VA ECHCS News and Stories
VA Resource Navigator
Have you ever wished that baseline VA information could all be found in one simple place? Do you know a Veteran that wants to get connected with VA health care, but doesn't know where to start? Well, now you can solve both those issues with one simple document, the VA Resource Navigator.
The VA Resource Navigator contains QR codes and weblinks to common resources and VA websites frequently accessed by Veterans. The resources include links to apply for VA health care, background on VA's primary care approach, assistance managing appointments, information on community care, education with the GI bill, and so much more!
Download this tool, print it off, and share it with a Veteran!
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Flu and COVID Vaccine update
Starting in the new year, the walk-in vaccine clinic located at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center has closed.
Going forward, all VA ECHCS Veteran patient vaccine needs should be scheduled through appointments with a patient's Primary Care, or PACT, team.
Thank you for your understanding.
We encourage Veterans to get your flu shot every year to protect yourself and others. It’s the surest way to prevent a serious illness and help stop the flu from spreading. Staying up to date with your COVID vaccine booster is also important to help fight against the changing COVID variants.
Visit our website for scheduling information.
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Holiday Cheer Delivered from VA ECHCS Community
Thank you to all the volunteers, community members, and staff who helped fill the weeks leading up to the holidays with cheer and joy at all our VA ECHCS facilities.
We were lucky to have many volunteers and visitors throughout December, and into the new year, including a holiday concert from the 4th Infantry Division Band, care packages donated from the Colorado Elks, K9 cheer from visiting service dogs, gifts for veterans from Gold Star mother Angie Carver, and much more! Click the links above, or visit our Facebook page to see photos from all the events.
If you are interested in volunteering with, or donating to, VA ECHCS visit our website for more information.
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Space Force Birthday
Founded on Dec. 20, 2019, the U.S. Space Force is the youngest of the uniformed services, but it serves a critical function in providing safety and protection for America’s interests from threats both in, from and to space.
From all of us here at VA ECHCS, happy fourth birthday to the Space Force, and to the Space Force Veterans we serve! We look forward to working with more and moreSpace Force Veterans as the service grows. Semper Supra!
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Winter Weather Preparedness
As we transition into the winter months, we encourage all to ensure you are prepared to navigate inclement weather any time you travel. Below are some helpful tips for winter preparedness.
Helpful tips:
- Check the weather and plan ahead.
- Carry 24 hours of food and water in your vehicle.
- Have spare hygiene kit items and a change of work attire.
- Carry 24 to 48 hours of spare prescription medications.
If you are concerned about weather conditions before you travel for an appointment, make sure to visit our website, to check on a clinics operational status, and do not hesitate to call ahead and reschedule if you do not feel safe traveling.
Visit our website for clinic contact information and operational statuses.
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Recent Stories From VA ECHCS
Multiple rounds of cancer haven’t diminished Veteran’s positive outlook, gratefulness
By April Love, VISN 19 writer & editor
Richard Smith, a U.S. Navy Veteran, has lived with cancer since 2012. “My first round was kidney cancer,” he said. “VA operated and removed half my kidney.”
After that successful surgery, Smith hoped his major medical issues were over. He even moved from Denver to New Mexico to become more active in the milder climate.
A resurgence of cancer
However, in 2018, Smith received another sobering diagnosis from the VA in Albuquerque.
“They told me I had stage 4 prostate cancer that had metastasized to my bones and brain,” he said.
Smith immediately started chemotherapy, radiation and, what he described as, an endless array of scans. However, this father of two said the facility there was unable to provide needed treatment, so the family moved back to Denver in 2020.
Smith’s doctor at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, started him on infusion therapy. Smith said he will need these treatments for the rest of his life.
Thankful for staff support
Despite visits to the infusion clinic every three weeks, Smith maintains a grateful attitude.
“They saved my life,” he said.
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Inspiring Veterans pay it forward through quilting
By April Love, VISN 19 writer & editor
When M. Scott Beaver was 14, his grandmother instilled in him a love of quilting. “She tried to show me crocheting,” he said, “but I lost my temper.”
Sharing his gift
Now a U.S. Navy Veteran, Beaver works at PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Medical Clinic
in Colorado Springs. As support staff for the mental health and substance abuse clinic and the women’s health team, Beaver sought to introduce crafting to Veterans.
He started Freedom Quilters at Lindstrom VA in October 2020 to teach Veterans to quilt.
“The name stands for America patriotism but also freedom from the stigmas of mental health, anxiety and recovery from substance abuse,” said Beaver. “You have the freedom to express yourself in an artistic, nondestructive way that leads to personal achievement.”
Beaver felt that quilting offered a different avenue of expression for Veterans during the stress of the pandemic. Despite his enthusiasm for leading the free Saturday workshops, Beaver said some participants felt intimidated when they saw his large, finished quilts.
“I say everybody in our workshops is a beginner, including me because I learn from them,” he said. “We break it down and cut a square. Then, we cut two together, then four.”
Beaver said the program offered participants structure, taught them patience and gave them something to show for their efforts. Beaver’s only caveat … the quilt they made had to go to a Veteran.
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Work with VA ECHCS
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System is always looking for individuals with a passion for serving Veterans. In fact, many of our employees are Veterans. We have open positions in clinical, administrative and facility management positions. Make the difference in the lives of Veterans and apply to work with us!
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