The Birmingham VA Health Care System provides for the health care needs of Veterans in the greater Birmingham area and it's surrounding communities.
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For more details about our services visit our website at http://www.birmingham.va.gov.
Operating as usual
DYK making a few changes to your diet and lifestyle can help to prevent diabetes? Eating on smaller plates, parking as far away as you can, and quitting smoking are just a few changes that can help to prevent diabetes. Talk with your VA registered dietitian for more tips!
#vanutrition
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/68597/yes-you-can-prevent-diabetes/
#MaskUpAlabama #ALHospitals
There are a lot of myths about the seasonal flu, but what are the facts? Click below to find out! #ALHospitals
https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/flu/myths.html
Fact: There’s no way the flu vaccine can give you an entirely separate disease (according to the CDC). In fact, the flu shot can’t even give you the flu. Some people have mild symptoms after getting the vaccine, but even if they do, the symptoms don’t last long at all.
Several community partners provided items to Veterans for Veterans Day. Thanks to AT&T Pioneers of Birmingham donated 75 bags of snacks, Milos’s Tea donated 960 tea and lemonade, Norton’s Florist delivered 100 single roses in vase and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. donated 110 goodie bags.
Timeline Photos
The Birmingham VA Health Care System took part in the Great American Smokeout providing Veterans and staff with smoking cessation education materials, Whole Health information, flu shots and more.
The Pandemic Means Veterans and Their Caregivers Need Your Help More Than Ever
The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly straining all aspects of our veteran health care system.
The Great American Smokeout is a one-day event that encourages Americans to begin a smoke-free life. If you are struggling with quitting smoking, click the link below or call (insert your hospital resources). #ALHospitals
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking.html
To have the best chance of quitting smoking and staying a non-smokier, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
With COVID-19, it’s even more important to get your #flushot. Get your no-cost flu shot at a VA medical facility or in-network community location near you today.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA report lists 71 top customer experience improvements and initiatives. Read more. https://bit.ly/3lJTzj9
Haven’t gotten your flu shot? What are you waiting for? Click the link below to find out where you can get the flu shot near you! #ALHospitals
https://www.vaccinefinder.org
Vaccine Finder is a free, online service where users can search for locations that offer vaccinations.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA recognized for clear, consistent communication to Veterans. Read more. https://bit.ly/2ICKY3M
For Dustin Fast, developing an advanced eye recognition software, obtaining an award for his contributions and pursuing a doctorate degree are becoming a reality.
Another grim reality for the artificial intelligence software engineer and former Army National Guard soldier is that he is working against time.
Fast, 38, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in March 2020. The neurological disorder results in progressive muscle weakness which, eventually leads to paralysis of the arms and legs.
In 2019, he began seeing a physical therapist for right hand aching and stiffness as he worked. Because his job requires a great deal of complex keyboarding and usage of his hands, he initially thought it was carpal tunnel syndrome.
After visiting Dr. Peter King, Birmingham VA Health Care System chief of Neurology, upon recommendation from his physical therapist, he received the ALS diagnosis.
A major concern of Fast is his ability to work as the disease progresses.
“I became interested in artificial intelligence and machinery at a very young age,” he said. “My work is my happy place. The majority of my day is spent using a computer and the thought of one day not being able to do it is devastating.”
Fast purchased a wearable electronic device which is used to monitor and record electrical activity of the brain with an eye tracker. The software is equipped with an on-screen keyboard. When his eye strolls across each key, it’s recognized as a keystroke, enabling him to type.
“The market software lacks the accuracy I need,” Fast said. “It also requires a lot of hand usage. Because I use the keyboard to write code, and have developed my own shortcuts, I need the better interaction between the computer and my eye movement.”
During his evenings and weekends, he works on ways to improve the eye recognition software with artificial intelligence. His goal is to develop more accurate software that would act as a brain-computer interface to better control the cursor on his screen without the use of his hands.
Fast often discusses with Dr. King his desire to develop the software and the progress he has made. In addition to VA care, King also serves as a professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“When [Dustin] mentioned the product he was developing, I was struck by his passion for work and innovation,” King said. “We worked together for several months but I quickly realized that this project was not my area of expertise, so I contacted Dr. Yuliang Zheng, UAB chair of Computer Science. We immediately started exploring options on ways to accelerate his project.”
Fast also mentioned a lifelong dream of his was to obtain a doctorate degree. From that conversation, the idea of graduate school began to evolve. King and Zheng reached out to other colleagues at UAB including Lori McMahon, dean of the UAB Graduate School, to discuss admission options for Fast.
