Member Spotlight: Allison Byrne

What prompted you to join Southside Wellness Coalition?

I was invited to join the Southside Wellness Coalition when I accepted my current position as Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator at the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System. The SWC has been a great resource to learn about the area, local initiatives, and how VA can best support the many servicemembers, veterans, and family members who reside in Southside.

What do you consider to be one of Southside’s biggest challenges?

I think there are opportunities to increase knowledge about services that exist and to clarify to community members how these services can be accessed. With such a large service area, it can be difficult at times to connect people with the existing community resources. Education and transportation can be barriers to accessing resources, and SWC continues to work to alleviate these difficulties.

What do you consider to be one of Southside’s biggest strengths?

The people! In my interactions with coalition and community members, the community’s pride and spirit is very evident. The area has a number of resources and dedicated staff and volunteers that continue to do great work to uplift their community.

If you are employed outside your home, what kind of work do you do?

I am one of two Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinators at the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System. I am part of the VA Suicide Prevention Team, and have been employed at VA in various social work roles since 2014.

What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?

I enjoy competing in powerlifting and have medaled in a few competitions!

What is something you’ve always wanted to do?

Go to Paris

What is your favorite quote?

“We don’t live in our fears. We live in our hopes” – Mike Tomlin