit (EFT). It’s secure, convenient, and helps you avoid waiting for paper checks. Visit https://t.co/bPtWKsHryM to get started.
#VAPayments #DirectDeposit #VeteranBenefits #VeteranSupport
https://t.co/82zAvuC73V

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

A NASA-funded study at Central Virginia VA Heath Care System is helping researchers better understand how bone loss develops after spinal cord injury — work that could improve care for Veterans and even help protect astronauts on future missions.
Science that reaches from space to Veteran care.

Research coordinator Emily Moran, VA nurse and DXA technologist Stephanie Holloway, and Dr. Robert Adler prepare Marine Corps Veteran Peter Ramirez, a spinal cord injury patient, for an advanced bone-density scan. The team’s imaging work is helping uncover how spinal cord injury affects bone health, with findings that could strengthen rehabilitation for Veterans on Earth and safeguard astronauts on future long-duration space missions. (VA photos by Amber Parker)
Read the story here!
https://t.co/qLUzDsptZG

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

U.S. GAO Seeking Veterans’ Perspectives

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) https://t.co/F6UsrIFM8g
wants to hear veterans’ perspectives about the effectiveness of VA’s outreach efforts for its community care program. Through VA’s community care program, eligible veterans can receive health care from community (non-VA) providers under certain circumstances. Your input can help Congress and the VA understand how to better inform veterans about their eligibility for community care and the process for obtaining community care.

We are seeking veterans who receive care through the VA to participate in small group discussions about VA’s outreach efforts on community care.
If you are interested in participating, click here. https://t.co/JbymxQQRVr
We ask that you respond by August 21, 2026. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!

The GAO is an independent, non-partisan agency that works for Congress. GAO provides Congress and federal agencies with objective, non-partisan, fact-based information to help the government save money and work more efficiently. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Today we celebrate 236 years of the United States Coast Guard, founded on August 4, 1790, and still standing the watch.

From enforcing maritime law and safeguarding our coasts to rescuing those in distress at sea, the Coast Guard defends our nation with courage and commitment every day.

To all Coasties past and present: thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Semper Paratus – Always Ready.

#USCG #CoastGuardBirthday #SemperParatus

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

✨ Employee Spotlight: Dr. Ava Starr ✨

This week, we're proud to recognize Dr. Ava Starr, an exceptional provider in our Radiology team at the Fredericksburg HCC whose compassion, expertise, and dedication make a lasting impact on the Veterans we serve.

Dr. Starr is known for turning moments of uncertainty into experiences of comfort and confidence. Patients consistently describe her as a calming presence who takes the time to explain procedures with clarity, patience, and genuine care—helping them feel informed, supported, and at ease every step of the way.

Her positive spirit extends beyond patient care. Dr. Starr's kindness, professionalism, and collaborative approach inspire those around her and strengthen our entire Radiology team. She exemplifies our ICARE values through every interaction, demonstrating integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence in all she does.

Thank you, Dr. Starr, for your unwavering dedication to serving our Veterans and for bringing both exceptional clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion to every patient encounter. Your impact is truly immeasurable.

💙 Join us in celebrating Dr. Ava Starr and thanking her for the incredible difference she makes every day! #EmployeeSpotlight #Radiology #VeteranCare #ICARE #TeamExcellence #FredericksburgHCC #FacesofVA

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Temporary Closure – Emporia VA Clinic

Due to a major plumbing issue, the Emporia VA Clinic is temporarily closed today, July 31, and all scheduled appointments will be rescheduled.

Veterans with appointments will be contacted with rescheduling information. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to restore normal operations.

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Can’t make a phone call during a storm? Try VA Health Chat.
Use VA Health Chat through the VA App, available in the Apple and Google Play Stores. Sign in with https://t.co/dBDTWg5GDM or https://t.co/lXYrmOtUs8, then see what services are available and hours of operation.
Use your smartphone, tablet, or desktop—wherever you are. #VAHealthConnect #VAHealthChat #HurricaneSeason

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Only a few spots left! Help out with the blood shortage by giving!
Donate blood. Save a life. ❤️

Join us for an American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Richmond VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249, on July 23, 2026 from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM in the Multipurpose Room.
Every pint can help up to three patients in need, and summer is a critical time for maintaining local blood supplies.
Sign Up to donate! https://t.co/olpdmDztUZ
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged—bring a friend and share this post to help spread the word. Together, we can make a lifesaving difference for our community.
#BloodDonation #SaveALife #GiveBlood #BloodDrive #DonateBloodSaveLives

