The Bravery in Seeking Care: Portland VA’s Comprehensive Care of Returning Veterans
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Transcript of The Bravery in Seeking Care: Portland VA’s Comprehensive Care of Returning Veterans
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