Tag Archives: Chillicothe VAMC

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Local Veteran Receives 2020 Mental Health BH Hero Award

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Matt Cox from the Litter Media video “VA Tour of Heroes: Riding with a Purpose”

Last fall, we introduced you to Matt Cox, a vocational rehabilitation specialist at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center when he and fellow veteran Joe Lawhorn were promoting The Ross County Tour of Heroes.

In a small ceremony Tuesday, the Paint Valley ADAMH Board presented Cox with the 2020 Mental Health BH Hero Award.

Cox, an army veteran, has worked with fellow veterans who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and PTSD. He’s also volunteered with the Ross County Suicide Prevention Coalition and has been instrumental in creating a Bike Shop at the VA and organized a cycling group for veterans.

Cox and Lawhorn gave a presentation to the VA in Washington in 2019 which netted aid to purchase specialty bikes for veterans with disabilities.

Congratulations Matt and thank you for your continued service! 

Additional photos courtesy of Joe Lawhorn

Cox poses with local professional cyclist and US Army/Marine Corps veteran Joe Lawhorn
Cox gives a tour of the Bike Shop inside the Chillicothe VA Medical Center
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VA Offers Free Virtual Drum Circle Program to Veterans 


Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

CHILLICOTHE, OHIO – This year has brought many challenges, with likely the largest one being the COVID-19 pandemic.  For months, most people were asked to stay home, and practice social distancing.  One of the greatest challenges with social distancing is the isolation and boredom, which for some of us can trigger other challenges, such as depression and anxiety.  Veterans often struggle with these mental health symptoms, along with chronic pain, hypertension and other physical conditions. 

In order to address the needs of our Veterans who might be stuck at home for the long haul during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chillicothe VA Medical Center developed a partnership with the Veteran led drumming organization called Warrior Beats to bring the healing power of drumming to Veterans.  Since we cannot bring the Veterans to the drum circle, we will bring the drum circle to the Veterans.  The Chillicothe VA Virtual Drum Circle is an opportunity to bring at least some of the benefits of drumming to Veterans in the comfort and privacy of their homes, while still observing social distancing precautions.  

The therapeutic advantages of drumming are evidence based and cover almost all domains of life.  Drumming has been shown to improve anxiety and stress through mindfulness.  Drumming also helps with struggles in impulse control, regularization of responses, altering the way the brain processes information, boosts the immune system, decreases levels of chronic pain and more than all of that, is fun. 

There are social benefits to drumming as well.  People who participate in drumming report a better sense of community, have enjoyed learning about the origin and cultures from which drumming originates, helps increase socialization and even fosters teamwork. 

Veterans can register for the Virtual Drum Circle on the Warrior Beats website (https://warriorbeat.org/chilicothe-va-streaming-drum-program-signup/).  Once the registration is received by the Chillicothe VA, a staff member will contact the Veteran and make arrangements to have a small hand drum delivered to their home free of charge.  Once registered, Veterans will receive an email directly from Warrior Beats prior to each drum circle.  To join the session, Veterans merely click on the link provided, enter the Zoom Meeting chat room, grab their drum and start playing.

For more information about the Virtual Drum Circle Program, call 740-773-1141, extension 6075.

9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

The Aladdin Pipes and Drums perform during the 2018 Remembrance Ceremony at the Chillicothe VAMC.

The Chillicothe VA will also hold it’s annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony this Friday at 9am at Building 259, the Chillicothe VA Fire Department.

The event will be streamed live via the Chillicothe VA Facebook Page.

Retired Firefighter Alan Wallace talks at the Chillicothe VAMC about his experience with the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon in 2001.
In 2018, Chillicothe VAMC Fire Chief Robert Kirkbride talked of his experience on 9/11
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Chillicothe VA Health Care Moving Forward

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

CHILLICOTHE, OHIO – The Chillicothe VA Medical Center is working on a Moving Forward Plan to expand the availability of health care services as Ohio continues reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. The priority remains maintaining a safe environment for all Veterans and employees. 

Beginning June 1, 2020, limited face to face services for routine care will be available in primary care, mental health and outpatient specialty services.  This includes services at the Community Based Outpatient Centers (CBOCs) in Athens, Cambridge, Lancaster, Marietta, Portsmouth, Wilmington. To enhance safety, many waiting rooms have been modified to support social distancing and sneeze shields have been installed in many areas to reduce respiratory droplet exposure. We will continue to closely monitor coronavirus activity in the local community and the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and coronavirus testing materials to determine when we can safely expand services further.  

