The Albany VA Minute

Transgender Awareness Week presentation with some of the VISN2 LGBTQ+ Coordinators Nov 21, 2024

This episode is a presentation by some of the VISN2 LGBTQ+ Coordinators on Transgender Awareness Week. if your looking to connect with an LGBTQ+ Coordinator at Albany or any of the VA facilities in New York use this link

A Very Special Episode: A Safety Story you'll want to hear Nov 13, 2024

A Safety6 Story is something the hospital shares regularly with staff as part of our mission to be a High Reliability Organization (HRO). This Veteran special story highlights the amazing work our Social work and Mental Health staff do everyday, so we sat down with Kelly Manolopoulos one of our outstanding Social Workers and Alisha Reiter our high reliability officer, to re record the Safety Story. For more information check out;

VA Resources for Veterans

For Albany VA mental Health Resources Click Here

the Crisis Line is a 24/7/365 resource for Veterans to learn more click here

An Overview of the Cancer Treatment Services @Albany VA Oct 17, 2024

Today we were joined by Nicole Melius, Chief Radiation Therapist, Kelsey Miller Radiation Therapist and Dr. Phillip Silverman to provide an overview of the array of Cancer Services Offered at the Albany VA. Give it a listen. If you know a Veteran in need of care please have them call 518 626 6650.

The Albany VA Minute: My HealtheVet Updates Oct 02, 2024

Today we were joined by the Facility My HealtheVet Coordinator Gina Keller [518-626-5000 Ext 61514]

To talk about some of the upcoming security upgrades come for My Health E Vet and what it means to you as a Veteran. To log into My Health E Vet click this hyperlink

If you need to contact the helpdesk for Login.gov you can call 844-875-6446
If you need to contact the helpdesk for Id. me 877-327-0022 Option 1, Then Option 2

Tele Emergency Center care with Dr. Farzon Nahvi Aug 08, 2024

Today we interviewed Dr. Farzon Nahvi a physician with the VISN 2 Clinical Contact Center's Tele Emergency Center program. You can reach them at 1 800 877 6976. the takeaway from today's episode is, they should be the 1st call if your not feeling well.

Did You Know June is PRIDE month? give a listen to this special interview May 29, 2024

this month Sarah Mulhall our LGTBQ+ Coordinator interviewed Jae Ward on her experiences as an LGTBQ+ Veteran.

If you have questions on the services offered at Albany VA or questions about what's coming up for PRIDE give Sarah a Call at 518 414 6327

A special Episode: Safety Story and Award Presentation May 23, 2024

On May 23 2024, FMS employee Jason Sprague and VA Police Officer Carlos Romero were presented HERO awards for their actions to put our a fire at the facility earlier in the year. This is a copy of the awards presentation for our audience.

Safety Story read by Joe McDonnell and awards presented by Medical Center Director Darlene Delancey

LGTBQ+ Health with Dr. Susan Opar and Sarah Mulhall Mar 15, 2024

This month we were joined by Dr. Susan Opar and Sarah Mulhall, Social Worker.

To talk about LGTBQ+ Health to find a local coordinator click here to contact Sarah at:

Phone: 518-626-7523

Email: Sarah.mulhall@va.gov

Get to know your Community: The Saratoga Commissary Nov 14, 2023

Today we interviewed Scott Zimber of the Saratoga Naval Station Commissary about what services are offered there and how it can support Veterans in the community.

If your a Veteran with Service Connected injuries, check it out they also have a new Click2Go program where you can order ahead and pick up

The Vet Center. What is it and why is it the VA's best Kept Secret Sep 11, 2023

In this Episode we interviewed Jason Davis [(315)744-5409 or jason.davis3@va.gov ] of the Binghamton Vet Center on What the Vet Centers are, what services they offer and why are the one of the VA's best Kept secrets.

if you want to locate a Vet Center go to Vetcenter.gov or call the Combat Call Center to find the closest Vet Center to you 1-877-927-8387

With September being Suicide Prevention Month we also have a PSA for the Crisis Line ( 9-8-8 press 1) or go to the Veterans Crisis Line to chat with someone 24/7/365

What is the VISN 2 Clinical Contact Center? unpacking this hidden gem of your Healthcare Jul 10, 2023

This episode we are joined by Keith Claffey and Reshma Patel, 2 providers from the VISN 2 Clinical Contact Center (1 800 877 6976). In this episode, we unpacked what the VISN 2 Clinical Call Center is and why it should be your 1st call if your not feeling well. As Keith said "a dedicated healthcare professional is just a phone call or click away."

