VA ECHCS News and Stories
Women's History Month at VA
Each March is celebrated as national Women's History Month.
Throughout our nation’s history, women have made great contributions despite discrimination, hardship, and exclusion. With courage and conviction, women have broken barriers, fought injustice, opened doors, and expanded opportunities for what all Americans can dream to achieve.
There are nearly two million living women Veterans in the United States. With the steady increase of women wearing our nation’s uniform and their increased role in military operations, it has never been more important for VA to be ready serve.
We thank all women Veterans for their service, we are honored at VA ECHCS to now serve you as you served our nation.
Stay tuned to our ECHCS Facebook page to see images from our March events.
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Emergency and Urgent Care Information
During a medical or mental health emergency, we encourage Veterans to seek immediate medical attention right away. They don’t need to check with VA before calling 911 or going to an emergency department, but it’s important that the facility treating them notifies VA within 72 hours. Veterans should ask the emergency care provider to report the treatment to VA’s Centralized Emergency Care Reporting Center as soon as possible. Emergency care providers should report the treatment within 72 hours using the VA Emergency Care Reporting portal or by calling 844-724-7842.
Veterans have options outside of the emergency room during a health scare. Less than life-threatening injuries or symptoms can be treated at a VA facility or by in-network urgent care providers. Before visiting a non-VA urgent care, Veterans should call 800-698-2411 (MyVA411) and select option 1, then option 3 to verify eligibility for urgent care services. If eligible, they should use the VA facility locator to find in-network urgent care locations. Veterans must visit an in-network pharmacy in the same state as the urgent care visit to avoid any issues filling urgent care prescriptions. They should bring a valid, government-issued ID to in-network urgent care location.
Bookmark our VA ECHCS Emergency and Urgent Health Care Information page to always have the information handy.
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Colorado Springs Walk-in Flu Clinic
It’s not too late to vaccinate. Clinics in Colorado Springs will hold a walk-in flu clinic on Wednesday, March 6 from 2-4 p.m. During that time Veterans can report to their normal primary care clinic to request a flu shot. Veterans who do not get their primary care in Colorado Springs but would like a flu shot should contact their primary care team to set up an appointment.
Visit our ECHCS Facebook page for event information.
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Non-VA Pharmacy Issues
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively monitoring the nationwide outages caused by a cybersecurity breach impacting Change Healthcare this week – and VA has taken swift action to disconnect from all known systems with this pharmacy provider.
While we are aware that many non-VA pharmacies are impacted, VA medical centers and pharmacies are operational, and we are actively working to ensure that all Veteran needs are addressed. If Veterans experience a problem filling a prescription by a VA healthcare provider or a VA-authorized community provider, they should contact their local VA pharmacy or call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411).
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Mammography Scheduling
Beginning in February, all breast imaging and breast procedures for VA ECHCS patients performed in our Imaging Department will be referred to Community Care until a new radiologist can be recruited to VA ECHCS. During this time there will be no direct scheduling for mammography and Veterans will need to contact their primary care team for a mammography referral. Recruiting is underway, and we hope to have a replacement identified as soon as possible.
Visit our VA ECHCS webpage for all scheduling information.
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Fish Oil Supplement Change
Per VHA Directive 1108.08 VHA Formulary Management Process, nutritional supplements can be provided to VA patients if the supplement possesses sufficient scientific evidence to support its safe and effective use in the treatment of a specific disease state or condition and the product satisfies or supplements an unmet need in the treatment of a medical condition or offers an advantage over FDA approved medications.
There is a lack of clinical evidence to support use of fish oil supplements for reducing cardiovascular (CV) risk or for non-CV conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, dry eye disease, polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS], etc.). Since clinical evidence does not support the safe and effective use of OTC fish oil supplements to treat a disease or condition, there are Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications which may treat these conditions, and VA can no longer ensure access to a certified high-quality product on a consistent basis, the National Formulary Committee (NFC) decided that VA will no longer provide OTC fish oil supplements.
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Ribbon Cutting for Virtual Health Resource Center
In February, we were excited to cut the ribbon on our new Virtual Health Resource Center.
VHRCs offer support to Veterans, their family members and caregivers, and VA staff looking to take advantage of virtual care tools. Each VHRC has health technology experts located at its associated VA facility. They provide guidance, hands-on support, training, help troubleshooting, and other information regarding virtual care tools, such as VA Video Connect, My HealtheVet, mobile health apps, and devices. As an example, Veterans can speak with an expert to determine which virtual care options might be right for their health and lifestyle needs. The experts are also available to help Veterans get started with VA mobile health apps or set up VA-loaned or personal devices.
