Stories | VA Orlando Health Care

As we approach the Fourth of July, a day that symbolizes the birth of a Nation and celebrates the values of freedom and independence, it is essential to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices and unwavering commitment of our nation's Veterans.

In a world where physical wounds are often visible and readily addressed, the invisible scars left by trauma can haunt the lives of those affected, often going unnoticed by society.

Dr. Laura Meyers and Army Veteran Adriana Taylor discuss PTSD treatment options.

April is whole health month. According to Nursing Officer of the Day (NOD), Andrea Gison at the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) staff are encouraged to participate and enjoy whole health activities on their inpatient unit.

Pictured in photo: Medical Inpatient Unit Employees recharging with Whole Health activities.

As a VA employee, Chief Wellbeing Officer (CWO) for the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS), Dr. Myriam Garzon serves as a clinician advocate who provides organizational strategy to improve clinician well-being and assists in mitigating burnout.

Dr. Derek Szafranski, Acting OVAHCS Associate Director encourages staff to utilize important employee wellness resources to help with reducing burnout and improving resiliency.

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.