Stories | VA Orlando Health Care

For License Clinical Social Worker Larry D. Johns, working with Veterans is a personal connection.

LCSW Larry D. Johns and Army Veteran Rosalind Jackson pouring paint during an art therapy group session at the OVAHCS Domiciliary.

The Orlando VA Health Care System’s (OVAHCS) somatic treatment program is a new initiative that focuses on treating treatment-resistant mental health disorders using non-pharmacological techniques such as Electroconvulsive Therapy and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

The Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS) celebrates family caregivers and recognizes and honors our Nation’s unsung heroes. Family members, friends and neighbors who care for Veterans play a critical role in ensuring the health of our Veterans, and their efforts may often go unnoticed.

Pictured in photo: OVAHCS Caregivers enjoying painting on canvas.

Staff at the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS) have once again stepped up to the plate to care for America’s heroes while a hurricane brought on severe weather to the entire OVAHCS catchment area. Hurricane Nicole is the second named storm to hit central Florida this fall.

OVAHCS staff work through the night during Hurricane Nicole to ensure Veterans are cared for during the storm.

Recently, the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS) received a life changing state-of-the-art donation from Dick and Betsy DeVos of the Family Foundation and Soldier Strong that helps Veterans gain their independence again.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, staff at the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS) are pulling together to overcome challenges that have been brought on by the storm.

OVAHCS Staff making preparations to facilities prior to Hurricane Ian’s strike on Central Florida.

The Patient Ambassador program at the Orlando VA Medical Center (Orlando VAMC) in Lake Nona, Orlando Florida plays an important role assisting Veterans in need, explains U.S. Army Veteran Reinaldo Gonzalez.

Pictured in photo: Patient Ambassador, Rudi Heinrich takes U.S. Army Veteran patient, Reinaldo Gonzalez to physical therapy appointment at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona, Orlando Florida.

Five Veterans who receive their health care from the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS) recently brought home gold, silver, and bronze medals from the 41st National Veterans Wheelchair Games held in Tempe Arizona.

By Melanie L. Thomas, MBA, Acting Public Affairs Officer Orlando VA Health Care System

Pictured in photo from left to right: Kim Bielicki, innovation program manager, and Candace McNulty, float pool nurse manager and float pool staff - Sara Parlier, RN, and Jiany Hidalgo, RN

Veterans have said how this creative arts program makes it easier to open up, affords an opportunity to talk to others with similar issues, and helps to generate conversations while also educating others.