U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Health engages with Granite State community and Manchester VA Medical Center

“The importance of his visit cannot be understated,” shared Medical Center Director Kevin Forrest. “Dr. Elnahal engaged with our community, Veterans and their family members, caregivers, and spent a great deal of time listening and thanking the dedicated and talented staff at Manchester VA.”

Dr. Elnahal began his day with a ‘meeting in the Millyard’ to address a large crowd as keynote speaker for the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) Conference. He discussed with attendees the importance of regenerative medicine for the future of veteran
health care.

According to the National Institute of Health, regenerative medicine discovers ways to replace diseased or injured body parts with new versions made in a lab, helping to understand how diseases develop and spread.

Following the conference, Elnahal spent the afternoon at the Manchester VA Medical Center accompanied by Veterans Integrated Service Network Director Ryan Lilly, New England Healthcare System, and Medical Center Director Kevin Forrest.

The walking tour of the facility provided Elnahal with a ‘boots on the ground’ view of ongoing construction and completed infrastructure projects. He acknowledged the challenges imposed by the catastrophic pipe break with infrastructure damage at the facility, while recognizing the teamwork and commitment of employees regarding the health and safety of the environment veterans receive care.

During an employee forum with over 600 participants, Elnahal expressed his gratitude to Manchester VA professionals for their dedication to our mission and the world-class health care provided to Veteran patients and those requiring long-term care in the Community Living Center.

“You’ve got incredible staff who put veterans first in every way that they can,” shared Elnahal. I had a chance to meet two veterans who are beneficiaries of that care, and they were so grateful for all you do.”

He also referenced the impressive work being done to support caregivers, for combating veteran homelessness, and recognized Manchester VAMC’s best practices in suicide prevention.

“Most importantly in terms of our clinical priorities, is preventing Veteran suicide,” stated
Elnahal. “Your suicide prevention coordinators which are getting folks into mental health and
longitudinal care with VHA—that makes all the difference in the world and is lifesaving for so
many veterans.”

Engaging employees throughout the visit, Elnahal echoed the sentiment of medical center and
Veteran patients before his departure.

“It’s an extraordinary culture you have here at Manchester VA and a great community,” shared
Elnahal.

VA Manchester Healthcare System is part of the VA New England Healthcare System which
includes eight medical centers, located in the six New England states. Manchester VA is
comprised of one main campus located in Manchester and four community-based outpatient
clinics located in Conway, Portsmouth, Somersworth, and Tilton. The Portsmouth outpatient
clinic is located at Pease Air National Guard Base.

Lori Flynn, Public Affairs Officer

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