CAVHCS CONNECTION - CAVHCS Celebrates Veterans Day
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CAVHCS CONNECTION
CENTRAL ALABAMA VETERANS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
CAVHCS Celebrates Veterans Day
A LOOK INSIDE: CAVHCS Offering COVID-19 Booster Shots
CAVHCS Connection CAVHCS Offering COVID-19 Booster Shots…………...…..........…..3 You can also receive your booster shot at no
Vol.2,No.4 Director Message………………………………………………..4-5 cost to you outside of VA if you choose.You can
CAVHCS Firefighter Saves Veteran’s Life…………….……….….....6 locate a vaccine site at Vaccines.gov - Search for
Director Columbus VA clinic after Colonel Poydasheff........................................7 COVID-19 vaccine locations. Make sure to take
Amir Farooqi, FACHE HUD-VASH Program Continues to Change Veteran Lives..............8-9 your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card
Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness Month......................................10-11 when you go! We encourage you to share this
Acting Chief of Staff CAVHCS Celebrates Veterans Day .....................................................12-13 information with your VA health care team.
Randall Weaver, MD CAVHCS Holds Homeless Stand Down.................................................. 14
Booster Shot Eligibility
Deputy Director Reach out during the holiday season .…………….…………….15
Clinical Pastoral Education Program...................................................... 16 For individuals who received a Pfizer-
Valerie Russell, FAC-P/PM, MSM
CAVHCS Prosthetics Team Embraces Technology.............................17 BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the
CAVHCS and ASU join to prepare future PT leaders ........................18 following groups are eligible for a booster shot at
Associate Director six months or more after their initial series:
CAVHCS and Tuskegee University collaborate...................................19
Prudence Howard, MAS
Disabilities Caused by Military Service.................................................. 20 • 65 years and older
Associate Director Happy Holidays..............................................................................................21
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
Patient Care Services Community Partner Donations......................................................... 22-23
Laundrena LaPradd-Bradley, MHA, BSN, • Age 18+ who have underlying medical
By Tramel Garrett, CAVHCS Public Affairs conditions
RN
T
he Centers for Disease Control and • Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk
Public Affairs Officer settings
Prevention (CDC) identified and
Sheila Marie Austin
recommended several groups of people For people who received a Johnson &
who should get a COVID-19 booster. Following Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are
Follow us on recommended for those who are 18 and older
this expanded guidance from CDC, VA can provide
Facebook: booster shots at sites offering Moderna and J&J/ and who were vaccinated at least two months
https://www.facebook.com/ Janssen COVID-19 vaccines, as supply and ago.
VACentralAlabama/ capacity permits. VA is also offering the booster to Veterans,
CAVHCS is administering the Moderna and J&J/ their spouses, caregivers and CHAMPVA
Janssen COVID-19 booster shots. Call us at 866- recipients under the authority of the SAVE LIVES
601-1079 to schedule an appointment and our staff Act, as supply and capacity permits. The Save
will help you find a time that’s convenient for you. Lives Act authorizes VA to offer vaccines to
Vaccinations at our Community Based Outpatient Veterans not traditionally eligible for VHA care
Clinics are by appointment only. Appointments and others, including spouses and caregivers of
are preferred; however, you can walk-in at our Veterans.
designated locations. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine
Walk-in times and locations: they receive as a booster dose. Some people
may prefer the vaccine type they initially received
MVAC COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic and others may prefer to get a different booster.
Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (CT) CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type
of mix and match dosing for booster shots.
Location: Montgomery VA Clinic (off Chantilly If you’re not currently receiving health care
Parkway) through VA, find out if you’re eligible and apply
8105 Veterans Way, Montgomery, Alabama. now at this link https://www.va.gov/health-care/
how-to-apply/. This will shorten you waiting time
Tuskegee Campus COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic during the vaccination clinics.
Act with high moral principle.
Adhere to the highest professional standards. Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (CT)
Maintain the trust and confidence of all with whom I
engage.