The university recently initiated a neuroengineering graduate program. Its co-directors, Drs. Lynn Dobrunz and Gregg Janowski, felt that it lined up well with Fast’s goals and began facilitating his matriculation. He is set to begin in January 2021 and will become the third student to enroll in the program.
King said completing a doctorate with a focus on developing the eye recognition software makes perfect sense. Essentially, his thesis started with the work he accomplished on his own. His goal is to have a fully functioning software application.
“I intend for the development of this software to not only help me, but to serve humanity,” Fast said. “It will provide an alternative to people who may not be able to operate computers or devices the traditional way, allowing them to continue to lead productive lives.”
King and others at UAB are mentoring and helping Fast along the way.
“I foresee this technology providing a great deal of help to our Veterans, especially ones returning from combat.” King said. “Many have sustained trauma to their limbs from improvised explosive devices, which can result in upper and lower extremity amputations. This can truly improve their quality of life.”
Fast is a recent recipient of the UAB Blazer Way Award, designed to highlight members of the university’s community who exemplify honor & integrity, scholarship, service, innovation and diversity. The award will supply him with four paid semesters of tuition, along with a stipend.
“This experience so far has been both challenging and amazing,” Fast said. “I want to thank Dr. King, the VA and the UAB staff for not only their help in making my dream come true, but for possibly enhancing the lives of others for years to come.”
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Affairs health care professionals can practice across state lines. This regulation allows VA to mobilize and hire qualified people from any state and quickly place them in areas of need—especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://bit.ly/3kyGXtN
With flu season upon us it’s more important than ever to wear a mask. Wearing a mask protects your community from the spread of COVID-19, which could have a deadly impact when coupled with the seasonal flu. #ALHospitals
Dr. Robert Campbell, Chief of Mental Health at the BVAHCS, talks about the added stress of the pandemic.
In 2019 Alabama lost six veterans to suicide, according to the Chief of Mental Health at the Birmingham VA, Dr. Robert Campbell. Campbell said with the added stress of the pandemic, experts expect the numbers to increase nationwide.
Plant-based diets are well known for their health benefits. Celebrate National Vegan Month by speaking to a VA dietitian about simple ways to include more plant-based foods into your healthy meal plan!
#vanutrition
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/67157/benefits-vegetarian-meal-wheres-beef/
Birmingham VA assists in finding home for lost Purple Heart.
One of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces is the Purple Heart, earned by those wounded or killed during service.
A Veteran shares his story of recovery and service.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBMA) - Birmingham's VA Medical Center is seeing a significant increase in veterans dealing with addiction during the pandemic. Doctors urge those suffering to reach out for help. Walter Robinson describes the years following his military service as hell. "I experienced my mother's d...
Corporal Duke shares his humbling story as a Korean War POW on Veterans Day. Thank you for your service.
WVTM 13's Jeff Eliasoph spoke with Corporal Newton Duke, of Alabaster, who was captured by North Koreans in the Korean War on May 18, 1951.
Thanks UAB Football for donating tickets to our Veterans.
The Blazers face North Texas at Legion Field.
Brock's Gap Intermediate School students share thanks to our nation's heroes for Veterans Day. #BirminghamVA
VA touts successful first EHR go-live: ‘A lot of things worked’ | Federal News Network
Officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs were enthusiastic about the recent go-live of the new electronic health record, which VA deployed to the Mann Grandstaff Medical Center in Spokane…
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) recognized Birmingham VA Health Care System, Home-based Primary Care Clinic and the Silver Service Clinics as an Age-Friendly Health System Committed to Care Excellence. BVAHCS is leading the way in making sure that every day, every older adult receives age-friendly health care. Thank you for your continued excellence caring for our Veterans.
UAB football team donated tickets to the Birmingham VA for Veterans to attend the November 14th Salute to Service game. Kicker Wilson Beaverstock and long snapper Jacob Fuqua presented BVAHCS Director Stacy Vasquez with the tickets.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA, Prostate Cancer Foundation to expand genetic services to Veterans through nursing research pilot initiative. Read more. https://bit.ly/2Un07Is
We can’t stress enough that it is safe to receive care at the Birmingham VA Health Care System during this time. Consider your overall health and don’t delay care. #ALHospitals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfmgzAvH_fE&feature=emb_logo
Director Stacy Vasquez salutes all Veterans on Veterans Day.
Leadership hands out flowers to Inpatients for Veterans Day. Stacy Vasquez, Director and Shawana Barnes, Acting Chief, Patient Care Services visit inpatients with flowers from Norton’s Florist.
