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September 2026 Volume 3 ADPCS NEWSLETTER INSIDE THIS ISSUE Safety Story ..............................2 New Processes .........................3 Awards and Kudos ...................4 The Women’s Wing .................8 Behind the Nurse………………….9 Food for Thought………………..10
2 “This story highlights the success of the tele-eye system that is appropriately preventing veterans from falling through the cracks with their eye care” CONTEXT: A veteran presented to his prima- ry care provider to establish care as a new patient. The veteran was found to be due for a tele-eye screening as he was at increased risk for age-related macular de- generation due to his atheroscle- rotic heart disease. ACTION: The primary care provider placed the appropriate tele-eye screening consult and the veteran was seen within a week for his tele-eye screening at his local VA CBOC. This screening involved testing his eye pressure and taking pho- tos of his retina to assess for age- related macular degeneration and other conditions that primarily affect the back of the eye. RESULT: The screening determined the veteran indeed had signs of age- related macular degeneration that required further follow up with an in person exam. More important- ly, the screening detected severe glaucoma in both of the veteran’s eyes. Tele-eye screeners assisted the veteran with getting sched- uled for an exam in the Big Spring Eye Clinic where he was seen one month later. During his examina- tion, the veteran admitted to the optometrist that he knew he had severe glaucoma but could no longer afford care in the private sector with his optometrist. He was under the impression that he was ineligible for eye care with VA so had never reached out to try to transfer his care to VA. As such, he had gone without eye care for years. Thanks to the diligence of this veteran’s primary care team and communication between tele-eye and VA eye clinic staff this veter- an gained access to sight-saving care. Additionally, he gained re- lief from the emotional burden he carried from being unable to ac- cess eye care in the private sector. QUOTE: This story highlights the success of the tele-eye system that is ap- propriately preventing veterans from falling through the cracks with their eye care. WHAT IS A HRO? In high reliability organizations (HROs), safety stories are used to highlight how safety practices can help improve care. Sharing a safety story helps to highlight successes, share knowledge, and reinforce commitment to zero harm. HAVE A SAFETY STORY TO SHARE? Fill out the following form and email it to Rebecca Halford at Rebecca.Halford@va.gov HRO SUBMISSION FORM SAFETY STORY NEW TRAINING ALERT Check your TMS for a new assignment called Clinical Delegation Training that will be due by the end of the calendar year.
3 DAYS WORTH CELEBRATING! NEW PROCESSES FLU SHOTS FOR EMPLOYEES ARE OUT Reach out to your local Flu Champion — Big Spring: Kristy Black, Abilene: Kristen Thompson, Hobbs: Christina Cheatham, Odessa: Renee Browning, San Angelo: Brenda Lewis
AWARDS AND KUDOS 4 DAISY AWARDS Karie Holsenbeck, Telehealth LVN, Quarter 3-FY 26 Ms. Kari is an amazing nurse who wears so many hats and we would be lost without her. Most recently she volunteered to go after hours to a Rockhounds game to assist one of our CLC veterans with any medical care necessary, so he could go and enjoy the game. She sits on a nation- al committee because she is an expert master preceptor. She was nomi- nated for this committee because she orients all telehealth nurses in Lubbock and Amarillo. She covers multiple clinics without any hesita- tion, and she currently is covering Big Spring due a due to a nurse being on extended leave. She organizes all our outreach events which includes ordering projects products for handouts setting up and breaking down. She has taken over the PSA duties. She follows up on calling our non-responders and she handles monthly mail outs. This is all on top of her normal duties. She helps run a sleep apnea clinic and sends in home sleep apnea monitors out. She conducts monthly telehealth au- dits and pulls all our telehealth data. With all this being said, she does these job duties without any complaint or hesitation and to say that Kari exceeds all expectations is an understatement. She performs many roles and does so with a smile and grace. She is very deserving of this DAISY award.
Outpatient Nursing, Employee of the Quarter Award Winner FY 26, Q3 Holley Daniel, San Angleo PACT RN Ms. Daniel was nominated for peer-to-peer recognition because she consistently exemplifies what it means to provide exceptional care and be a true team player. She brings a positive attitude to every shift, no matter how busy or challenging the day may be, and that ener- gy uplifts not only our Vet- erans but eve- ryone around her. She goes above and beyond with- out hesitation, always will- ing to step in, help others, and ensure that patient care remains the top priori- ty. Her ability to work both productively and efficient- ly is remarka- ble—she manages her responsibili- ties with con- fidence and precision while still making time to support her co-workers. What truly sets her apart is her patience and kindness. Ms. Daniel treats every Veteran with compassion and respect, taking the time to listen, educate, and comfort them. Her knowledge and clinical skills are evident in everything she does, and she uses them to provide safe, high-quality care. She is the kind of nurse who makes a lasting impact—not only on her patients but on her entire team. She represents the very best of our profession, and she is more than deserving of this recognition. AWARDS AND KUDOS 5 OWL AWARD Congratulation to Leo Garcia, CLC RN! Leo Garcia is a valuable team member consistent- ly offering assistance when the department re- quires additional support. He demonstrates excep- tional care for veterans, ensuring they receive the highest quality nursing services. His cheerful and optimistic disposition allows him to foster posi-
AWARDS AND KUDOS Congratulations to Dr. Amanda Pollitt (San Angelo CBOC) for winning Quarter 3’s Bee Award. She was presented this award by Dr. Imran Yazdani, ACOS Ambulatory Care 6 Dr. Pollitt was nominated by Veteran Harvey Carter who shared: Dr. Pollitt is a true professional in every respect. She is always prepared to provide services for every appointment. That’s a challenge because I have had Parkinson’s for at least 14 years. She is committed and truly professional. She is dedicated to the VA mission. She is well respected and treats everyone with great respect as well. She goes to great lengths to help the VA office at San Angelo to be a model for VA and the VA mission.
7 AWARDS AND KUDOS
8 Help for you! https://mymenoplan.org/ Want to learn more? Check out these TMS options Menopause Have questions? Contact your Women’s Health Team x5071 or VHAbigwomens@va.gov
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10 THANK YOU TO THE CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS NEWSLETTER Sabrina Mata Amanda Pinkley Tanya Gilbreath Callie Gaston Tammy Arino La Tracy Tinner EDITOR Dr. Carolyn Chakuroff To get involved with the next newsletter please email jennifer.valdez3@va.gov or carolyn.chakuroff1@va.gov FOOD FOR THOUGHT LEMONY CHICKEN, EGG & RICE SOUP (AVGOLEMONO) Try out this perfect end of summer soup to ease the transition into fall! It is great served with a Greek salad or bread for dipping. It is packed with protein and a favorite in our household. - Carolyn Chakuroff INGREDIENTS Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I used Private Reserve Greek olive oil) 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped carrots 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped celery 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped green onions 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 bay leaves 1 cup rice Salt and pepper 2 cooked boneless chicken breast pieces, shredded ( about 6 to 8 oz store-bought rotisserie chicken will work) 1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice 2 large eggs Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) DIRECTIONS 1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté carrots, celery and green onions…and, a couple minutes later, add garlic. 2- Add broth and bay leaves. Bring to a rolling boil, then add the rice Season with kosher salt and pepper. Turn the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Now, stir in shredded cooked chicken (I used rotis- serie chicken.) 3- Prepare the avgolemono sauce (egg-lemon sauce). In a medium bowl, whisk two eggs with the lemon juice. While whisking, add in 2 ladles-full of the broth from your cooking pot (this is to temper the sauce.) Add the sauce to the chicken soup and immediately remove from heat (this is im- portant you do not want the eggs to cook and the soup to separate.)