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The Bravery in Seeking Care: Portland VA’s Comprehensive Care of Returning Veterans. Rachel Krokus , LCSW Leah christensen , LCSW OEF/OIF/OND Program Caregiver Support Program. What are the health care needs of our returning combat Veterans?.
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The Bravery in Seeking Care: Portland VA’s Comprehensive Care of Returning Veterans Rachel Krokus, LCSW Leah christensen, LCSW OEF/OIF/OND Program Caregiver Support Program
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 • Diseases of Musculoskeletal System 58% • Mental Health (PTSD, Depression, Substance Abuse) 53% • Symptoms, Signs and Ill defined Conditions (neurologic, cognitive, sleep, pain) 53% • Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury • 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 services • Post 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 Caregivers • Comprehensive 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