This is a guest opinion column

Veterans Day is recognized on November 11, but at the Birmingham VA Health Care System, every day is a tribute to our Veterans. Guided by our succinct yet profound mission—to deliver top-tier care to America’s Veterans—we carry our core values and pride in every action.

With over 80,000 enrolled Veterans across central to northern Alabama, our dedicated team of 3,600+ professionals work around the clock, treating each veteran with the utmost respect and professionalism.

Birmingham holds a unique place in National Veterans Day celebrations. Raymond Weeks, a WWII veteran from our city, founded National Veterans Day. We’re thrilled to announce our participation in the 2023 National Veterans Day Parade on November 11.

This year marked significant strides in veteran care. The 2022 PACT Act paved the way for Veterans discharged between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, to enroll in VA health care, and we continue our efforts related to the Toxic Exposure Screening legislation.

The BVAHCS has screened approximately 40,455 Veterans facility-wide. Of those, 19,087 required follow-ups with a provider for exposure concerns. Our goal is to screen as many Veterans as possible to ensure they receive the care and benefits they deserve for serving our country and ensuring our freedom. Since December 2022, we have participated in over 100 outreach events to provide military environmental exposure resources, enroll new Veterans into our health care system, and assist them with next steps. Our commitment is to reach as many Veterans as possible, utilizing numerous resources to provide outreach to those not yet screened and to follow up on their exposure concerns.

Addressing veteran suicide remains our foremost clinical concern. Through the Veterans COMPACT Act, Veterans facing an acute suicidal crisis can now access immediate emergency health care, free of charge, at any VA or non-VA facility. This includes transportation and up to 30 days of inpatient or 90 days of outpatient care following emergency treatment. For those in crisis, dial 988 and press option 1 for round-the-clock confidential support, regardless of VA enrollment status.

This expansion of care aims to prevent veteran suicide by guaranteeing no-cost, world-class care to Veterans in times of crisis.

Innovation thrives at Birmingham VA. We’re pioneers in deploying the Siemens Healthineers NAEOTOM Alpha, a breakthrough CT scanner, and introducing GentleWave dental technology, a revolutionary approach to root canal treatments.

Listening is key. Feedback from our employees, 80% of whom participated in our All-Employee Survey (AES), has led us to continuously enhance our service quality. We’re proud to rank in the top 25% of the AES Organizational Health Index, reflecting our team’s commitment to veteran well-being and allowing leadership to accurately measure the employee climate within our health care system and sustain performance.

I would like to remind you that on November 14, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., we will conduct a Veterans Town Hall with the Montgomery Regional Benefits Office and the Alabama National Cemetery. The Veterans Town Hall will be in the Birmingham VA Medical Center 9th Floor Auditorium, located at 700 19th Street South. Please take advantage of free parking and shuttle service from the Veterans Clinic at 2415 7th Ave. South.

To our Veterans: You embody honor, sacrifice, and a legacy of valor. Being a veteran is a badge of honor. We’re here to support, acknowledge, and serve you.

From the heart of the Birmingham VA Health Care System, we extend our deepest thanks for your unparalleled service. Our unwavering pledge is to provide unmatched health care every day, not just on Veterans Day.

Dr. Oladipo “Ladi” Kukoyi is executive director of the Birmingham VA Health Care System.