The Atlanta VA Medical Center is one of the fastest-growing VA facilities in the nation, expected to serve close to 90,000 individual veterans this year. I believe we owe every one of these veterans a debt of gratitude and appreciation that we can never adequately repay. As the new medical center director, I will do all that I can to ensure they receive the best care in America.
One of my primary goals is for the Atlanta VA to promote an environment that fosters physical and psychological safety for the veterans we serve, and for the employees who are committed to serving them.
Since taking over as director on May 20, my primary focus has been on strengthening our mental health program. We have made significant progress so far. We have:
• Reduced appointment wait times of 14 days or more by nearly 11 percent.
• Embedded VA-licensed clinical social workers at all contract mental health facilities to improve communications between referring VA clinicians, receiving contract providers and veterans.
• Reduced the number of contract mental health facilities from 26 to 5 to enhance our ability to track and monitor patients receiving care outside the Medical Center.
• Implemented a secure database tracking system for veterans referred to mental health contract providers.
• Strengthened policies governing visitation, patient observation, urine drug screening collection and control of hazardous items at the inpatient mental health unit.
• Developed plans for interactive group sessions and classes individually tailored for inpatients and focused on their recovery.
Veterans can be assured of our ongoing commitment to provide high-quality care. Although the Atlanta VA has faced some recent challenges, I want veterans to know that we are committed to serving them with the level of excellence they deserve.
Soon after my arrival, I also began meeting with many of the stakeholders who partner with the Atlanta VA. To date, I have conducted six town hall meetings with employees, two meetings with Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and two meetings with my Veterans Advisory Board, which is composed of 25 senior VSO leaders.
Similarly, I have met with U.S. Rep. David Scott on two occasions, and with Reps. John Lewis and Phil Gingrey. I have also addressed the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. I will continue to engage all of our stakeholders to promote public trust, transparency, participation and collaboration.
I would like to extend my personal appreciation and gratitude to all veterans, and vow to always be a strong advocate for them in the future. On behalf of the Atlanta VA Medical Center, a special thank-you to those who have worn the uniform and dedicated their lives to the cause of freedom.
Leslie Wiggins is director of the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
