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Director's Update
Dear Veterans,
Today, I am sharing information about the recently released national VHA COVID-19 Operational Plan which has been implemented to help ensure your safety as VA facilities move from an emergency pandemic response to an endemic state of operations.
The premise of this plan is simple. Each week, we review the CDC Community Transmission Tracker by county to determine whether the COVID-19 transmission threat is rated as High, Medium or Low. Each rate has suggested associated safety precautions, which vary based on the threat level. As the threat level changes, we use our discretion to implement adjustments to safety precautions based on collaboration with our local Infection Control team.
As you enter our hospital and CBOCs, you will see signs that indicate the current COVID-19 threat level and the associated safety practices in place. This information is also displayed on the electronic billboards. Each week we review and confirm the current threat level, but do not expect levels to change frequently.
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For example, for the majority of the past two years the threat level for COVID-19 transmission has been High. As of this week, the threat level in all of the 19 counties we serve remains High. This means our existing precautions for face coverings, screening at entry, limitations on visitation, and social distancing remain in place. If the threat level decreases, our signage will be updated and consideration will be given to updating policies, including loosening some restrictions. We will communicate these changes to you as they happen.
We know most restrictions have been lifted in our surrounding communities and in places like restaurants, airplanes and concert venues. However, in our healthcare facilities, where we treat vulnerable Veteran patients every day, it is important we all continue to adhere to established COVID-19 safety practices.
This new VHA operational plan will ensure there is a consistent approach taken across the country, within VA, to evaluate and communicate the COVID-19 threat level. It also reinforces the importance of following our safety precautions so we can protect you, your fellow Veterans and the healthcare workers who dedicate their professional lives to meeting your health care needs. We hope it also helps you, our Veterans, understand the current threat of COVID-19 transmission as you attend your clinical appointments.
Your VA Hospital and clinics are committed to ensuring we are a highly reliable organization, which includes minimizing safety risks to Veterans, our staff and visitors. We believe this operational approach will help reduce risk and enhance safety when you visit us. We appreciate your assistance to make it successful!
Thank you.
- John Rohrer, Hospital Director
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 Have you seen our latest Hero? 1st Lt. Norman Marozick
The William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison inducted 1st Lt. Norman Marozick into our “Hall of Heroes” at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, in the hospital auditorium. As a forward observer for artillery fire in the 4th Infantry Division, Marozick spent six months fighting against the German occupation of Europe during World War II earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. The 103-year-old Marozick and his family attended the ceremony to accept the honor.
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 The Madison VA is looking for a few good employees
If you know someone looking for work in the health care field, we encourage you to refer them to USAJobs.gov to evaluate open opportunities here at the Madison VA. We have also been hosting job fairs routinely, advertising them on our Facebook page and sending out information through email updates to our subscribers.
We know sometimes our Veterans can be our best recruiters, so thank you for spreading the word and helping us find great candidates to serve you!
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 Madison East Clinic Construction Begins
The Madison VA Hospital and Clinics leaders took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) located at 4904 Eastpark Blvd. Madison, WI 53718, just east of I-90/94 and north of Hwy 151 on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. The new 30,000 square foot clinic was selected based on a strategic analysis of the community Veteran population and located to enhance access to health care for thousands of area Veterans.
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 PTSD Awareness Month
There are currently about 8 million people in the United States with PTSD.
Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don't get the help they need. June is PTSD Awareness Month. Help us spread the word that effective PTSD treatments are available. Everyone with PTSD—whether they are Veterans or civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events — need to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life.
Why Take a Self-Screen?
Taking a PTSD self-screen can help you learn if your feelings and behaviors are related to PTSD. Things that bother you now or keep you from doing things you want or need to do could be related to a trauma in your past. You're not alone, and there are PTSD treatments that work. So, why wait?
June 27th is PTSD Screening Day. It's a day we mark to spread the word about self-screening. That said, you can take the screen any time. Our goal is to help you get the treatment you deserve. If you are concerned about someone else, you can share the PTSD self-screen with them.