These face to face services are in addition to the expanded virtual care services that are currently being offered.  Virtual care services, via Video on Demand or telephone, are readily available and, when appropriate, may be preferred to reduce the risk of coronavirus exposure.  Any urgent or emergent care issues will continue to be addressed and Urgent Care services remain available on the main campus. 

“The safety of Veterans and staff is the highest priority when we consider how we provide health care services and procedures during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Kathy Berger, Medical Center Director said. “VA will take into account guidance from various agencies including federal, state and local government as we gradually reintroduce health care services. As a high reliability organization, safety is always paramount and will continue to guide our decision making.”

Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) has developed a risk-based framework to prioritize non-urgent procedures, in addition to the urgent procedures currently being performed.  Evaluation of factors such as patient health, staff safety and resource considerations will guide expansions and scheduling decisions. Rigorous safety measures including employee and Veteran COVID-19 screening, physical distancing and appropriate personal protective attire such as face coverings and frequent disinfection of high-touch services will remain in place at all VHA facilities.

Moving forward together, we will continue to provide exceptional care to our Veterans.  Your trust in VA is paramount. Safe care is our mission and our continuing commitment to you.

As we move forward, the following processes are being put into effect: 

  • Veterans will be contacted ahead of their face to face appointment to be screened for coronavirus related symptoms such as fever, cough or muscle aches. If any of these are present, the care team will determine how best to deliver the necessary care.
  • All who enter the campus are required to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible.  Cloth or homemade masks may help protect others from a person who could unknowingly be transmitting the Coronavirus.  The VA will provide a mask to Veterans who do not have one available to them.  Be aware that wearing a mask does not replace the practice of hand hygiene and every day preventative actions to avoid exposure to the virus:  
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol.
  • Inpatient units continue to be closed to visitors until further notice.
  • Please call your healthcare provider if you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID.

The VA continues to be committed to providing Veterans quality healthcare and meeting their daily heath needs with minimized risk to this virus.  A variety of at-home resources and virtual care options include the following.  For more information about VA’s Connected Care technologies, visit connectedcare.va.gov.  

Secure Messaging – With My HealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal, Veterans can send online secure messages to theirVA health care team to ask them non-urgent health questions. Register at myhealth.va.gov.  Contact your local My HealtheVet Representative at the Chillicothe VA, 740-773-1141, extension 6230 or 6372, with any questions.

Telephone or Video Appointments – Veterans may receive care at home using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones or tablets.  To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can contact their healthcare provider.  To learn more about VA Video Connect visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect, or contact your local Telehealth Team at the Chillicothe VA, 740-773-1141, extension 6372 or 6391.

Prescription Refills and Safety – Veterans should continue taking all medications as prescribed and talk to their healthcare provider if they have any concerns. Veterans may request prescription refills and order shipments of medications to their homes using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app, which can be downloaded at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill.  VA’s Safe Home Environment handout provides information on safely storing medications in the home.

Mental Health Information and Resources – VA provides information on ways for Veterans and their families to maintain and enhance their mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak. Information about managing stress and anxiety, as well as other mental health resources, are available at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus/resources.

Text Message Reminders – Veterans can use Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions protocol to send automated text messages with information about COVID-19. This application helps Veterans monitor their symptoms and can assist those who need to contact their VA facility for care. Veterans may enroll in the app at mobile.va.gov/annie.

For more information or with questions about the restart of VA services, call 740-773-1141 or one of the following VA Clinic’s.

Athens VA Clinic
740-592-7220

Cambridge VA Clinic
740-432-1963

Lancaster VA Clinic
740-653-6145

Marietta VA Clinic
740-568-0412

Portsmouth VA Clinic
740-353-3236

Wilmington VA Clinic
937-382-3949

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VA North Entrance & Golf Course To Reopen May 9th

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The North Entrance to the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center is reopening Saturday May 9th as well as the Forrest E. Everhart Memorial Golf Course.

Both have been shutdown since the Ohio Stay At Home Order was issued in March.

According to a news release by the Chillicothe VAMC, all veterans, visitors and staff are to wear a mask while on the VA campus when social distancing is not possible.

