Birmingham Honors Our Veterans This November
Birmingham, we all know that November is a time for giving thanks, but this month also gives us an important reason to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served our country. As Veterans Day approaches, it’s vital to recognize local hero Raymond Weeks, a WWII Veteran from our very own city, who changed the landscape of how we honor our brave Veterans by founding National Veterans Day. At the Birmingham VA Health Care System, every single day embraces the spirit of this special occasion, as we provide care and support to over 80,000 Veterans across central and northern Alabama.
A Day for Reflection
This Veterans Day, our focus doesn’t just stop at acknowledgment. We’re also taking a sharp look at pressing issues like suicide prevention, Veteran homelessness, and ensuring that every Veteran has access to care. Our primary duty is to honor the promises made to those courageous individuals who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Every Veteran has a distinct story filled with courage and resilience, and we’re committed to addressing their physical and mental health needs with the utmost dedication.
Addressing the Suicide Crisis
Suicide rates among Veterans remain a significant national crisis, and tackling this issue is our number one clinical priority. According to the latest data, a staggering 6,392 Veterans died by suicide in the U.S., with 147 of those coming from Alabama. It’s essential to recognize that suicide is a complicated issue, influenced by various risk and protective factors. We must learn to spot the warning signs—feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and sudden mood swings can all be indicators that someone might need help.
This past year, the Birmingham VA made it a priority to roll out various initiatives aimed at combating this crisis, including distributing over 6,000 gun locks as part of our lethal means safety initiative. Given that firearms are involved in approximately 85% of Veteran suicides in Alabama, we believe that creating time and space between a person and potentially harmful means can save lives. We also organized the Pathways to Resilience Suicide Prevention Summit to educate both the community and our partners about the significance of addressing suicide concerns. Having open conversations about mental health helps dismantle stigma and can be life-saving—if you notice signs of struggle in someone, it’s absolutely vital to have that hard conversation about their mental well-being.
Taking on Veteran Homelessness
When it comes to supporting our Veterans, homelessness is often more than just a matter of housing; it’s a complex challenge that affects many areas connected to health and well-being. At the Birmingham VA, we’ve implemented comprehensive programs like our Homeless Veteran Patient Aligned Care Team to tackle the unique challenges faced by homeless Veterans. By collaborating with city partners, we’ve been able to better understand the needs of the homeless community, especially among Veterans.
One exciting initiative we’ve introduced is our Mobile Medical Unit (MMU), which serves as a “clinic on wheels.” This unit is equipped with everything from exam rooms to telehealth capabilities, allowing us to bring top-notch health services directly to homeless Veterans and those in rural locations. In fiscal year 2024, we successfully housed 256 Veterans in permanent shelter—20% above our initial goal! This local effort feeds into a national goal, contributing to nearly 48,000 Veterans finding permanent housing last year. Tackling Veteran homelessness is a team effort, and we firmly believe that no Veteran should be left behind.
Improving Access to Care
The introduction of the PACT Act has been a game-changer for many Veterans, particularly those exposed to toxic substances during their service. The Birmingham VA has excitedly screened over 56,000 Veterans for exposure concerns, with many following up for further assistance. Our commitment to reaching new enrollees has resulted in organizing more than 85 outreach events this year, connecting with over 1,200 Veterans.
A Renewed Commitment This Veterans Day
As we enter Veterans Day, not only do we express our gratitude for those who served, but we also renew our commitment to care for Veterans long after their service ends. Our goal at the Birmingham VA extends beyond providing medical treatment; we want to support the whole individual by addressing mental health needs, ensuring stable housing, and expanding care access. Remember, our responsibilities do not conclude on November 11th, but rather continue every day as we serve those who served us.
To our Veterans of central and northern Alabama: we appreciate your unwavering honor, sacrifice, and courage. This Veterans Day, let’s take a step forward together in recognition and support. Thank you for your service. We will always stand by you!