Location: Tuskegee Campus
2400 Hospital Road, Tuskegee, Alabama (Building
90)
2 3
From the Director
where we all learned a lot. There was some great members from the community who donated and Surgery Residency (PMSR) and PMSR
Myth-Busting as well as general information and their time and services. The Stand Down offered with a credential in Reconstructive Rearfoot/
a number of Veterans and their family members health care screenings, clothing, haircuts, Ankle Surgery (PMSR/RRA) through 2027!
were able to get their questions answered. hygiene items and additional assistance and This achievement acknowledges CAVHCS
We were fortunate to have a good number of information. The event was a true example of is training at a superior level. For this, we
CAVHCS Providers, members of the Veterans community support for Veterans. The event acknowledge the important role our Podiatry
Experience Office as well as other members of and the partnership we saw is just one more team plays in training our Nation’s future
the Public Affairs Office ready to assist. While we example of how CAVHCS is Rising to be health care providers.
normally hold quarterly Veteran Town Halls, this Veteran-Centric, as part of our strategic vision.
one was held specially to support our community You can see more of this great event in the • Early in November the Caregiver Support
with accurate information from trusted clinical following WSFA news story: CAVHCS holds Program hosted an Annual Resource Fair.
experts. Stand Down for Homeless Veterans (wsfa.com). This year’s event was held with special guests
from the VA Fiduciary Hub, the Memphis VA
• Also in September, in remembrance of the • With the end of September came the end of Caregiver Center, the Montgomery County
Sept. 11, 2001 terror attack, CAVHCS’ Diversity National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Attorney’s Office and Dementia Friendly
Amir Farooqi, FACHE Committee, in cooperation with Veterans Though Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Alabama. Some of our more vulnerable
Director, Central Alabama Veterans HCS Benefits Administration Montgomery Regional ended, CAVHCS continues its commitment Veterans are highly dependent on their
Office, hosted a 20-Year Commemoration, VA to #BeThere. There are resources available Caregivers and we have to make sure that
A year and a half into COVID-19; Despite the Remembers service. The moving event honored to each of us if and when we need them. We those Caregivers take care of themselves as
challenges this has presented, Central Alabama the 2,977 lives lost that fateful day. As part have also received enormous community well as those in their care, so the theme of
Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) has of the event, members of CAVHCS, the VBA support from members of our Alabama “#CaregiverAnd” was an important one.
forged ahead in its commitment. CAVHCS has Montgomery Regional Office and the Montgomery and Georgia congressional delegations,
administered over 26.5 thousand COVID-19 Vet Center shared their experiences memorialized Veteran service advocates, VA partners and • Thanks to the dedication of our Veterans
vaccines to Veterans in our catchment area and we in a video that can be viewed on our Facebook community partners. They all joined CAVHCS Experience team and others involved,
have operated with the best interest of our Veterans page at Patriot Day 20 Year Remembrance. to demonstrate their support for Veterans and CAVHCS now has a mobile app that anyone
and staff at heart. Working with our new “Safe CAVHCS team members moderated the service, you can find their messages on the CAVHCS can download. This app is a wonderful way
Normal”, here are a few things CAVHCS has done the VBA Director Mr. Cory Hawthorne opened Facebook page. for Veterans to stay up-to-date on events,
throughout this past quarter. sharing his memories and experience from that changes and services offered at CAVHCS.
day and we were led in prayer by CAVHCS’ • In October, we held our Second Annual Heroes
• At the beginning of September, I had the Chaplains. As I said in my closing comments in Helping Heroes Food Drive. We have been Finally, as previously mentioned, CAVHCS strives
opportunity to interview with WAKA (Alabama the ceremony, let’s all use this remembrance fortunate, despite the pandemic and all that to provide quality care under our new “Safe
News Network) in reference to a clothing drive opportunity to ensure that we all, as Americans, has happened throughout this year, to have a Normal”. With this, we now not only offer the
hosted later that month by our Center for continue to come together for our Nation, for each source of income to provide for our families. COVID-19 vaccine, but we are also administering
Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) other and for our Veterans. But not all our Veterans have had it so good. booster vaccines. Additionally, Veterans can also
formerly known as Voluntary Service. Given The CAVHCS annual food drive is a chance for get their Influenza vaccine. With the holidays
summer was coming to its end, the clothing drive • Additionally in the month of September, we had us to give back to our Veterans and help those coming up soon, we all want to be sure to
was intended to provide warmth and support to a Homeless Stand Down with a whole lot of that may need some assistance at this time. safeguard ourselves and our loved ones. So, be
some of our most vulnerable Veterans during the vulnerable Veterans served and our community Thanks to the staff, we ended the food drive sure to stop by and get your vaccines!
approaching cold weather. and VA partners coming together to help them with a collection of approximately 2508.9 lbs. of
through these challenging times. Tuskegee food which will be made available to vulnerable
• Later in September we held a special Mayor the Honorable Lawrence Haygood, read Veterans in our catchment area.
