Dear Veterans,
   To protect patients and staff, all Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities must now screen everyone for Coronavirus symptoms and potential of exposure each time they enter a health care facility.  
   The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) understands that this is a stressful time for our Veterans, but we also want to make sure that employees, contractors and our Veterans are safe. 
   To assist with improved screening efforts, VA created a digital pre-entry screening tool which now allows Veterans, caregivers and employees to answer questions on their mobile phones and share their results at facility or outpatient clinic entrances. Staff members can then quickly triage people to either enter the building or go to a designated area for more screening.
   GCVHCS facilities will begin using this July 13.
   Providing simple, easy-to-use digital tools like this one helps reduce wait times at our entrances, ease stress and lower the risk of exposure.   
   Users can access the tool quickly via text message. Large text and buttons, plain language, and a simple flow of questions allow users to complete screening in under a minute. Simply enroll by texting 'screen' to 53079, or access the website at https://www.va.gov/covid19screen/
• Clear results. The results screen shows 1 of 2 messages (“OK to proceed” or “More screening needed”) plus a timestamp and next steps. The large, clear text and color-coded screens help staff easily triage.
• Quick access to crisis support. For Veterans in need of immediate support, the tool provides quick access to the Veterans Crisis Line.
• Easy-to-update screening protocols. The tool’s features allow us to update questions within 24 hours to meet evolving needs.
• Tool Features. VA designed this tool in partnership with Veterans and medical center leadership, incorporating feedback from user testing to ensure the tool meets Veteran and employee needs.
   We encourage you to use this COVID-19 screening tool for future appointments at the Biloxi VA Medical Center, and the GCVHCS community based outpatient clinics in Mobile, Alabama; and Pensacola, Eglin and Panama City Beach, Florida.
   Thank you for allowing us to serve you.
   Sincerely,
          Your GCVHCS team

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