A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.), Sept. 1: Orlando VA opens mobile ICU amid a surge of hospitalizations, deaths
The Orlando Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center began treating patients in a mobile intensive care unit on Tuesday after increases in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, a hospital spokesperson confirmed. “This mobile ICU will allow the Orlando VA to continue to provide necessary care to inpatients during this surge of Veteran hospitalizations,” wrote Heather Frebe in an email.
The American Legion, Aug. 29: VA working to reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
Before a COVID-19 vaccine had received emergency approval to begin being used, the Department of Veterans Affairs already had begun developing a distribution plan. But Carolyn Clancy, VA’s Assistant Under Secretary for Health, said despite advance planning, her department’s distribution has still run into a roadblock: hesitancy on the part of veterans to receive the vaccine.
WIVB (CBS-4, Video) (Buffalo, N.Y.), Sept. 2: WNY WWII veteran celebrates 107th birthday
A World War II veteran marked his 107th birthday Wednesday at a senior living center in Batavia. Family and staff members celebrated with Sydney Cole at the VA Medical Center.
WJTV (CBS-12, Video) (Jackson, Miss.), Sept. 1: VA mobile medical unit ready to serve Mississippi veterans
A new VA mobile medical unit is active and ready to serve people all across Mississippi. The fully equipped bus can bring medical assistance to thousands of veterans all across the state especially those homebound and in rural areas. The mobile unit can also be used for deployment during natural disasters and open as a vaccine clinic. Wendell Henderson, a drive-carrier for the VA Medical Center, said, “A lot of folks ask me what this is for, and I explain it to them, just tell them what it is for. It is for deployment, emergency disaster, emergency’s things like that.”
The Conway Daily Sun (North Conway, N.H.), Sept. 1: Coinciding with Suicide Prevention Month, VA medical centers encourage vets to seek help
In conjunction with Suicide Prevention Month, White River Junction and Manchester Veterans Affairs Medical Centers are raising awareness of its mental health resources available for Veterans. “Suicide prevention is a community effort not just in September but all year round. White River Junction VA Healthcare System is grateful to our many community partners…” said Dr. Brett Rusch, White River Junction VA Healthcare System executive director.
KVOA (NBC-4, Video) (Tucson, Ariz.), Aug. 31: Southern Arizona VA creates support group for mental health
The United States exit from Afghanistan and the way it ended, has many local veterans who served there and in other conflicts seeking support when it comes to mental health. Dan Cook from the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System said a support group was created for veterans to meet once a week in person or virtually to help cope with various symptoms.
WJXT (TV-4, Video) (Jacksonville, Fla.), Aug. 31: Art therapy program offers veterans creative way to deal with anxiety
Painting through the chaos. North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System is offering a creative arts therapy program designed to give veterans new ways to deal with fear and anxiety through art and music. U.S. Air Force veteran and breast cancer survivor Kris Patrick says art therapy has given her an outlet to help cope with her anxiety.
GovernmentCIO, Aug. 30: VA is Expanding Opportunities, Services for Women Veterans
Leaders across the Department of Veterans Affairs are mitigating barriers for women veterans and increasing access to benefits and services through new technology solutions. Within VA’s Center for Women Veterans, division Director Lourdes Tiglao highlighted a new campaign called I Am Not Invisible (IANI), which aims to spotlight diversity across the veteran community. IANI is increasing awareness and dialogue about women veterans as well as highlighting their skills and expertise.
Scope (Stanford, Calif.), Aug. 30: Scientist, daughter optimize equitable care for veterans
Determining the optimal dosage of medication for patients isn't as dramatic as emergency surgery or a diagnosis in a critical situation, but it's crucial for ensuring the best patient care, and it can even save lives. Heart failure, in particular, is a devastating problem, specifically for patients who are veterans, said Rhonda Hamilton, MD, a clinical assistant professor of primary care and population health and general medicine clinic section chief at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System.
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