 
 Today, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough awarded VA Long Beach Healthcare System Medical Center Director Walt C. Dannenberg with one of VA’s highest honors – the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Award for Excellence in Nursing & Advancement of Nursing Programs.
The VA Secretary's Awards in Nursing Excellence program, established in 1984, annually honors recipients whose contributions to the care of patients in any VA health care setting are patient-driven and demonstrate such excellence as to merit recognition from peers. Only one medical center director across the entire VA receives this award annually and only once in their career.
The recognition from VA is as follows:
“Walt Dannenberg stands as a visionary leader at the helm of VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS), spearheading workplace engagement, continuous improvement, and accountability across the board. His implementation of the Daily Management System and Lean leadership philosophy has sparked a transformation in operations, fostering efficiency and innovation. Collaborating closely with nursing leadership and frontline nurses, he has been instrumental in promoting A3 thinking, reshaping problem-solving methodologies, and empowering nurses to lead impactful changes, resulting in unparalleled care and service excellence for Veterans. Under Mr. Dannenberg’s stewardship, VALBHS has embraced evidence-based practices as fundamental to nursing excellence. His advocacy for initiatives like Shared Governance has facilitated the establishment of over 40-unit practice councils and a system-wide practice council, facilitating the dissemination of ideas and best practices throughout the organization. His unwavering dedication to staff well-being, exemplified through initiatives like alternative work schedules and retention incentives, has solidified VALBHS’s standing as an employer of choice. Nationally lauded for his leadership in nursing care delivery, Mr. Dannenberg’s guidance has propelled VALBHS to unprecedented heights, earning prestigious recognitions such as the top performer in nursing home care.”
 Each May, the nation observes Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate the contributions by Americans of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States.
The 2024 National AANHPI Heritage Month theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation’‘. This year’s theme is a continuation of the “Advancing Leaders” series that began in 2021 and pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped our AANHPI history and continue to influence our collective future.
 
Move your body in May!
If there was a single prescription that could prevent and treat dozens of diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, it would be physical activity. We have hundreds of muscles that need to stay active. Simply increasing body movement can slow aging, reduce pain, increase energy, and improve anxiety and depression. Learn how moving helps your body and your mind along with ideas for activity that will help you Live Whole Health.
Explore what physical activity is best for your individual needs and get started today! To learn more about available Whole Health programs at VA Long Beach, 1) stop by the Veterans Resource Center (Building 165, Room C108, 2) Call (562) 826-8000, ext. 1-8670, and/or 3) Ask your healthcare team to place a Whole Health consult.
In this She Wears the Boots podcast episode, we dive into the facts and myths about eating disorders in Veterans and VA’s treatment options for those seeking care. Listen now.
 
When: Tuesday, May 14, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, Patriot Park
Join us to celebrate researchers’ contributions to both the Veteran and the Health Science communities.
Learn how to participate in clinical trials and listen to a Veteran Panel share their experience in VA research participation.
A light lunch will be served to the attendees.
This event is free and open to all Veterans and VA staff.
When: Wednesday, June 5, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, The Learning Center, bldg. 165, rm. D101
Event will showcase VA innovation and ideas that has lead to positive change throughout the VA Hospital.
Projects will be displayed for viewing and will be graded with awards given to best projects.
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 Save the the date! Celebrate Pride and support our LGBTQ+ Veterans and employees by marching with the VA Long Beach Healthcare System in the annual Long Beach Pride Parade on May 19th, 2024. Additional details to follow over the next month. Please contact LGBVTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator Megan Mortensen, LCSW with any questions.
 
The VA Podcast Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind. Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on.
Work with us!
Find VA Long Beach Healthcare System jobs on USA Jobs.
Find out how to work with us in other ways!
VA Caregiver Support Line
1-855-260-3274 toll-free
Disclaimer of Endorsement:
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
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