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Dear Veterans, Family Members and Friends,
I hope this email is sent with good timing and you can take a few minutes to scroll thru a few important VA updates.
October is nearing an end; for that matter, 2022 will soon be mentioned in past tense. Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Eve evoke celebrations throughout the country. While these celebratory months bring joy to many, please remember these months bring stress and sorrow to others.
Please reach out to your neighbor, call your family, connect with the brothers and sisters you served with, and treat everyone with dignity and respect. I've never been prouder to serve in the capacity I do as the Executive Director of the Birmingham VA Health Care System.
It is incredible to know an organization exists solely dedicated to serving those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. And yes, I know it is bold of me to speak of the organization we know as the VA braggingly. Bold, why? Because others will challenge my statement based on a bad experience or a perception.
The saying bears true, "You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression." Still, it is my goal to make every moment count, and your experience at any Birmingham VA facility is an opportunity to create a great first impression.
As the leaves change color, with a chill in the air, thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share helpful VA news and to be a part of your health care journey.
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 Flu vaccine available
Football isn’t the only season that kicks off in the fall. Fall is the start of flu season. Studies show that getting a flu shot can reduce illness and death from flu.
Veterans, please schedule your flu vaccination with your primary care team or ask for the vaccine next time you visit the Birmingham VA Medical Center, or your VA clinic.
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National Take Back Day
The Birmingham VA Health Care System joins Alabama and the nation by participating in the bi-annual DEA National Prescription Take Back Day, later this month.
The Birmingham VA is proud to offer three collection sites for Veterans and our neighbors to DUMP unused controlled substance prescription medications. Veterans and the public may use the following VA sites to safely turn in the medications.
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World War II Veterans receive flu vaccinations at Jasper VA Clinic
Our Jasper VA Clinic hosted World War II Veterans Dalton Sharpton, Eustis Pendley, Raymond Doss, and Charles Richardson Friday during their Flu Fair.
This historical event not only provided us the opportunity to highlight these heroes, but expressed the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu this season. Thank you gentlemen, for your service to our great nation, and thanks to our Jasper VA Clinic staff for making this event extraordinary.
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New Clinical Contact Center activated
We know some Veterans and other stakeholders often have difficulty navigating our telephone system. Your experience calling our health care system should not be frustrating.
To improve the patient experience, the Birmingham VA Health Care System has expanded its telephone call services to a Clinical Contact Center (CCC). The Birmingham VA and other VA medical centers operating in the Southeast VA Network (VISN 7) combined telephone operations with the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8).
The combined CCC will serve Veterans enrolled in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The center functions as a virtual organization, allowing its employees to work anywhere in our service area and provide seamless care and support to Veterans wherever they may be calling.
By merging VA capabilities to build a centralized call center, the Birmingham VA Health Care System provides a regional, modern, reliable service that improves access and exceptional customer service. The CCC operates 24/7 and offers primary care scheduling, nurse triage, and pharmacy services. As the centralized call center evolves, callers will notice reduced wait and hold times. Please be patient as we improve our call system.
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IPVAP takes violence seriously
The VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) recognizes Domestic Violence (DV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a serious yet preventable public health problem that may disproportionately affect Veterans.
The term, “intimate partner violence” describes physical, sexual or psychological harm (including coercive acts) by a current or former partner or spouse that occurs on a continuum of frequency or severity and does not require sexual intimacy or cohabitation.
The Birmingham VA has dedicated professionals for matters of domestic violence. For more information, please call our Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program Coordinator at 205-926-8652 or the toll free hotline 800-799-3224.
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 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Women Veterans are the fastest growing segment of U.S. Veterans, and VA leads the nation’s health care systems in providing mammograms to those who need them.
More than 9,000 Women Veterans are enrolled in the Birmingham VA Health Care System, making up 13% of our Veteran population.
The Birmingham VA offers state-of-the-art, coordinated care and resources for Veterans who want to get checked for breast cancer to help ensure their overall health and wellbeing. For women ages 45 and older, VA recommends regular breast cancer screening. Women may also choose to start screening with yearly mammograms as early as age 40.
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Get Ready for November's Great American Smokeout
Many Veterans used tobacco while they served, particularly during deployment. Seven out of 10 Veterans who smoke would like to quit - for both the physical benefits and their mental health.
Need a little encouragement while you’re quitting? The free SmokefreeVET text message program will provide you with daily advice and support. Or, you can reach out when you feel tempted to use tobacco. Text VET to 47848 or visit smokefree.gov/VET to sign up.
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Launching Soon: Toxic Exposure Screening
You’ve likely heard lots of discussion about the new Toxic Exposure Screening (TES) required under the PACT Act. The screening is in development and will be available at all VA medical centers and clinics in early November.
All Veterans enrolled in VA health care will receive an initial TES that must be repeated at least once every five years. Veterans not enrolled who meet eligibility requirements will have an opportunity to enroll and receive the screening. Stay tuned for more information and resources.
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It is an honor to serve you at the Birmingham VA Health Care System
Thank you for your support as we continue to improve the Veteran experience.
Sincerely,
Oladipo (Ladi) Kukoyi, MD, MS, VHA-CM
Executive Director
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