Wilmington VA Newsletter: Radiology Suite Open at Dover, DE VA Clinic

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 11/04/2024 11:42 AM EST

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November 4, 2024

This Month

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New Radiology Suite at Wilmington VA's Kent County VA Clinic

On October 25, the Wilmington VA Medical Center held a ribbon cutting for its new radiology suite at the Kent County VA Clinic, located at Blue Hen Mall Plaza at 655 South Bay Rd, Suite 3C, in Dover, Delaware.

Veterans in Delaware who live in Kent or Sussex County may no longer have to travel to the Wilmington VA or to a community provider for an X-ray or CT scan. 

Read More Here

Wall of Honor Recipients 2024

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Cape May, NJ VA Clinic Wall of Honor Recipient 2024 is U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Sgt. Andrew J. Tomlin

On U.S.S. Wabash during the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865 as one of 200 U.S. Marines assembled to hold a line of entrenchments, Cpl. Tomlin took position and remained until morning when relief arrived. When one of his comrades was struck down by enemy fire, he advanced under fire of musketry into an open plain to assist his wounded comrade to safety. Learn more here.

Wilmington VA Medical Center Wall of Honor Recipient 2024 is U.S. Army Veteran Ret. Col. Edward M. Jentz

The U.S. Army recognized Jentz for his service with a Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachute Wings, Ranger Tab, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal (3), Air Medal, DoD Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (2), and the Conspicuous Service Cross - State of Delaware.

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Learn more about the Wall of Honor here.

Mobility Device Repair Services now available for US Veterans enrolled in VA care 

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Mindfulness & Music Group

This group will teach veterans how to use beginner friendly music-based mindfulness strategies to support overall self-care and wellness.

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November Whole Health 

Tragedy, loss, and grief can literally bring us to our knees — and sometimes we rise up to an unexpected new path. Eighty-one-year-old Army Veteran Michael Charzuk faced a trauma that initially wrecked him, but ultimately, put him on a path to bring hope and healing to other Veterans as a Whole Health peer facilitator. Read more here.

Walk-In Vaccine Clinic

Yearly flu and COVID vaccines are available for enrolled Veterans at the Wilmington VA Medical Center and our VA clinics in Delaware and southern New Jersey.

Walk-ins are welcomed from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday inside our 1st floor Primary Care Team lobby area at the Wilmington VA Medical Center. 

Our VA Clinics offer walk-in flu and COVID vaccines in Kent and Sussex County, Delaware and Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland County, New Jersey from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. In addition, the flu and COVID vaccines will be offered at all outpatient primary care appointments.

In the News

Wilmington VA leading the way for age-friendly care

The Wilmington VA Medical Center’s Geriatrics and Extended Care brings Home-Based Primary Care program services to nearly 200 Veterans right in the comfort of their own home.

Pictured is Mr. Brian Richards with his caregiver Alana Alvarez.

Read More Here

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VA delivered all-time record care and benefits to Veterans in fiscal year 2024

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it delivered more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in fiscal year 2024 — exceeding last year’s record totals.

Read More Here

Wilmington VA Medical Center has housed 161 Veterans experiencing homelessness this fiscal year

Wilmington VA Medical Center announced that it has housed 161 Veterans experiencing homeless in Delaware and southern New Jersey this fiscal year.

Read More Here

VA makes tele-emergency care available nationwide, offering Veterans more virtual care options

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced that tele-emergency care (tele-EC) is now available nationwide, a step that increases timely access to virtual emergency care options for Veterans enrolled in VA health care.

Read More Here

Important Veteran Information

Pharmacogenomics

Join us on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. on teams to learn how a one-time blood test empowers you to actively participate in your personalized treatment journey. Pharmacogenomics (PGx) looks at your genes to reveal how your body reacts to specific medications. It allows your provider to tailor your medications and therapies for maximum effect and minimum side effects.

Questions or trouble joining? Email VISN4PharmacogenomicsTeam@va.gov or call 206-310-6332.