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Come join us July 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CVHCS for the Veterans Job & Resource Fair 2026, hosted by the Compensated Work Therapy & Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services Teams! This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity for veterans to connect with employers and explore various resources.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with fellow Veterans, explore career options, and gain access to valuable resources. Mark your calendar and join us in the Multipurpose Room for the Veteran Job & Resource Fair 2026!
#VeteranJobFair #VeteranResources #VeteranEmployment #JobFair2026 #VeteranSupport #VeteranCommunity #CareerOpportunities #VeteranJobs #EmploymentResources #VeteranNetworking

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Donate blood. Save a life. ❤️

Join us for an American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Richmond VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249, on July 23, 2026 from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM in the Multipurpose Room.
Every pint can help up to three patients in need, and summer is a critical time for maintaining local blood supplies.
Sign Up to donate! https://t.co/olpdmDztUZ
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged—bring a friend and share this post to help spread the word. Together, we can make a lifesaving difference for our community.
#BloodDonation #SaveALife #GiveBlood #BloodDrive #DonateBloodSaveLives

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Stay #hydrated this summer by adding fresh flavors to your water like mint, cucumber, strawberries or lemon. Check out this recipe for cucumber-mint water!

Ingredients:
2 cups of sliced cucumber
1.5 cups of mint leaves
1-gallon cold water

Combine all ingredients in a large water pitcher and stir. Store in the fridge and allow 30 minutes for ingredients to release flavors into the water.

#VANutrition #Hydration #SummerRecipes #FlavoredWater

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Intern Spotlight: Brandon Rose
Brandon spent two months as a biomedical engineering intern at the Richmond VA Medical Center (CVHCS), shadowing biomedical staff and learning how medical technology helps Veterans survive and live healthier lives. He observed a hernia repair using a Da Vinci surgical robot and later practiced operating the system on a training model, gaining hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge equipment. He says one of his biggest takeaways was how important networking is across the hospital to solve problems for patients.

“As an intern, I learned how vital networking is and got a better understanding of what biomedical teams do on the technical side to help people survive and live,” Brandon said of his time at CVHCS.

Thank you, Brandon, for your contributions this summer, and good luck as you head into your senior year at Virginia State University! @virginiastateuniversity

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

When enrolled Veterans need care outside of VA, a referral to our community care network is used. Find out more about how this works. https://t.co/k9wJFBspvh

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Hurricane season is here. 🌧️
Enrolled Veterans can reach VA Health Connect 24/7 from wherever you are—before, during, and after a storm.
• Talk with a nurse or provider
• Get help with medicines
• Manage your VA appointments
Download the app "VA Health Chat" or call 1 855 679 0074.
#VAHealthConnect #HurricaneSeason #Veterans #VAHealthcare

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Donate blood. Save a life. ❤️

Join us for an American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Richmond VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249, on July 23, 2026 from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM in the Multipurpose Room.
Every pint can help up to three patients in need, and summer is a critical time for maintaining local blood supplies.
Sign Up to donate! https://t.co/olpdmDztUZ
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged—bring a friend and share this post to help spread the word. Together, we can make a lifesaving difference for our community.
#BloodDonation #SaveALife #GiveBlood #BloodDrive #DonateBloodSaveLives

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

Congratulations to Cindy Falls, RN, Anatase Nyandwi, RN, and Yoleimy Soto-Diaz, RN!
They are Central Virginia VA Health Care Systems newest Daisy Award honorees!
The DAISY Award is a recognition program to celebrate and recognize nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers. It is a way to thank nurses for the care and kindness they provide. Any licensed, registered nurse, nursing faculty or nursing student is eligible to be nominated for a DAISY Award.
DAISY Award honorees demonstrate the VA’s I CARE principles. They also demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and compassionate care. They are recognized as role models in our nursing community.
Congratulations on becoming a DAISY honorees!
@daisy
#DaisyAward #NurseRecognition #CentralVirginiaNurses #HealthcareHeroes #NursingExcellence #CompassionateCare #VANursing #NurseLife #NursingCommunity

[Richmond VAMC @RichmondVAMC]

🛡️ Women’s Personal Safety & Self-Defense Workshop 🛡️

Confidence starts with preparation.

Join us on Thursday, July 9, for a hands-on Women’s Personal Safety & Self-Defense Workshop designed to empower female Veterans and employees with practical skills to help recognize threats, improve personal safety awareness, and build confidence in real-world situations.

📅 July 9, 2026
🕟 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Multipurpose Room

This interactive workshop will provide practical techniques and safety strategies in a supportive environment led by experienced instructors.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your awareness or learn effective self-defense fundamentals, this workshop is a great opportunity to invest in your personal safety.

We look forward to seeing you there!

#CentralVirginiaVA #WomenVeterans #EmployeeWellness #PersonalSafety #SelfDefense #Veterans #Empowerment #ServingVeterans