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Read about what's happening in our VA Charleston health care community.

Independence Day: Proper respect for US flag

This Wednesday, July 4, Americans will gather together to celebrate Independence Day, a federal holiday that commemorates the forming of the United States of America through the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The U.S. flag flies in a position of honor outside Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Photo by James Arrowood.

Charleston VA employees initiate improvements

In May, during the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC Hospital Week Celebration, employees throughout the medical center, clinics and off-site locations were asked to participate in a Digital Scavenger Hunt.

Nutrition and Food Service employee Broderick Belton helps Veteran Douglas Kyle select his inpatient meal through the use of an iPad. Photo by Brandy Sims.

RiverDogs bring HOPE to Fisher House Charleston

Hope can seem scarce when serious medical issues occur, but that’s exactly what the Charleston RiverDogs brought to Veterans and families at Fisher House Charleston on June 14 as they celebrated HOPE Week 2018.

RiverDogs players serve up food and fun at Fisher House Charleston during HOPE Week.

Military Appreciation Seating at Party in the Park

For the fifth year, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center has teamed up with local radio station 103.5 WEZL to host a special military appreciation seating area at the station’s Party in the Park summer concert series.

Local radio station 103.5 WEZL hosts Party in the Park free concert series.

Service, sacrifice honored for Memorial Day

Friends of Fisher House Charleston President Maj. Joshua Strimple, U.S. Army Reserve paid tribute to the more than 650,000 Veterans who have died in battle while sharing his own poignant story of service during his keynote address at a Memorial Day ceremony held May 25.

Maj. Josh Strimple, U.S. Army Reserve, gives the keynote address at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Memorial Day Ceremony. Photo by James Arrowood.

VA2K improves employee health, helps homeless Vete

The eighth annual VA2K Walk and Roll, held at VA’s across the U.S. on May 16, got employees moving while supporting homeless Veterans with donated items. The event, which kicked off at 11:00 a.m. at the main hospital, had more than 20 walkers on the 1.2 mile course within the first 30 minutes.

MOVE Coordinator Rebecca Luhrs, RN and Clinical Nurse Educator Jan Shriner, RN welcome other walkers during the VA2K. Photo by James Arrowood.

Trident Clinic hosts a baby shower for Veterans

This year, on the Wednesday before Mother’s Day, the Trident VA Outpatient Clinic held its very first baby shower to honor and support local Veteran patients of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center as they prepare to welcome new children into their family.

Eleven new and expecting Veteran mothers attended the Trident VA Clinic's Baby Shower on May 9. Photo by James Arrowood.

Scleral lenses: helping Veterans see clearly

What if you were never able to see clearly, or you were always uncomfortable with dry itchy eyes? The scleral lens may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Celebrating Charleston VAMC volunteers

Last week we celebrated National Healthcare Volunteer Week. A time in April every year where we recognize the dedication and hard work of our Ralph H. Johnson VAMC Volunteers who help serve our Lowcountry Veterans.

Opioid reduction at Charleston VAMC

Earlier this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) became the first and only health-care system in the country to publicly post opioid prescribing rates when it launched its new data website.