“Moving forward together, we will continue to provide exceptional care to our Veterans” stated the release. “Your trust is in VA is paramount. Safe care is our mission and our continuing commitment to you.”

Effective Saturday, May 9th, Chillicothe VAMC’s North Entrance will reopen to incoming and outgoing traffic. The Golf Course will also reopen May 9th.

Urgent Care will return to normal operating hours on Sunday, May 10th.

www.hometown-motors.com
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Chillicothe VA Offers Virtual Addiction Recovery Services

Chillicothe – The Chillicothe VA Medical Center understands recovery support is as important as ever, especially in the present times of social distancing and increased isolation.  Addiction Recovery Services programs have been modified to include virtual treatment to reach Veterans in their homes via their personal device (laptop, iPad, smart phone or telephone).

Brief-Intensive Outpatient Treatment (B-IOT) via Video on Demand

B-IOT is recommended for those just starting their recovery journey or those who have recently completed a residential program and need a high level of support and structure on an outpatient basis.  All treatment in B-IOT utilizes evidenced informed practices which have demonstrated success at helping individuals make successful change to their substance use.

Chillicothe VA’s B-IOT meets virtually three times per day, three days per week Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for 27 sessions with the use of a mobile device to provide those in early recovery with the structure and support to achieve substance use treatment goals.      

Aftercare Treatment via Video on Demand
Aftercare is designed for those Veterans who have completed a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment program and need ongoing care and support.  The groups are 60 minutes in length and several recovery topics are addressed over a 26-week period. 

Participants of Aftercare will attend one session per week for 26 weeks.  This group is offered four times per week on Monday and Wednesday.  “Living in Balance”, the evidenced based curriculum from Hazelden, is used in this therapy group.

Veterans interested in these programs can contact the VA’s Addiction Recovery Services at 740-773-1141, extension 7491.

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Chillicothe VAMC Offers VA Care from Home

With the concern for spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Chillicothe VA Medical Center released information regarding VA care accessible from home.

Chillicothe – The Chillicothe VA Medical Center is committed to providing high-quality care while keepingVeterans safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures and out of concern for our Veterans, we are honoring current social isolation and distancing guidelines,” said Dr. Kathy Berger, Medical Center Director.  “Through VA’s virtual care tools, we are able to leverage available technology to make sure that our patients and staff are as safe as possible during this time.

To help us address our Veterans’ most-urgent needs first, the Chillicothe VA asks that Veterans use our online tools for routine or non-urgent questions.

The following are a few of the options available for Veterans:

Telephone or Video Appointments – Veterans can receive care at home — either over the phone or via video using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or tablets. To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. Veterans may also call, but VA is requesting that Veterans only call with urgent needs at this time. To learn more about VA Video Connect, visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect or contact your local Telehealth Team at the Chillicothe VA, 740-773-1141, extension, 6372 or 6391.

Prescription Refills – Veterans can request prescription refills and order and ship medications to their homes using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app. Download the app at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill.

Text Message Reminders – Veterans can use Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions protocol to send automated text messages with information about COVID-19. This application helps Veterans monitor for symptoms and can assist if they need to contact their VA facility for care. Enroll at mobile.va.gov/annie.

Secure Messaging – With My HealtheVet, VA’s online patient portal, Veterans can send online secure messages to yourVA health care team to ask them nonurgent health questions. Register at www.myhealth.va.gov.  Contact your local My HealtheVet Representative at the Chillicothe VA, 740-773-1141, extension 6230 or 6372, with any questions.

The Chillicothe VA is committed to providing our Veterans quality healthcare and meeting their daily heath needs with minimized risk to this virus.  For more information about VA’s Connected Care technologies, visit connectedcare.va.gov.  

Protect yourself and others by taking everyday preventive actions to avoid being exposed to the Coronavirus:  

  1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
  2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  3. Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick. 
  4. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with symptoms, call your healthcare provider.  Veterans can call the VA, 740-773-1141, extension 5575, for guidance.   

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Changes at Adena Health System & Chillicothe VAMC

While we adjust to the State mandated changes due to the COVID-19 outbreak, if you have an appointment with your medical professional, it’s advisable to call ahead as well as check the provider website and social media pages.

Here are changes at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center and Adena Hospital.

https://www.facebook.com/ChillicotheVAMC/photos/a.234830663212505/3283318335030374/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/AdenaHealthSystem/photos/a.350858034995672/2824464324301685/?type=3&theater