Profiles in Service at the Albany VA: with Keith Olmstead Jul 03, 2023

in this episode we profile Facility Maintenance Service (FMS) supervisor and local legend in FMS Mr. Keith Olmstead

Its National Police Week! Learn about the partnership between Veterans Justice Outreach and local law enforcment May 13, 2023

Today we were joined by one of our Favorite Social Workers Rebecca Newton of the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program and Chief of Police Thomas Gibbons to talk about the VJO program, the outstanding Veterans in Crisis Training and National Police week. don't Miss this Episode

Caregiver Support Program, What is it? May 10, 2023

Today we are joined by Nikki Holt, one of our Outstanding Social Workers to talk about the Caregiver Support program and some upcoming Caregiver events

Did You Know? May is Mental Health Awareness Month Apr 29, 2023

Fun Fact: Did You Know that our intro is from the unofficial Albany VA anthem and played by Christina Rulison one of our Recreation Therapists

Today we are joined by The Hospital's Local Recovery Coordinator, Senior Social Worker Penny Deasy, to talk about May is Mental Health Awareness Month what it is and what is in store at the Hospital this May. Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast to get all the episodes delivered to your phone

special Episode: It's Lab Week Apr 24, 2023

April 24th through the 28th is Laboratory Professionals Week and today we were joined by Dr. Raina Patel, Chief of Pathology and Heather Merkley-Tamburello, the Lab Manager to discuss All Things related to the lab. We discussed the Lab's function during the pandemic and what they do on a day to day basis which is pretty special. in FY 2022, the Stratton VA lab, staffed 24/7 with medical technologists, processed 1.4 million tests, transfused 650 units of blood, 30 units of plasma, and 70 units of platelets. Give a listen to this Episode.

Wellness Minute: VA2K with Rebeka Lange Apr 22, 2023

In a new segment we're calling the "wellness minute" we're discussing the VA2K with Rebeka Lange, Physicians Assistant in Occupational Health which is open to Veterans and Staff on May 17th

Dignity and Respect Campaign Special Episode #3 Apr 19, 2023

In this month's special Episode #3 of April's Dignity and Respect Campaign where our front line staff ask senior leader's the same 5 questions on what Dignity and Respect Campaign means to them. for Episode 2, the Front Office Program Support Specialist Miss Sharon Joyner interviewed the Associate Chief of Staff for Research and one of our neurology providers, Dr. Donald Higgins.

Systems Redesign Focus Apr 15, 2023

In This Episode we speak with Julie Montalbano, RN and the best Systems Redesign Specialist in the Albany VA, Robert Sklenarik, about Julie's Systems Redesign Project to improve the Veterans Experience during a colonoscopy. To see her video click here.

Dignity & Respect Campaign special episode #2 Apr 12, 2023

In this month's special Episode #2 of April's Dignity and Respect Campaign where our front line staff ask senior leader's the same 5 questions on what Dignity and Respect Campaign means to them. for Episode 2, the Front Office Administrative Officer Nicole LaChappelle interviewed the Associate Director of Patient Care Services, Our Chief Nurse, Amy Wettig.

2023 is the Year of Systems Redesign, so what is it Apr 08, 2023

Brief discussion with THE best Systems Redesign Specialist in Albany VA Robert Sklenarik on what Systems Redesign is, LEAN/Sigma Six Blackbelt training and oververiew of what Continuous Process Improvement is

Special Episode: April kicks off our Dignity and Respect Campaign Apr 05, 2023

for the Special Episodes on our Dignity and Respect Campaign we will be having front line staff interviewing staff on what it means to them. Today for Episode 1 we have Jamie Golembieski Program Specialist and Marine Veteran, interviewing our High Reliability Officer Mary Ann Jones an Air Force Veteran.

Special Episode #1 Profiles of Service: Annette Towne, RN Apr 01, 2023

In episode #1 of a new episodic segment we call Profiles in Services, Annette Towne who has worked at the Albany VA for 39 years as a registered nurse (RN) in various capacities talks about her experiences working with Veterans and shares some lessons learned over her career, it is a must listen.

Get to know the Community Engagement and Partnership Team and learn about Problem Gambling awareness month Mar 25, 2023

Continuing with the theme of March is Social worker month, we interviewed Michelle Chavarria and Jennifer Stilleto-Smith, the Social workers for our Community Engagement and Partnership team on the role social workers play role in the Mission of serving Veterans, and on their new roles engaging and partnering with the Community. If your interested in contacting Jen and Michelle you can contact Jennifer at 518 248 0824 ( jennifer.stilettosmith@va.gov) and Michelle at 518 421 6576 (michelle.chavarria@va.gov)

If you are interested in more stay tuned as on May16, we will be hosting a Mental health fair on the grounds of the hospital in Building 67 (across the street from Panera) from 8AM-4PM. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a minute

Did You Know Part 2: March is Social Workers Month Mar 18, 2023

Social workers play a crucial role in the Mission of serving Veterans, they are healthcare force multipliers and key members of the healthcare team. today we interviewed three social workers about their experiences about being interns (a tie in to last weeks episode on healthcare professions education week) and their current roles serving Veterans.