The VHRC is at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in room D1-187 by the pharmacy. It is open Mondays through Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. VHRC Services are available via walk-in or by scheduled appointment. Veterans interested in scheduling an appointment can contact 720-723-7236. Staff can refer themselves or a Veteran through vhaechvirtualhealthresourcecenter@va.gov.
Visit our VA ECHCS Facebook page for pictures from the event.
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Recent Stories From VA ECHCS
Low vision clinic offers resources and hope for Veterans with visual impairment
February is recognized as Low Vision Awareness Month, which is a reminder that even with low vision “You can do all the things you’ve always done. You just have to learn to do them differently.”
Jewell VA’s low vision clinic offers rehabilitation and care coordination services that help you regain and maintain independence with blindness or low vision. Call 303-283-5400.
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By April Love, VISN 19 writer & editor
U.S. Air Force Veteran Eulla Curry, who lost her sight in 2014, has strong opinions about the blind and low vision rehabilitation services offered at Jewell VA Clinic in Aurora, Colorado.
“I love it. It’s the best program the government has come up with for people like me,” she said. “So many times, you get ignored and shoved to the side when you’re visually impaired. They put you right up front. You don’t have to be left behind.”
Adjusting to life with low vision
Curry served her country for 20 years before retiring in 1993 because of retinitis pigmentosa, a slow-progressing disorder that began impacting her vision.
“It took almost 40 years for me to go totally blind,” she said.
After a divorce in 2008, Curry moved from Mississippi to join family in Colorado. As her eyesight diminished, she felt as if she had lost everything.
Then, in 2009, her VA doctor referred her to the low vision clinic at Jewell VA.
“I needed assistance getting restarted with lack of vision,” said Curry. “It was like a rehab center – teaching computers, phone usage, using a cane and navigating the streets.”
She credits the clinic with helping her learn to live a better life without sight.
“You can do all the things you’ve always done,” she said. “You just have to learn to do them differently, and it’s good to know this program is out there.”
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Work therapy program empowers Veteran, provides employment and purpose
By April Love, VISN 19 writer & editor
“Compensated Work Therapy saved my life,” said U.S. Army Veteran Lardrick Alexander. “They gave me hope.”
Facing challenges
Alexander served as a combat medic for nearly seven years.
“I worked in a lot of emergency rooms,” he said. “I saw a lot of death and dying.”
He left the military feeling lost, angry and confused. Alexander said he was not the same guy who went into the Army.
“I isolated a lot and used drugs,” he said. “I wasn’t comfortable in crowds, so I couldn’t go out and socialize. I secured myself in my home, checking the doors to make sure they were locked. I did that for 15 to 20 years.”
Alexander eventually lost his home and teetered on the verge of suicide.
Changing the path
He sought help through Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center’s Compensated Work Therapy (CWT). This vocational rehabilitation program, a component of VA mental health, equips Veterans through supportive programming to strengthen communication skills, coping mechanisms and interpersonal skills, so they may thrive in life and in the workplace.
“I took classes with other Veterans in similar situations,” said Alexander. “It was very supportive and encouraging.”
Alexander participated in an eight-week, in-house program that allowed him to identify his challenges.
“My nightmares, the isolation and why I was so uncomfortable in large groups – it had a name,” he said. “It was PTSD. That was freeing to know why I was angry and using drugs.”
CWT also assists Veterans with employment through partnerships with community businesses, industry and other federal agencies. The program supports Veterans and employers, providing consultation and serving as a resource to ensure a successful job match.
After graduating from the program, Alexander continued attending weekly meetings to reemphasize and reinforce the skills he learned. These tools were critical to his success, enabling him to manage interactions with peers and supervisors proactively.
He started working at VA in Environmental Management Systems before accepting a promotion as an air conditioning mechanic. Alexander, age 59, has worked at VA for four years now.
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A few years ago, Army Veteran Michael Jones was unemployed, debilitated by pain, and nearly homeless. Whole Health helped him find a new calling as an artist, teacher, and gallery curator. It all started with a VA art therapy class to help manage his pain. According to Jones, when he paints, “It’s the least pain I ever have.” |
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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