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

A nurse’s message about breast cancer

I am not the likely candidate for cancer.

Celebrating Peer Support Specialists

Last week on Oct. 17, we celebrated Global Peer Support Celebration Day.

Anthony Hedges recently joined the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC as a Peer Support Specialist. Photo by James Arrowood.

Charleston VA Stand Down Against Homelessness

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, along with community partners Palmetto Goodwill and Palmetto Warrior Connection, will host the 20th Annual Stand Down Against Veteran Homelessness Friday, Oct. 18, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

The Ralph H. Johnson VAMC, along with Palmetto Goodwill and Palmetto Warrior Connection, will host the 20th Annual Stand Down Against Veteran Homelessness Friday, Oct. 18 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Tobacco-Free Campus starts January 1

On Jan. 1, 2020, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center will join the rest of the Veterans Health Administration and implement a tobacco-free campus at its medical center, its community clinics and off-site locations.

James Robinson and Wilton Bowles attend a smoking cessation class at the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC led by instruction Jamie Baker, NP. Photo by Michael Romeo.

Charleston VA Director receives Leadership Award

Last week, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Director and CEO Scott Isaacks received the inaugural South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) Drive to Zero Harm Leadership Award.

Charleston VAMC Director and CEO Scott Isaacks (left) presents an ICARE award to Tamika Blount-Currie (center) along with Deputy Chief of Staff Dr. Simon Scalia (right) at the monthly employee awards ceremony, one of the new initiatives at Charleston VAMC to recognize staff for going above and beyond to serve Veterans. Photo by James Arrowood.

Celebrating cancer survivors

On Tuesday, Sept. 10 bright, yellow, smiley face balloons lined the halls of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center leading to the hospital’s Main Auditorium for the first annual Cancer Expo and Celebration, a special event to honor Veteran cancer survivors.

Veterans enjoyed a putting competition sponsored by PGA Hope at the Cancer Expo and Celebration on Sept. 10. Photo by James Arrowood.

#BeThere during Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is holding several events to outreach to Veterans who may be struggling while also encouraging members of the community to check in on and be there for the Veterans in their lives.

A Veteran receives a free gun lock from a VA Police Officer during a Suicide Prevention Awareness event at Charleston VAMC on Sept. 9, 2019. Photo by Erin Curran.

Savannah, Myrtle Beach communities host Stand Down

Each year, generally in the months leading into the harsher winter season, VAs across the country hold dedicated Stand Down Against Veteran Homelessness events to outreach to Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and connect them with programs that can help.

A VA employee assists a Veteran with applying for housing benefits during a past Stand Down event in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Photo by Meredith Hagen.

Hurricane Season is Here

It’s hard to believe that we’re already well into what’s often the most volatile time of the year for many Southerners – the Atlantic hurricane season – which runs from June 1 through November 30.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Now is the time to be prepared and make an emergency plan.

Charleston’s Cardiology Chief Honored for Research

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Chief of Cardiology Michael Zile received VA’s highest award for research, the William S. Middleton Award.

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Chief of Cardiology Michael Zile (left) received VA’s highest award for research, the William S. Middleton Award, earlier this month for outstanding contributions to biomedical research in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). (Photo by James Arrowood)