Augusta, GA
VA Augusta aims to bring awareness to PTSD
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, and VA Augusta is working to break the stigma around seeking help.
PTSD is often an invisible wound that can affect veterans and even their loved ones.
Experts at VA Augusta are working to bring awareness to the issue and provide hope to veterans struggling.
According to the National Center for PTSD, the disorder is more common in veterans than civilians.
Dr. J. Richard Monroe, a clinical psychologist at VA Augusta, says the problem isn’t knowing how to treat PTSD, but rather encouraging individuals to seek help.
He also says it requires focused treatment.
“We have resources across the spectrum of care from self-directed, maybe an app that might help someone deal with stress, all the way to intensive weekly appointments for outpatient therapy. There’s exciting research that shows that daily visits even get to the same outcome just a little faster,” said Monroe.
Will Martin is a veteran who served in the Army for 21 years.
Martin says individuals in the military are trained to keep their heads down and complete a mission, focusing on their emotions last.
He knew it was time to take action when PTSD began to seriously affect his personal life.
“It kind of spilled over to my relationships are negatively impacting that I wasn’t very good at communicating what I needed, or, you know, what I was really feeling,” said Martin.
Martin says the PTSD Program was able to help him tap into his trauma and begin to recover.
“It doesn’t eliminate it, but what it does is it gives you the wisdom and knowledge and tools and figure out how to navigate it and not let it negatively impact your life,” said Martin.
Martin’s personal success with the program encouraged him to break the stigma surrounding military members seeking mental help.
“I grew up in a very blue-collar environment and military environment where if you went to go see a shrink, quote, unquote, that was a sign of weakness and a waste of time and money. And I experienced the exact opposite of that,” said Martin.
According to Monroe, combat is one of the main triggers of PTSD, but not the only one. Nearly 80% of individuals experience trauma in their life, and 7%-10% will develop PTSD.
Veterans interested in treatment should ask for a referral from their VA primary care or mental health provider.
If necessary, they can also self-refer for same-day care by visiting the VA Augusta Mental Health Walk-In Clinic located at 1 Freedom Way.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.
Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.
The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.
All areas of the park will be closed.
However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.
The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.
The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.
The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.
“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.
“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.
Specialty flavors made in house
The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.
“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.
A business built for family
Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.
“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.
Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.
“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.
Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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