You're Not Alone
If you think you have PTSD, taking the self-screen is a first step to recovery. The self-screen results are not a substitute for a medical diagnosis and care. Get immediate help by phone: 1-800-273-8255. If you are a Veteran, press 1. You can also text 838255 or chat.
If you're thinking about harming yourself, or would like emotional support, help is available 24/7: Veterans Crisis Line or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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 COVID 19 Test Kits are Available at Outpatient Clinics
The Madison VA is offering COVID 19 antigen test kits to Veterans when visiting our Outpatient Clinics. If you come to one of our CBOCs for care, you can ask for a home antigen test kit (includes two tests) to help you assess symptoms of COVID-19 from home. The kits include instructions for what you should do and who you should call if your test is positive. We encourage you to take advantage of this resource and opportunity to help us identify and stop the spread of COVID-19 the next time you visit!
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 Healthcare for the Veteran You Are
Here at VA, our doors are always open to all Veterans. VA has specific expertise in caring for LGBTQ+ Veterans and understanding their unique triumphs, challenges, and health concerns. We want our Veterans to know that we provide comprehensive care for LGBTQ+ Veterans, including routine health services, mental health care and hormone therapy. Know that your Pride Counts at VA! Every VA facility has an LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) to help Veterans navigate their health care.
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 Signing In to My HealtheVet Will Change Soon
Coming soon, you will notice the process for signing in to My HealtheVet has changed. The new process will give your account an extra layer of security to keep your VA health information safe. Some of you may have already tried the new sign-in process. We understand change can be difficult and we’re here to help. You can learn more about what to expect or find helpful resources on the My HealtheVet website. If you get stuck, you can call the My VA 4-1-1 information line 24/7 at 800-MyVA-411 (800-698-2411).
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Hall of Heroes seeking Veterans |
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Since 2002, our Hall of Heroes has formally recognized Veterans with valorous actions during the Veteran’s military service to the United States of America. Candidates for the Hall of Heroes are service members or Veterans who currently or previously received care at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and Clinics.
Veterans and service members that are chosen for the Hall of Heroes will be honored by having a framed photograph and information about their personal award and citation for heroism or valor placed on the Hall of Heroes wall at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital.
The criteria for induction includes:
- Served their country in conflicts or wartime
- Awarded military decorations for valor, heroism, and/or specific combat actions
- Description of the heroism resulting in a reward or citation
- Completed Nomination and Authorization Verification Form
As an on-going project, submissions can be sent at any time. Instructions for submissions for consideration by the Hall of Heroes Committee can be found at our Hall of Heroes page and submit it to: VHAMADHallofHeroes@va.gov.
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 Electronic Filing and Direct Deposit of your Travel Claim with BTSSS
We want to ensure all Veterans are aware that VA has transitioned to a new electronic process for processing your VA Travel reimbursement claims. The new system is called the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (or BTS3). Over the next several weeks, we will be conducting active outreach to all of our Veterans who are travel eligible and are actively submitting travel claims through the old paper process.
While we recognize that moving from the paper claim to a new electronic process will take a little effort, we know you will see the benefit of:
- More timely claims payment
- 24/7 access to submit your travel claims
- Access to Electronic monitoring of your Claims status
We want you to use BTSSS successfully to file your travel claims, so please refer to our online guide or watch our video series to get the most out of the system. For additional help, you can call the Beneficiary Travel toll-free call center at 1-855-574-7292 or our local Travel Office at 608-256-1901 x11955.
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 Madison VA Celebrates Juneteenth with Nation
VA joins the nation in observing Juneteenth (the federal holiday will be observed on June 20 this year). In 2021, June 19 was declared Juneteenth National Independence Day and a federal holiday under Public Law 117-17 and a Presidential Proclamation.
Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. Most importantly, it represents victory over the institution of slavery and the beginning of the fulfillment of America’s promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for African Americans.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on
Jan 1, 1863, many slave owners continued to hold their enslaved people captive after the announcement. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in
the South, reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Two-and-a-half years later on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery and to ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
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