“COVID-19: Ask the Experts” Veteran Town a proclamation for the day from the Tuskegee
Hall, virtually. This town hall provided Veterans City Council; the Director of the Montgomery • Additionally in October, we received notification
the opportunity to get answers to questions VBA Regional Office and members of his team from the Council on Podiatric Medical
in reference to COVID-19. An informative were also on site assisting with claims; we were Education (CPME) that CAVHCS had been fully Amir Farooqi, FACHE
discussion was had on COVID and the vaccine also joined by our Vet Center partners and other approved to continue our Podiatric Medicine Director, Central Alabama Veterans HCS
5
President Biden signs bill naming new
Columbus VA clinic after Robert S.
Poydasheff
CAVHCS Firefighter Saves Veteran’s Life
By Tramel Garrett, CAVHCS Public Affairs Smith explained to Simmons that he entered
I
traffic dangerously, but Simmons didn’t realize what
t was a hot and sunny afternoon and Capt.
happened. Smith felt positive that Simmons wasn’t By Tramel Garrett, CAVHCS Public Affairs
Robert Smith, a firefighter for the Central
under the influence of drugs or alcohol and worried
P
Alabama Veterans Health Care System, pulled
for his safety. resident Biden signed the bill into law private practice law firm. He served as a city
over to the side of the road to safely connect his
Smith asked if he could call someone, which led to on Nov. 12, naming the new Columbus, councilman from 1994 to 2002 and served as
Bluetooth to his car.
him speaking to Simmons’s daughter on the phone. Georgia, VA clinic after Colonel Robert mayor from 2003 to 2007.
He notices an older gentleman pulling up behind S. Poydasheff, a retired Army Colonel and former
“Captain Smith felt like my father was experiencing This clinic will provide the most significant
him. It was Navy Veteran Walter J. Simmons who Columbus Mayor.
some sort of medical problem which was interfering number of enrolled Veterans with the closest
asked him for directions. Smith noticed Simmons
with his ability to drive,” Brown said. The Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic is located at geographic access to services.
was using a printed map, which was unclear, so he
6910 River Road, Columbus, Georgia. This 55,000 Services Provided at Robert S. Poydasheff
wrote some new, more precise directions. After a brief conversation with Brown, Simmons square foot clinic will replace the Community Based VA Clinic (Estimated): Social Work Service,
Smith wanted to ensure Simmons didn’t get lost agreed to ride with Smith to visit the Montgomery Outpatient Clinic located on 13th Street. The clinic
VA hospital. Brown states Smith’s action saved her Clinical Pharmacy, Whole Health Coach,
so the gentlemen exchanged phone numbers. Then was awarded to developers in Jan. 2020, with the
father’s life and perhaps the lives of others after VA Primary Care, Center for Development and Civic
something troubling happened. Smith observed that first use expected in spring/summer of 2022.
discovered some serious medical conditions. Engagement (Volunteer Services), Women’s
Simmons did not safely enter the highway. Multiple
Poydasheff was a native of Bronx, New York Health, Mental Health, Audiology, Dental,
cars had to swerve to prevent a collision on the busy “Captain Smith’s observations that day may have and completed his B.A. in Political Science from Optometry, Physical and Occupational Therapy,
interstate. saved lives and it may have added some time to the Citadel and was commissioned as a Second Prosthetics, Radiology, Beneficiary Travel,
“After my dad proceeds down the interstate, Capt. my father’s life so that appropriate treatments may Lieutenant in 1954. He earned his Juris Doctorate Podiatry, Teleretinal, Telederm, TeleNeurology,
Smith noticed that my dad’s driving would likely begin,” said Brown. from Tulane University in 1957 and an M.A. in TeleTraumatic Brain Injury, Patient Advocate,
result in an accident,” said Diane Brown, daughter of In a letter addressed to the CAVHCS Fire Chief, International Relations at Boston College in 1967. Biomedical Engineering, Sterile Processing
Simmons. Brown explained that first responders often put their Services, Police Services, Logistics Services and
He served in the U.S. Army for 24 years retiring
Smith sprang into action and motioned for lives on the line to help others and she wanted to at the rank of Colonel. The Vietnam Veteran Chaplain Services.
