Veteran briefings at the rhode island library association annual conference | va providence health care | veterans affairs

Libraries are considered a safe space where Veterans and their caregivers can find supporting resources and social activities of interest. Nearly all librarians working in Rhode Island

libraries, are members of the RI Library Association. Each year the association has a conference and a focus with this year’s being “Connecting Communities.”  Considering the emphasis and

that a good number of librarians would be there, this gave Kimberly Ferrante, Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, and Cheryl Banick, Chief Library Service, the opportunity to

reach out to inform them about VA Providence.  At the conference, on May 22nd, at the Providence Public Library, Cheryl gave an introduction about the VA Providence Healthcare System,

essential websites librarians can use with Veterans, and contact information for our library.  As a follow up, Kim had a discussion regarding Veteran suicide, and what preventative actions

are being done by the Veterans Administration along with her contact information.  Both presentations gave helpful information so that local librarians can establish better relationships

with our Veterans.  Additionally, Kim was able to let them know that she is available to come to any library, as she has already done with several, to bring resources and discussions on

Veteran suicide whenever they would like to have her.  Engaging with our community partners, like being at this event, strengthens our relationships with those who are also providing

services other than health care to our Veterans.