RACHEL KROKUS, LCSWLEAH CHRISTENSEN, LCSW

OEF/OIF/OND PROGRAMCAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM

The Bravery in Seeking Care:  

Portland VA’s Comprehensive Care of Returning Veterans

What are the health care needs of our returning combat Veterans?

Our 26 y/o Combat Veteran is more likely to have:

Physical injuries Diagnosable mental health conditions Unexplained symptoms with general health decline Hearing problems Dental problems Psychosocial distress: marital, occupational, financial, social Risk of injury/death from “incidental trauma”

At least a 2-3 fold increased risk of suicide And Veteran is much less likely to show up for his/her

appointments

Most Common Conditions

1. Diseases of Musculoskeletal System 58%2. Mental Health (PTSD, Depression,

Substance Abuse) 53%3. Symptoms, Signs and Ill defined Conditions

(neurologic, cognitive, sleep, pain) 53%1. Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

2. VA Health Care Utilization among OEF OIF OND Veterans Cumulative from 1st Qtr. FY 2002-4th Qtr 2012, Released January 2013

Portland VA

OEF/OIF/OND case management servicesPost Deployment Health Clinics – Vancouver, E. Portland, Portland Women’s, West Linn, Hillsboro, Salem, Bend, Dalles Caregiver Support Program Welcome Home Events Mental Health – counseling, psychiatry, substance abuse treatment, suicide prevention, Veteran’s Justice Outreach, homeless services, emergency care…..& more….

PVAMC OEF OIF OND Program Office

• OEF OIF OND Case Management Services – short-term or long-term

• Enrollment, Scheduling, Care Coordination, Support, Resources & Referral

• No appointment needed

• On-site VBA Representative

Post Deployment Health Clinic

Primary Care Provider (specially trained provider who is training in Traumatic Brain Injury screening & specific health care needs of OEF/OIF/OND Veterans including: environmental exposures, musculoskeletal, dermatology.

Case Management via OEF/OIF/OND Program (works closely to help implement treatment recommendations)

Mental Health assessment available at most clinics to triage into appropriate MH services

Additional ancillary services

Caregiver Support Program

General Support/Referral for All Era CaregiversComprehensive Program for Post 9/11 Caregivers

Comprehensive benefits – including stipend, health insurance, respite, MH counseling

Training/education Quarterly home visits Psychosocial support/supportive counseling

Caregiver Support Program

Caregiver Support Line

Peer support mentoring

Monthly Education Series

Annual Caregiver Conference

Caregiver Support Line/Website

www.caregiver.va.gov

Welcome Home Events

•Offered annually

•To Service Members who have deployed

•Family event

Case Study

“Jason”25 year old Marine PTSD, TBI, bilateral knee conditions Married, father of 2

Reintegration…..

Reintegration

“Re-enter or restore to unity; often referring to the process a soldier and

his/her family undergo when the soldier returns from deployment”

Case Discussion

Strengths…..

Challenges…..

What would you do…..

Thank you…..

OEF/OIF/OND Program 503.273.5075

Caregiver Support Program 503.273.5210