Simmons to pull over. ensure that Smith’s heroic act didn’t go unnoticed. began his career as an Infantry Officer and later
“I discovered that something just wasn’t right at “I feel great about possibly saving someone’s transferred to the Judge Advocate General Corps.
the moment, so I asked him if he was feeling OK,” life. I think that’s what we are supposed to do as After military retirement, Poydasheff made
Smith said. firefighters. We are public servants,” Smith said. Columbus, Georgia, his home and began his
7
CAVHCS HUD-VASH Program Continues to
Change Veteran Lives
By Tramel Garrett, CAVHCS Public Affairs
C
AVHCS, continues to improve the lives Individuals who are not eligible for HUD-VASH programs that could assist with housing, Should you know of homeless Veterans
of Veterans by offering services that can are those individuals that are registered sex medical and psychological support,” said seeking housing resources, services are
make a difference in their wellbeing. offenders or have a conviction for manufacturing Sherrell-Thompson. available via a walk-in clinic in Tuskegee,
One of these programs is the Housing & Urban methamphetamines. Homelessness among our Nation’s Veterans Alabama and Columbus, Georgia, Monday-
Development/VA Supportive Housing (HUD- “Homeless Veterans are a vulnerable is declining in most communities but there is still Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VASH) program, which assists Veterans who may population and offering services that can make work to be done to ensure that every Veteran has “If a landlord is interested in helping homeless
be vulnerable and often has severe mental and a difference to their health and wellbeing is a a place to call home. Veterans, they can reach out to the CAVHCS
physical health problems. top priority of CAVHCS,” said Health Care for “One of the challenges that homeless Veterans homeless program at 334-727-0550, extension
“HUD/VASH is important because not only Homeless Veterans Program Manager Jakia are facing at this time during the pandemic is 52549 and ask to speak with the HUD-VASH
does the program provide Veterans with a home, Sherrell-Thompson. locating affordable housing. A top priority for supervisor,” said Sherrell-Thompson.
it also provides them with pride, accomplishment, This year CAVHCS opened the Columbus homeless Veterans is secure, safe and clean Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk
stability and so much more. I love to see the look Downtown VA Clinic, which provides a housing,” Sherrell-Thompson said. of homelessness can also contact the National
on Veterans’ faces when they sign their lease and comprehensive response to get homeless Currently, CAVHCS works with seven public Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-
are given the keys to their new place,” said HUD- Veterans the assistance they need, including safe housing authorities: South Central Alabama, VET (877-424-3838) for assistance.
VASH Supervisor LeJasmine Gary. housing. Montgomery, Tuskegee, Auburn, Opelika, Phenix
The HUD-VASH program partners with the We also held a Homeless Stand Down City and Columbus, Georgia.
local housing authority, which provides rental for more than 100 homeless Veterans at its The difference between HUD-VASH and
assistance vouchers for privately-owned housing. Tuskegee Campus. housing choice vouchers offered for non-
To be eligible, a Veteran has to be homeless or “The Stand Down focused on both community Veterans is that on the HUD-VASH program,
at imminent risk of being homeless and meet the agencies resources and VA. However, based Veterans are provided case management and
income requirements, depending on the Public on the pandemic this year, CAVHCS focused support from the HUD-VASH team to include
Housing Authority housing. on ensuring that Veterans had access to VA medical, emotional, and social support. 9
CAVHCS Conducts walk for Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
CAVHCS team members participate in the Montgomery Breast Cancer Walk on Oct. 15 to raise breast A breast cancer awareness walk was also conducted on the Tuskegee campus, highlighting all the resources
cancer awareness. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and is the second leading available to our Women Veterans.
cause of cancer death in women.
By Tramel Garrett, CAVHCS Public Affairs
C
“VA leads the nation’s health care systems in
AVHCS encouraged women Veterans providing mammograms to those who need them,”
to get screened for breast cancer with a said Dr. Rickiya Williams, Women Veterans Program
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk across Manager/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
multiple facilities.