Leadership hands out flowers to Inpatients for Veterans Day. Stacy Vasquez, Director and Shawana Barnes, Acting Chief, Patient Care Services visit inpatients with flowers from Norton’s Florist.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Please join VA Secretary Robert Wilkie at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 for the National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony will be streamed on VA’s page at https://www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs and also at https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/25131.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA honors caregivers of Veterans throughout November. Read more. https://bit.ly/3pbicaO
700 19th St S
Birmingham, AL
35233
The Birmingham VA provides free shuttle service from it's parking deck to the medical center.
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During the holidays, many Veterans cope with isolation and loneliness which can lead to depression. The Birmingham VA Health Care System provides assistance via telehealth, VA Video Connect and other methods. Hear how one of our Veterans has successfully used these tools. Please share with someone who may need this message.
Director Stacy Vasquez salutes all Veterans on Veterans Day.
Preventing opioid abuse within the Veteran community.
Recipes for Fall appetizers and snacks including hot spinach artichoke dip, dark chocolate pistachio cranberry bark, and spicy roasted pumpkin seeds. SPICY ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cup pumpkin seeds, unshelled • 1 1/4 teaspoon onion powder • 1 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard • 1/4 teaspoon light brown sugar • 4 to 5 squirts olive oil spray INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 300F degrees. 2. Remove the seeds from the pumpkin and separate them from the stringy pulp and rinse the seeds in a colander under cold water. 3. Shake off any excess water, spread the seeds on a baking sheet and roast for about 10 minutes or until seeds are dry, tossing halfway through. 4. In another small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt and brown sugar. 5. Place the seeds in a medium bowl and lightly spray with oil. 6. Add 3/4 of the spice mixture and toss to evenly coat. 7. Evenly spread the seeds on a sheet pan covered with parchment and roast for 20 to 30 minutes or until brown and crunchy, tossing half way through. 8. Immediately spray more olive oil over the seeds and toss with the remaining spice mixture. NUTRITION Serving: 1/4 cup, Calories: 81kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 3.5g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 97mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 0.5g Dark Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Bark INGREDIENTS • 4.5 oz shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped • 2.5 oz dried cranberries, coarsely chopped • 7 oz dark chocolate bar (be sure to get a good quality chocolate bar that is semi-sweet or bittersweet, to limit sugar intake!) INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place chocolate in a microwave-safe measuring cup; microwave at HIGH 30 seconds or until chocolate melts, stirring every 15 seconds. 2. Add melted chocolate to nut mixture, stirring until just combined. 3. Spread mixture evenly on a jelly-roll pan lined with foil; freeze 1 hour. 4. Bre
BVAHCS holds first drive thru baby shower for Veterans
BVAHCS Director Stacy Vasquez and Dr. Ladi Kukoyi provide Moving Forward information on services to the Veterans we serve daily.
The first recipient of Thomas C. Smith Leadership and Lifetime Achievement Award is Ms. Geneva Robinson. Robinson started working for the VA in 1971 and became the first patient advocate at the Birmingham VA Medical Center in 1985. Geneva prides herself on being able to help guide Veterans through the VA system, “I have so many memories of so many patients, it’s so hard to tell it all. I have loved every minute of it.”
Sam Goldasich was one of the many who donated blood today at the @birminghamvahcs. Thanks to @lifesouth and all that gave.
Healthy Teaching Kitchen: Summer Ratatouille Ingredients 2 Zucchini 2 Yellow Squash 2 Small Eggplants 4-5 Tomatoes 1 1/2 cups Roasted Tomato Sauce 1 Bell Pepper (red, yellow, or green) 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil (About 7-9 Leaves) 1 teaspoon Garlic (Minced) to taste Salt and Pepper 4 tablespoons Olive Oil 2 tablespoons Parmigianino Reggiano Cheese Instructions: 1. Prepare all vegetables: slice each into coin shapes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Pour roasted tomato sauce into the base of roasting dish (can use cast iron or oven safe casserole dish) about 10-12 inches, if round. 3. Layer vegetable coins in the dish vertically, until the entire dish is covered. 4. Prepare herb mixture. Combine minced garlic, chopped thyme, basil, rosemary, and parsley with 4 T of olive oil and salt and pepper. Mix well and evenly pour over the top of the veggies. 5. Cover dish with tinfoil and bake vegetables for 40-45 minutes covered. 6. Next, remove the foil, and bake uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. Last, grate 2 tablespoons fresh parmesan over top. Enjoy
Join our team. Virtual interviews are being held now.
