Press release from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
The Western North Carolina Veterans Affairs Health Care System steadfastly continues its mission of uniting veterans across the mountains with the services and resources within their reach. Last Friday, the five-star facility hosted its 2024 Mental Health Summit at the AB Technical Community College.
In her opening address, WNVAHCS Executive Director, Stephanie Young, earnestly encouraged community partners to join in dialogues centered on innovative solutions. She expressed, “While it’s impossible to guarantee that no more veterans will take their lives, we can accomplish many more things if we do not perceive them as impossible.”
According to the executive director, the Mental Health Summits offer an invaluable opportunity to gather feedback from the community and explore strategies to enhance their capacity to provide the 49,000 Veterans in the region with the exceptional healthcare they deserve.
This year’s summit featured a moving recovery story from Local Recovery Coordinator, Dr. Kathlyn LeSauvage, PhD, of the Salem VA Hospital. Dr. LeSauvage shared insights into the unique journeys of patients in recovery and highlighted diverse methods for uplifting individuals from depression, including the use of photography and engagement in physical activities.
The WNCVAHCS Suicide Prevention Program also took center stage during the summit, demonstrating how mental health professionals respond to referrals from the 988 Veterans Crisis Line, ensuring that veterans’ crisis needs are promptly addressed.
Jaime Barzana, the suicide prevention supervisor, underscored, “We also offer VA S.A.V.E. training to equip both clinical and laypeople with a straightforward method for identifying suicide risk, intervention, and resources.”
Following the formal proceedings, attendees took part in breakout sessions intended to deepen their appreciation of the services and programs available to veterans, including collaborative approaches to care and WNC Veterans & Community Employment initiatives.
Dr. Laura Tugman, Mental Health Chief, stressed the significance of the summit, stating, “Past Mental Health Summits have led to the establishment of our local Veterans Employment Assistance Network, a local homeless community coalition, and various other valuable partnerships.”
The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System has been recognized with a five-star rating for both overall quality and patient satisfaction by the CMS – Centers for Medicare Services.
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