If you are interested in more stay tuned as in May we will be hosting a Mental health fair and a Caregiver support fair as part of Mental Health Awareness month. subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a minute

Did You Know: March is Social Work Month and HPE week Mar 11, 2023

March is Social Work Month and March 14-18 is health Professions Education Week so today we were joined by Karen Sheehan Social Worker Supervisor and Rachel Gates, Jonathan Gay Social Work Interns to discuss Social Work Month and Health Professions Education Week

Season 2 Episode 1 #DidYouKnow March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Mar 04, 2023

Join Lindsay Shoonmaker, RN in our GI program in a brief presentation on the importance of early screening and detection. to watch a video on this presentation click here or check out the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center Facebook Page

if you have further questions you can contact the GI Clinic at 518 626 6385 or the GI Care Manager at 518 626 6312

Welcome Back Trailer for 2023 Mar 03, 2023

Welcome Back we are rebooting our Podcast in 2023 to talk about the PACT Act, Outreach, the services offered at the Hospital, highlighting our staff and other events.

2,020 in 2020 Feb 19, 2020

To help us kick off our goal of recruiting 2,020 new Veterans in 2020 we interviewed primary care physician Dr. Rachael Grimm and Fisher house manager Mike Fitzpatrick on all that Primary care and the Fisher House have to offer.

Special Episode:Mission Act Jun 05, 2019

This is an audio recording of the facility’s June 5, 2019 Mission Act Facebook live event with Kirsten Danforth, Mission Act Champion and Mary Ann Jones, Community Care Program Manager. To learn more visit https://missionact.va.gov

Episode 4.3 Get to know the Community Living Center (CLC) May 22, 2019

Episode 4.3 - Get to know the Community Living Center (CLC)

To learn more general information on Community Living Centers click Here, for specifics on the Albany VA CLC call Barbara Darling at (518) 626-6037.

To learn more about the Albany VA CLC's hand hygiene campaign and fighting the Flu click here

Episode 4.2 The Albany VA and the Innovators Network May 21, 2019

In this Episode we spoke with Supervisory Social Worker Patricia Kidder about the VA Innovators Network and hoe it impacts the Albany VA to learn more the VA Innovators Network and some of the initiatives that have grown from it go to https://medium.com/vainnovation/tagged/innovation

To learn more about the three box solution click here
Staff can also learn more about the three box solution by clicking here

Episode 4.1 May is Mental Health Month May 21, 2019

Episode 4.1 contains a A brief overview of Mental Health Services at the Albany VA, its Drop In groups and a teaser for a short infomercial the facility made for May is Mental Health month in conjunction with the National #BeThere Campaign. If your interested in learning more about Mental Health give the clinic a call at 518 626 5339. If you are interested in learning more about the Crisis Line resources see below; Veterans Crisis Line If you are a Service member or Veteran in crisis or you’re concerned about one, there are specially trained responders ready to help you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Veterans Crisis Line connects Service members and Veterans in crisis, as well as their family members and friends, with qualified, caring VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text-messaging service. Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone. Send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder. Start a confidential online chat session at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.

Episode 3: Women’s Health & Services for Female Veterans Mar 27, 2019

Did you Know the VA is the largest provider of Mammography services in the country? For the Month of March we focused the podcast on Women’s Health and The Mammography Program, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this April. To learn more about the Women's Health program click this link for a short video or go to the Albany VA Women's Health program page, For questions on the Women's Health Program contact Suzanne Deane at 518 626 5519. for Questions on the Mammography program contact Linda Carpinello-Dilenbeck at (518)626-6337.

If you are traveling a distance to the Facility check out our Fisher House video or go to our Fisher House website to learn more

Episode 2- National Salute to Veteran Patients week and learn more about Seasonal Depression Feb 08, 2019

Voluntary Services and salute to Veteran patients;To learn more about Albany's Voluntary Services check out the link below https://www.albany.va.gov/giving/index.asp To connect with Noney about Volunteering or the National Salute to Veteran Patients Week give her a call at (518) 626-5507 The Education Spotlight with Dr. William Breen: To learn more about the Health and wellness resource Dr. Breen discussed about for seasonal depression go to Mental Health resources and Make the Connection. For More information on the Apps Dr. Breen mentioned check out the VA App Store, click the hyperlink more info on the Virtual Hope Box. To connect with the Crisis Line call 1-800-273-TALK (press #1 for Veterans) 24/7. You can also chat online at or text with a counselor by texting 838255. To connect with a Mental Health provider you can connect with your local Primary Care team or call (518) 626-5339. The Drop In Groups Dr. Breen mentioned are available Monday through Friday at 10AM on the 10th floor, call (518) 626-5339 for details. You can also check out our Facebook page to stay up to date

Episode 1-Welcome to the Albany VA Minute Jan 24, 2019

Episode #1: introductions & Whole Health/Fight the Flu For more information on the Albany VA go to; https://www.albany.va.gov/ If you are interested in enrolling in VA health care call James and his staff at (518) 626 6744 or go to https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/ for more information on Whole Health go to; https://www.va.gov/PATIENTCENTEREDCARE/veteran-handouts/ For more information on fighting the Flu this season go to; https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/current.htm If you have comments or suggestions e-mail us at: TheAlbanyVAMinute@R04BYNAPPSP2013.r04.med.va.gov

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