BVAHCS MOVE Coordinator Kim Chism shares how to prepare a “Strawberry Spinach Salad” and “Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette” during a Healthy Teaching Kitchen class. Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe Healthy is anything but dull when there’s a giant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing waiting for lunch. It’s colorful, naturally sweet, and as wonderful as it gets. Course Salad Cuisine American Keyword spinach, strawberries Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 5 minutes Total Time 20 minutes Servings 8 servings Calories 264kcal Author Meggan Hill Ingredients For the poppy seed dressing: • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or light olive oil • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar • 1/4 cup sugar or less to taste • 1 teaspoon dried mustard • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds • Salt to taste For the salad: • 3 tablespoons butter (optional but recommended, see notes) • 1 cup pecans • 16 ounces baby spinach (see notes) • 16 ounces strawberries quartered or sliced Instructions To make the poppy seed dressing: 1. In a small bowl with a whisk, or in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, dried mustard, poppy seeds, and salt to taste (I like 1 teaspoon). Stir or shake to combine. Allow the flavors to blend at room temperature while preparing the salad. To assemble the salad: 1. In a small saucepan over low heat, add pecans and sauté until toasted and fragrant, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove promptly to avoid scorching and drain on paper towels. Cool 5 minutes. 2. In a large bowl, add spinach, strawberries, and pecans. Add salad dressing and toss until evenly coated. Notes You can do half baby spinach and half field greens mix if you prefer. To make the Easiest Balsamic Vinaigrette, whisk together: • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard • Salt to taste Toasting the pecans in butter is optional but so delicious. I definitely recommend it unless you are vegan or avoiding butter for some reason. It makes a huge difference! To toast the peca
May is Mental Health Month. Hear how the Birmingham VA Health Care System continues to serve Veterans.
As we plan on Moving Forward, the Birmingham VA Medical Center is also completing some renovations.
May has been a busy month so far for the Birmingham VAHCS. Thanks to all that showed kindness to our staff. #weareinthistogether
The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department gave a Hero’s Celebration to the teams at our Medical Center and Clinic. #BhamStrong
Former Prisoner of War Newton Duke shares his story with Birmingham VA Medical Center Director Vasquez in a live interview. Duke, a 90-year-old Army Veteran is a Purple Heart recipient.
Just a reminder of thanks to all our volunteers for their dedication to #Veterans at the Birmingham VA Health Care System. We miss you and look forward to your return. #service #va
UAB Football players greet and thank Veterans Birmingham VA Medical Center as part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week. #veterans #salutetoveteranpatientsweek
@bchsrocks Bessemer City High Schools @airforcejrotc greets Veterans will Valentines Day cards as part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week. #nationalsalutetoveterans #veterans
Happy Holidays
Brookwood Forest Elementary School 5th graders wrapped gift for Veterans of @birminghamvamc during Wrapping for America’s Heroes. #veterans #servicetoveterans @forestbrookwood
Staff and family members from the Huntsville Clinic participated in the Veterans Day Parade. #honoringvets
As we approach Veterans' Day, the Birmingham VA Medical Center salutes all Veterans. Every day is Veterans' Day.
Bessemer City High School (Alabama) Jr. ROTC visited with Veterans today and demonstrated their drill team precision.
The Birmingham VA's Dr. Michael Moates kicked off the #VHASHARKTANK by giving the first pitch of the competition! A Whole Health Approach for Reducing Opiod Reliance and Utilization: Use of a Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) for Whole Health Clinical Implementation. You can also VOTE for your favorite Shark Tank presentation to help them achieve Gold status. To vote: 1. Download Attendify from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store 2. Search VHA Innovation Experience in Attendify 3. Click Join 4. Click the Schedule and select VHA Shark Tank Competition 5. Open the Competition and find the poll at the top of the screen 6. Click your favorite practice and hit Vote
Oncology Open House is going on now. Join us.
Dialysis Suite Open House is going on now at the Birmingham VAMC. Give your feedback in the comment section.
UAB Skin Diseases Research Center
1720 University Blvd, EFH414UAB School of Dentistry Continuing Dental Edu
1919 7th Ave South, SDB 217UAB Financial Aid & Scholarships
1700 University Blvd., Lister Hill Library, Room G20Black Student Awareness Committee at UAB
CRCT 190 | 1501 University Blvd |Housing Authority of the Birmingham District
1826 3rd Ave. SouthBlack Alabamians for Education
1116 20th Street South Suite #403Jefferson County Department of Health
1400 6th Ave S
Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama
800 Lakeshore Dr
NRS Eastwood Navy Recruiting Station
5907 Trussville Crossing Blvd Ste 117
Huffman High School Academy of Architecture a
950 Springville Rd
