National Family Caregivers Month Orlando VA Healthcare System to Offer Special Classes and Events

These events, held virtually and in-person throughout November and December, are tailored to provide practical tools, emotional support, and a sense of community for caregivers navigating the challenges and rewards of their role.

“Family caregivers are the unsung heroes who ensure the well-being of our Veterans,” said Christene Suarez, LSW, Social Work Program Manager. “This month’s events are an opportunity for us to give back, by offering them resources, recognition, and connections to others who understand their journey.”

November Event Highlights:

• Drive thru/Resource Fair in person event at Lake Baldwin Parking grounds 
  November 6th from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. If interested in participating, please register by email to: michelle.harper@va.go
• Caregiver for Veteran with Cancer Virtual Class
  November 6th, 2024, at 1 p.m. - 2: p.m. For registration email: catherine.dunlap@va.gov 
• Respite Virtual Class 
  November 7th from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please use the following link: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=m4e01e37e7224bfaf 
• Meditation Exercise- Virtually 
  November 12th from 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Please use the following link: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=m0bd75bed41aa5c02  
• CPR class at Lake Baldwin VA Clinic on 
  November 12, 2024. Room 302-2B. There will be two sessions. You may Select which one you want to attend. First session from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and second session from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Cindy Santos at 321-263-773. A certificate of completion will be offered to Caregivers. (Only 6 caregivers per class).
• End of Life and Planning Class 
  November 12th from 11:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. Please use the following link: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=m624c2f07a3678a5a
• Recharge and Refresh with Thai-Chi – Recharge 
  November 13th from 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Please use the following link: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=mada59705733a86fb
• American Red Cross-Virtual Resilience Class 
  November 13th from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. If interested, you must register by email to: catherine.dunlap@va.go
• Caregiver Arts and Crafts Class-Creating Christmas Greeting Cards 
  Lake Baldwin Clinic, 4th floor, Room 403, on November 13th from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
  If interested in participating, please register by email to: michelle.harper@va.gov  
  (Bring your own lunch or favorite snacks).
• Kissimmee Breakfast get together with Spanish speaking Caregivers 
  November 14th, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. If interested and you speak Spanish, please email: michelle.harper@va.go 
• Caregiver Ceremony of Recognition at Lake Nona Medical Center. 4th floor Auditorium, on November 15th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. If interested, you must register. This event is for caregivers and Veterans. Please email: michelle.harper@va.go
• Q & A with a Nurse (A Nurse will answer your questions about Dementia, Diabetes, Safety and more) November 19th from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Please use the following link: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=m1341fe53cc4988dd 
• Deltona Holiday Celebration 
  November 20th from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. If interested, please email: jasimine.joiner@va.go 
• Long-term Care-Nursing Homes and more Virtual Class 
  11/19/24 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Please use the following link: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=m28f4315606f14512
• Healthy Relationships-Virtual Class 
  November 21st from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please use the following link: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=m927e15abb1dcd8f1 

December Event Highlights:
 

• PTSD 101 for Caregivers and Families-Virtual Class 
  December 3rd, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. Please use the following link: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=mb8041dbd850c2bc5

• Caregiver Holiday Celebration- In-Person Event - Expressive Meditation through Art and Crafts Lake Baldwin Auditorium B, December 4th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Feel free to wear your festive outfits and hats for pictures! feel free to bring some cookies of your choice to share with other caregivers!!) RSVP with catherine.dunlap@va.govor michelle.harper@va.gov 

   

  Caregivers interested in any of these events are encouraged to register early as space is limited. Join us in celebrating and supporting those who make a difference in Veterans’ lives every day. For additional details or to register, please contact michelle.harper@va.gov or catherine.dunlap@va.gov. 

  Media representatives interested in attending and hosting media engagements are encouraged to contact the Office of Public Affairs by emailing vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.go or by calling 407-840-6967. 
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About the Orlando VA Healthcare System: Established in 2006, the Orlando VA Healthcare System is one of the leading health care systems serving more than 142,000 Veterans in the VA Sunshine Health Care Network. offering health care services at 11 locations serving east central Florida. Recently recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the healthcare system received 5 out of 5 stars in overall hospital quality. The healthcare system has also been given 5-star recognition for patient experience by Becker’s Hospital Review and was awarded the 2024 Patient Safety Program of Excellence designation from the Veterans Health Administration’s National Center for Patient Safety.

To learn more about the facilities and services offered by the OVAHCS, please visit: VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs, subscribe to receive email updates by clicking here, like us on Facebook at: Orlando VA Healthcare System | Facebook, follow us on Instagram at: Orlando VA Healthcare System (@ovahcs) • Instagram photos and videos or on Twitter at: @OVAHCS / Twitter.

Melanie Thomas, Public Affairs Officer

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