Birmingham VA Medical Center

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Birmingham VA Medical Center

Birmingham VA Medical Center 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

09/29/2020

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA completes digitization of archived Vietnam-era deck logs. Read more. https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5529

09/29/2020

If a Veteran in your life is having a hard time, your support can give them hope. During Suicide Prevention Month, take a moment to look at the resources at BeThereForVeterans.com and learn how to #BeThere.

09/28/2020

Your COVID-19 face covering can
also protect you and others from
the flu. Continue to wear it, get
your flu shot, wash your hands,
and practice physical distancing
to help keep yourself and others
flu and COVID-free. For more
information, visit
www.prevention.va.gov/flu

As we expand in-person services, keeping our nation’s Veterans safe is our top priority.We’ve introduced new safety guid...

09/28/2020

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

As we expand in-person services, keeping our nation’s Veterans safe is our top priority.
We’ve introduced new safety guidelines at our facility. Read how we’re protecting Veterans: https://www.birmingham.va.gov/COVID_19.asp

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

09/28/2020

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA completes transfer of U.S. Army cemeteries as part of government reform and reorganization effort https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5527

09/26/2020

During Suicide Prevention Month, take time to #BeThere for the Veterans in your life. Call or video chat them to say hello and let them know you’re thinking of them. Find ways to take action at BeThereForVeterans.com.

09/25/2020

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Today marks 100 years of @DAVHQ's work ensuring that Veterans get the benefits and services that are available to them. To learn more, visit www.dav.org.

09/24/2020

Fight the good fight & get a flu
shot this fall. Do your part to
fight flu and COVID-19! The flu
shot is the best protection
against the flu. Remember to
wear your face covering, wash
your hands often, and practice
physical distancing to prevent
both flu and COVID-19. For more
information, visit
www.prevention.va.gov/flu

09/24/2020

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA achieves historic milestone for issuing appeals decisions. Read more. https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5525

09/23/2020

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

September is Suicide Prevention Month. During #SPM20, take small actions to show a Veteran you care. Learn more at: BeThereForVeterans.com #BeThere

09/22/2020

Purple Heart Day honors those who received the nation’s oldest military award. First presented by then General George Washington in 1782 and at that time known as the “Badge of Military Merit”, the Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.

While clearing out some items from her recently deceased father-in-law’s belongings, Ms. Lisa Abel of Hoke Bluff, Alabama came across a Purple Heart. Knowing her father-in-law was not prior military, she was puzzled by the medal. She immediately started researching the recipient.

She turned to Facebook asking for any information on the mystery. Next, Abel contacted the Birmingham VA Health Care System (BVAHCS). She shared a few bits of information she could find on the Veteran.

“According to the label listed in the box, his name was Jimmy Morgan,” said Abel.

The medal was kept in a chest along with various ribbons around it.

Able attempt to use social media to try and locate family members in the area came to no avail.

The BVAHCS’s Public Affairs team reached out to the following organizations to assist in locating Morgan’s family members: National Personnel Records Center, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary and Purple Hearts Reunited.

Zachariah Fike heads up Purple Hearts Reunited (PHR), a nonprofit organization whose “purpose is to return Purple Hearts and other military awards that have become separated from the original recipients or their descendants.”

Fike and his team narrowed down the recipient and located one of his family members. The PHR staff and volunteers have returned more than 400 medals to the original recipients or to their families.

James Morgan was a U. S. Army Veteran of World War II’s Pacific Theatre and a Purple Heart recipient. He was a lifelong resident of Gadsden.

Pvt. Morgan did not have children but Fike located one of his sister’s daughters, Pamagean Prochnow. Pamagean and her husband Charles live in Brownboro, AL.

The Prochnows decided to donate the Purple Heart to the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Special Collections Department.

Heather Adkins, Special Collections Manager, ensured the safekeeping of the medal.

“I do believe the Public Library can guarantee the prolonged safety of the medal, as well as continue to cherish it as an item of historical value for Huntsville and its Veterans.”

09/22/2020

VA Researchers Develop New 'Cyber-Bandage' for Hard-to-Heal Wounds

The bandage will make healing faster and less painful.

09/22/2020

The Veterans Crisis Line is here for you during #SPM20, and every month, to answer your call, text, or chat. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re going through a difficult time. #BeThere

09/21/2020

At the Birmingham VA Medical Center, we care about keeping Veterans safe as we reintroduce select in-person services.
Here are the safety measures you can expect to see when you come in next:https://www.birmingham.va.gov/COVID_19.asp

Getting a flu shot this fall is more important than ever! Reduce your risk of flu and help prevent hospitals from being ...

