Jackson Health Care System staff honored for service to Veterans

VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal visited the Jackson Health Care System’s G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA, gained firsthand insight into the medical center’s operations and commended the dedicated staff for their achievements. 

Accompanied by VISN 16 network director Dr. Skye McDougall and Medical Center Director Kai Mentzer, Elnahal was given a tour led by Tracy Ruger, chief of Facility Management Service. Ruger shared the medical center’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and expand services for Veterans, showcasing their dedication to meeting the evolving needs of those they serve.

The tour included the Women’s Health Clinic, where Women Veterans Program Manager Debra Pierce-Robinson provided a comprehensive overview of the exceptional services tailored to women Veterans. Montgomery VA has secured the position of second in the nation for timely mammogram screening.

Elnahal visited the Community Living Center, where Nurse Managers Aliscia Simon and Monica Cooper showcased the exemplary care provided to the residents. The center achieved a five-star rating, a testament to the outstanding efforts of the staff.

Recognized exceptional employees

Elnahal hosted an employee town hall and recognized exceptional individuals for their unwavering dedication to VA’s health care priorities. Each employee had made significant contributions in their respective roles, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and improving Veterans’ lives.

Surgeon Dr. Rajesh Kuruba was commended for his extraordinary efforts and commitment to patient-centered care. In one notable case, Kuruba and his team swiftly responded to a consult for a Veteran diagnosed with colon cancer. The seamless coordination of assessments culminated in the Veteran undergoing a successful robotic right hemicolectomy.

LaTiffany Reed, supervisory medical support assistant, was acknowledged for her achievements in growing the Health Administration Service team. Through her dedicated efforts, Reed facilitated the recruitment and hiring of 30 highly skilled professionals, 15 of which were new to VA.

Nurse Raeana Yawn received recognition for her swift action and life-saving efforts. When a cardiac device alert signaled a potential catastrophic failure in a Veteran’s pacemaker, she took immediate action. Despite challenges locating the Veteran, Yawn’s perseverance, involving multiple agencies and departments, resulted in the timely intervention and successful treatment of the Veteran.

Social worker intervened with suicidal Veteran

Nurse Practitioner Debra Sutton was honored for her outstanding work conducting toxic exposure screenings under the PACT Act. Sutton’s tireless efforts resulted in an impressive 231 screenings. Her dedication to conducting screenings aligns with VA’s priority to serve Veterans with military environmental exposures. 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Kenda Roberts-Graham was commended for her exceptional crisis intervention skills. When a Veteran expressed suicidal ideations with a plan involving a firearm, Roberts-Graham skillfully kept the Veteran engaged and swiftly reached out to the suicide prevention coordinator. Emergency services were promptly deployed, ensuring the Veteran’s safety.

MOVE! Coordinator Denise Barnett received recognition for her instrumental role in the program’s growth and success. Barnett transformed the program into a five-provider initiative that consistently ranks among the nation’s best. Under her guidance, a significant number of Veterans achieved clinically relevant weight loss, improving their health and quality of life.

“The dedication and exceptional work of the staff at Montgomery VA truly exemplify the spirit of VA’s health care mission. Their commitment to improving the lives of Veterans is inspiring and they serve as a shining example for the entire VA community,” Elnahal said.

The Sonny Montgomery VA and the Columbus, Greenville, Hattiesburg, Kosciusko, McComb, Meridian and Natchez VA clinics are all part of the VA Jackson Health Care System, which is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. We provide a variety of medical outpatient services to more than 54,000 Veterans.