Bridging the Gap: VA nurse in Athens, Georgia, passionate about keeping local Veterans informed
Adrienne Barber earned her nursing degree in her hometown of Vidalia, Georgia. And after 14 years as a licensed practical nurse, she was eager to join VA Augusta Health Care System to serve Veterans.
“I come from a family rich with Veterans, which made taking this job all the more important to me,” said Barber, who has served Veterans at the Athens Community-based Outpatient Clinic since May 2021. “My grandfathers served our country in WWII, and my uncles served during Vietnam and the Gulf War. My husband is also a Veteran.”
In August 2022, she was tasked with populating a monthly newsletter to communicate upcoming events, fun facts, historical information, health tips, birthdays, and health awareness issues to staff.
Soon after, she saw an opportunity.
“I wanted something that could bridge the gap between staff and Veterans, to promote a better relationship and to help put information more readily in their hands,” said Barber, who created a Veteran-facing newsletter to distribute in the clinic lobby.
This month, the Veteran newsletter features National Vietnam War Veterans Day commemorated on March 29. Veterans will also see PACT Act Toxic Exposure Screening updates, clinic scheduling updates, community care processes, and colon cancer awareness screenings.
In addition to the newsletter, she created a board to post information on each month including upcoming blood drives, awareness campaigns, and opportunities for Veterans to join a weekly Vet-to-Vet group.
“I can honestly say that this job has been my favorite in my career as a nurse,” Barber said. “I love interacting with the Vets on a daily basis and hearing their stories and want to do as much as I can to make their experience with the VA the best I can.”
For more information about Athens-area VA programs and services, please email Adrienne.Barber@va.gov or call 706-733-0188, ext. 45511.