09/21/2020

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Getting a flu shot this fall is more important than ever! Reduce your risk of flu and help prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by patients with the flu or coronavirus, as both can have a serious impact on Veterans and employees. Anyone can get sick, and flu and COVID-19 can each lead to severe illness, hospitalization and even death.
Get a flu shot, wash your hands, practice physical distancing, and wear a face covering to prevent the spread of both the flu and COVID-19. Visit www.prevention.va.gov/flu

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

09/21/2020

Mommy and Me drive thru baby shower

09/21/2020

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA recognizes HeRO award winners for safety initiatives, COVID-19 efforts. Read more. https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5523

09/19/2020

Veterans, if you’re going through a hard time, you are not alone. Find tools and resources that can give you hope and support in times of crisis at BeThereForVeterans.com. #SPM20

09/18/2020

Mommy and Me drive thru baby shower for Veterans

BVAHCS holds first drive thru baby shower for Veterans

09/18/2020

We’re eager to begin safely expanding in-person services at our facility.
If you’re coming in for an appointment, please wear a face mask, follow physical distancing guidelines, and know that you may receive a COVID-19 screening. See you soon!
Additional information: https://www.birmingham.va.gov/COVID_19.asp

09/18/2020

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

More than 81,900 Americans remain missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War and other conflicts. VA salutes the Veterans who served as prisoners of war and the Veterans still missing.

09/18/2020

09/17/2020

Birmingham VA Medical Center's cover photo

09/17/2020

If you’re wondering what to expect when you visit the Birmingham VA Medical Center, check out our new COVID-19 safety measures: https://www.birmingham.va.gov/COVID_19.asp

09/17/2020

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA offers debt relief to Veterans impacted by natural disasters. Read more. https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5522

09/16/2020

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA expands Veteran access to telehealth with iPad services. Read more. https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5521

09/16/2020

As we reintroduce in-person services at the Birmingham VA Medical Center, we want to make sure we’re meeting your needs in a safe environment. When you come to our facility, be sure to wear a face mask or cover, maintain physical distance, and come prepared for a COVID-19 screening.
For additional information, please go to https://www.birmingham.va.gov/COVID_19.asp

09/15/2020

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA awards $1.3 million to support Veterans at elevated risk of suicide from experiencing or being at risk of homelessness. Read more. https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5520

#EndVeteranHomelessness

09/15/2020

The flu vaccine has arrived! The Birmingham VA Health Care System provides seasonal flu vaccinations to eligible Veterans with no needed appointments, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the medical center and all of its community clinics. When presenting to receive your flu vaccine, Veterans should provide a valid ID card. Don’t delay, get your flu shot today!

09/15/2020

You don’t need special training to help prevent Veteran suicide. During #SPM20, check in and talk with a Veteran you know about challenges they may be facing. #BeThere

09/14/2020

Flu season is coming. Protect yourself and others! Get a flu shot, wash your hands often, wear a face covering, and practice physical distancing. For more information on the flu shot, visit our website: www.prevention.va.gov/flu

09/14/2020

Fighting flu together: Get an immunization! - VAntage Point

Last flu season, more than 27,000 Veterans came to VA hospitals with the flu. Another 4,600 Veterans were hospitalized and 600 were in intensive care.

09/14/2020

The Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System (BVAHCS) has announced a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) coming to Oxford, Alabama. The new 15,000+ square foot designed clinic will be the first of its kind in a true Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) concept and will offer primary care and mental health services, as well as the addition of two new services with audiology and optometry. The new CBOC will be located at 127 Davis Loop in Oxford, replacing the existing clinic currently located at 96 Ali Way.

“We are excited about the new VA clinic being able to provide expanded services closer to where our Veterans live,” said BVAHCS Director Stacy Vasquez. “The expansion of these services will assist many of our Veterans to receive care locally without having to drive to Birmingham.”

The PACT design will include separate corridor/entrances into examination rooms for patient and staff, work areas for enhanced coordination of care team, twelve standard exam rooms, a Women’s Health room, a Tele-Health room, a Tele-Retinal room and two triage rooms while staffing more than 30 employees. The current CBOC in Oxford/Anniston provides healthcare to more than 4,300 Veterans annually.

Construction for the new site will be managed by Construction Managers Incorporation based in Fremont, NC. The construction project is expected to cost $4 million with a five year lease and five one-year options. Completion of the new clinic is expected to be approximately one year after construction begins.

Address

700 19th St S
Birmingham, AL
35233

The Birmingham VA provides free shuttle service from it's parking deck to the medical center.

Telephone

(205) 933-8101

Website

www.Birmingham.VA.Gov

Alerts

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Videos

Mommy and Me drive thru baby shower for Veterans

BVAHCS holds first drive thru baby shower for Veterans

BVAHCS Update with Director Vasquez

BVAHCS Director Stacy Vasquez and Dr. Ladi Kukoyi provide Moving Forward information on services to the Veterans we serve daily.

Geneva Robinson receives Patient Experience Award

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

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 New Year

Happy Holidays from the Birmingham VA Health Care System

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

Birmingham VA salutes Veterans

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.

VHA Shark Tank 2019

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.

Happy Labor Day

Dialysis Suite Open House is going on now at the Birmingham VAMC. Give your feedback in the comment section.

Independence Day

As we "pause" to celebrate the holiday season, don't forget to stay healthy by receiving your Flu Shot. Recently to promote National Influenza Week, our Birmingham Flu Fighters held a Mannequin Challenge. Please take a few moments to view the video, and if you haven’t already received your flu shot, please consider getting vaccinated today!

If you are Veteran and you are not using MyHealthyVet, you really should! The Secure Messaging Feature is a must have. Please watch this video to learn more!

Video From The Primary Care Clinical Annex Ground Breaking

With the Primary Care Clinical Annex/Parking Deck a little more than a year way, excitement is in the air at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. Please watch this video from the ground breaking ceremony and stay tuned for updates!