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PACT Act Section 103 Health Care Eligibility

All Veterans who meet the basic service and discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving our country—at home or abroad—can enroll directly in VA care under the PACT Act. Specifically, this applies to three new cohorts:

More PACT Act Info Here!

Important Links

VA Health Chat  VA Health and Benefits App    Enroll in VA Healthcare

October Recap

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National Disability Employment Month Event for Employees

For #NationalDisabilityEmploymentMonth, employees gathered to learn about their benefits and resources if they have a disability.

Service animals in training with Canine Companions provided companionship with VA staff. In addition, resources on sign language, mental health and many other topics were provided. Staff also enjoyed popcorn, pretzels, and games.

Read More Here

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National Coffee with a Cop Day

The Wilmington VA celebrated National Coffee with a Cop on Oct. 2! Veterans, VA police and VA employees enjoyed a cup of coffee, muffins and great conversation.

Coffee with a Cop was started to bring police officers and the community members they serve together–over coffee–to discuss issues and learn more about each other.

Most Impact on Employees Award

U.S. Navy Veteran and Wilmington VA Program Analyst Adeline Brooks received the top honor at the VISN 4 Quality Showcase 2024 for the Most Impact on Employees Award!

Brooks has been leading the Wilmington VA project team to improve the process for Primary Care Return to Clinic orders. Staff will experience a more streamlined process and the facility will see a significant return on investment.

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National Physicians Assistant Week

October 6-12, we celebrated the Wilmington VA physician assistants for National PA Week!

Pictured are three of our physician assistants at the Wilmington VA. From left to right is John Sullivan from the Emergency Department, Richard Leyman from Pulmonary Medicine and Lacey O'Hara from Cardiology.
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VISN 4 Patient Advocate of the Quarter

Wilmington VA Patient Advocate Mark Taylor Received VISN 4 Patient Advocate of the Quarter. This award is the first of its kind! Learn more about our patient advocates here.

Upcoming Events

Lung Cancer Screening Information Table
When: November 7, 2024, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: First Floor Elevator Lobby, 1601 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE, United States, Delaware

Chaplain Service: Honoring Our Veterans Ecumenical Tribute
When: November 7, 2024, 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Join Chaplain Services on Teams or in-person at the Wilmington VA Medical Center Chapel on the Ground Floor 

Wilmington VA to Provide Resources at Salem County Medal Ceremony
When: November 8, 2024, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Salem County Community College, 460 Hollywood Ave. Carneys Point, NJ 08069
VA Outreach table with enrollment, claims, Whole Health, Women's Health, Homeless Program, and LGBTQ+ resources available.

Wilmington VA to Provide Resources at Veterans Resource Event
When: November 10, 2024, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Canaan Baptist Church, 3011 New Castle, DE     
VA Outreach table with enrollment, claims, Whole Health, Women's Health, Homeless Program, and LGBTQ+ resources available.

Wilmington VA to Provide Resources at Veterans Day Resource Event
When: November 11, 2024, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: American Legion Post 6, 230 N Front St. Seaford, DE 19973      
VA Outreach table with enrollment, claims, Whole Health, Women's Health, Homeless Program, and LGBTQ+ resources available.

Wilmington VA to Provide Resources at Veteran Resource Fair
When: November 13, 2024, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where:  Atlantic Cape Community College Worthington Atlantic City Campus, 1535 Bacharach Boulevard Atlantic City, NJ 08401
VA resources available will be homeless program, eligibility, Claims and suicide prevention.

Wilmington VA to Provide Resources at Dagsboro Veterans Day Celebration
When: November 15, 2024, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Dagsboro Church of God, 32224 Dupont Blvd. Dagsboro, DE 19939
VA Outreach table with enrollment, claims, Whole Health, Women's Health, Homeless Program, and LGBTQ+ resources available.

Stay Up to Date Here 

Interested in Working at the Wilmington VA? Make the Difference. Learn about VA Careers by visiting: https://www.vacareers.va.gov/.  

Service members and veterans experiencing a mental health emergency can contact the Veteran Crisis Line at 988 or 1-800-273-8255 and select option 1 for a VA staffer. Veterans, troops or their family members can also text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for assistance.