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CAVHS is experiencing a concerning spike in COVID-19 positives, including a doubling of active cases over the past week and a jump in hospitalized Veterans with the virus.
To combat the spread of the virus throughout our Veterans and staff, and especially our vulnerable populations, we are making the difficult decision to move to an Elevated Alert at all of our facilities, including Community Based Outpatient Clinics as of Monday, July 14, 2021.
- Entry to CAVHS facilities is limited to Veterans with scheduled appointments, procedures or other essential business that cannot take place by any other means, including virtually.
- One medical attendant or caregiver over the age of 18 may accompany the Veteran.
- Designated waiting areas will be used for anyone accompanying the Veteran.
- Service animals can still accompany a Veteran.
- Access to the Community Living Area is restricted.
- Inpatients will be allowed one visitor over the age of 18 in the facility at a time.
- One to two visitor(s) over the age of 18 may be allowed into the Palliative Care Unit at a time.
Please be patient as we work hard to fight this awful spike in cases. Please consider getting vaccinated at any community vaccination clinic or the VA.
Masks are required to enter any CAVHS health care facility, including our Little Rock and North Little Rock campuses, the Day Treatment Center, and all eight Community Based Outpatient Clinics.
Please wear a mask into our facilities, keep it on and make sure it covers your mouth and nose. A staff member will let you know when it's safe to remove your mask. If you don't have a mask, one will be provided.
If you have issues or concerns about wearing a mask in our facilities, our staff will work with you to get you cared for, which may include VA Video Connect, telehealth or other options.
Over the past month, the Delta variant of COVID-19 - which may spread more easily and respond less well to some treatments - has rapidly spread in the United States, and is now in Arkansas.
Research shows that COVID-19 vaccines offer good protection against the Delta variant, and widespread vaccination can prevent unnecessary deaths and hospitalizations.
The Delta variant most severely impacts those who are either unvaccinated or only received their first of two-dose vaccine series. CAVHS will provide vaccinations, including second doses, to Veterans or anyone who qualifies under the Save Lives Act such as spouses and caregivers no matter where they received their first dose.
If you are undecided about getting the vaccine and need more information to make a decision, check out our Vaccine Questions page, which includes videos, downloadable information and frequently asked question. Time is of the essence.
Call 501-370-3829 to make an appointment to speak one-on-one with a VA benefits representative.
WHAT: Virtual Claims Clinic for Arkansas Veterans
WHO: During the Virtual Claims Clinic, Veterans may speak to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office who are ready to assist with specific questions regarding VA benefits claims.
WHEN: Thursday, July 29, 4 - 6 p.m.
HOW: To schedule a timeslot, Veterans are asked to call 501-370-3829 between July 14 and July 28, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
BACKGROUND:
“Even though we have all been affected by the pandemic, we still have a mission to serve the Veterans in the state of Arkansas,” said Little Rock VA Regional Office Executive Director Sammie Quillin. “I’m proud to provide these services to the Veterans who so proudly served our country.”
VA Regional Offices provide financial and other forms of assistance to veterans and their dependents. This includes disability compensation, survivor’s benefits, pension and fiduciary service, education and training, life insurance coverage, and home loans guaranties.
Another VA benefit of particular interest to active duty and recently discharged Veterans is Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) assistance. Active duty service members who expect to receive an honorable discharge, and former service members who obtain a VA memorandum rating of 20% or more are eligible. There is a 12-year basic period of eligibility for VR&E services, beginning date of separation and the date first notified of a service-connected disability rating.
“Our Virtual Claims Clinics are a great opportunity for us to reach out and extend services to recently discharged Veterans and also Veterans living in the rural areas of Arkansas,” said Quillin.
For more information about VA service-connection benefits and claims for VA disability increases, call 501-370-3829 to arrange an appointment. For more information about VA’s benefits, go to http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
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