Resilience in Motion: How VA Augusta’s Amputee Program Transforms Lives and Inspires Veterans
VA Augusta's Amputee Specialty Program has become a beacon of hope for Veterans facing limb loss. Through a combination of specialized care, community support, and adaptive sports opportunities, the program has achieved significant milestones, propelling it into the national spotlight.
"Our program is about more than just medical treatment; it's about building a community of support where Veterans can thrive and rediscover their potential,” said Melanie Rahn, a physical therapist who serves as VA Augusta’s Amputee Rehabilitation Coordinator.
One of the program's most notable accomplishments in 2024 was advocating for a proclamation from Gov. Brian Kemp to recognize April as Limb Loss Awareness Month across Georgia. The proclamation underscores the dedication and efforts of the VA Augusta team in raising awareness about limb loss and Veterans’ incredible journeys of recovery and adaptation.
"This recognition was a big boost in our effort to bring awareness to the struggles and triumphs of Veterans who experience limb loss,” said Rahn.
Later this month, Rahn and her team are hosting several activities as part of Limb Loss Awareness Month. Scheduled events include an Amputee Support Group, Adaptive Cycling, and Adaptive Wall Climbing. These events provide opportunities for Veterans to connect, share experiences, and engage in physical activities that promote overall well-being.
As a hub for amputee care in VA’s Southeast Network (VISN 7), VA Augusta stands out in the Amputation System of Care (ASoC), which consists of 25 Centers of Specialty Amputation Care and over 120 Amputation Care Teams nationwide. VA Augusta hosts six monthly outpatient clinics, three of which are in-person and three virtual via VA Video Connect.
The program's inpatient rehabilitation services, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, offer pre-prosthetic and prosthetic training. In 2024 alone, 18 Veterans were admitted to the inpatient rehab, receiving care tailored to their unique needs.
And partnerships with organizations like the Amputee Coalition have strengthened the program's support network. The Certified Peer Visitor Program trained four Veterans in 2024, who are now dually certified to support both Veterans and non-Veterans. This initiative has been instrumental in providing peer support and mentorship.
"Peer support is a crucial element of our program," said Rahn. "It allows Veterans to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences, offering not only practical advice, but a listening ear from someone who has been in the same boat."
For more information about the Amputee Specialty Program and upcoming events, please contact Melanie Rahn at 706-733-0188 x 26982.