“Every VA medical center has a Women Veterans
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer Program Manager to ensure women Veterans have
in women and is the second leading cause of cancer access to appropriate care and treatment,” Williams
death in women. Localized breast cancer has a 99% added.
survival rate if detected early. Breast care resources available through VA
“VA encourages all women Veterans to speak include screening and diagnostic mammograms,
with their health care providers about breast health breast ultrasound and MRI, genetic counseling and
and get checked and treated for breast cancer,” said testing, cancer treatment and more.
Health System Director Amir Farooqi. VA recommends regular breast cancer screening
“We recognize that some Veterans may have for women who are 45 years of age and older,
missed their regularly scheduled mammogram due though some women may choose to start screening
to COVID-19 and encourage women Veterans to with yearly mammograms as early as age 40.
reach out to their VA health care provider to get one Women should talk with their VA primary care
scheduled,” Farooqi added. provider team about what is best for them and
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month and schedule their mammogram.
throughout the year, CAVHCS offers high-quality For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/
women’s health care, including breast care services. central-alabama-health-care/.
10
CAVHCS Celebrates Veterans Day
I
n 1918 on the 11th hour, the 11th day of the 11th
month, Germany signed a peace agreement that
ended all hostilities of World War I. It was once
called Armistice Day and is now more commonly
known as Veterans Day. To celebrate this year, the
U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors performed
New Orleans-style jazz to our Community Living
Center Veterans.
Veterans Day is about remembering and
recognizing our nation’s Veterans—those men and
women who fought our nation’s wars and defended
us during the periods of restless peace between
wars.
The sacrifices of uniformed Servicemembers have
allowed our nation to grow and flourish for more than
245 years since the Continental Congress adopted
the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
We’ll ensure Veterans have timely access to VA
resources— whether in their homes, through our
caregivers’ programs and telehealth, at a VA facility,
or in their communities. VA will continue to build a
cutting-edge electronic health records system that
allows Veterans to seamlessly access their records
wherever they receive care, from the first day they
put on their uniforms to the last day of their lives.
12 Photos By Robin Johnson, CAVHCS Public Affairs 13
CAVHCS Holds Homeless Stand Down CAVHCS encourages everyone to reach
out during the holiday season
“In past years, the Stand Down focused on both By Tramel Garrett, CAVHCS Public Affairs
community agencies resources and VA. However,
V
based on the pandemic this year, CAVHCS focused A’s top priority is to prevent suicide among CAVHCS must ensure our Veterans know that
on ensuring that Veterans had access to VA Veterans, whether or not they receive care reaching out for mental health information and
programs that could assist with housing, medical from within the VA health care system. support is just as important as talking to their
and psychological support,” Sherrell-Thompson said. During this holiday season, if you see a Veteran who providers about diet, blood pressure, joint pain and
“Another important aspect of the Stand Down is other health challenges.
appears to be lost, lonely, or depressed, please take
Veterans have an opportunity to fellowship and be a VA also has resources to help Veterans
action by getting personally involved. As leaders,
support to one another.” transitioning from the military or going through a
supervisors, friends and family members, it is
“Seeing all the smiling faces and the Vets out here imperative that you speak up and reach out if you difficult time in life. VA Solid Start connects Veterans
together, a lot of camaraderie. The volunteer services notice the presence of any warning signs. with qualified representatives who call three
and the great big heart of the community have helped times during a Veteran’s first year of separation
so much. It’s been amazing,” Army Veteran Eric Brock Warning signs include but are not limited to to walk through the benefits available. The Self-
said. withdrawing from family or friends, a drastic shift Check Assessment is a confidential, anonymous
By Tramel Garrett, CAVHCS Public Affairs
“One of the challenges that homeless Veterans in mood, an increase in drug or alcohol use, rage risk assessment Veterans can use to help them
C
entral Alabama Veterans Health Care are facing at this time during the pandemic is locating or anger, hopelessness, feeling like a burden, and understand if and how stress and depression affect
System held a Homeless Stand Down affordable housing. A top priority for homeless talking about death, dying or suicide. them.
for more than 100 homeless Veterans Veterans is secure, safe and clean housing,” Sherrell- “VA reaffirmed our commitment to addressing Remember, let Veterans who are in crisis or
at its Tuskegee Campus on Sept. 17. Thompson said. mental health misconceptions and the stigma having thoughts of suicide, and those who know
“Stand down is important based on VA has a permanent housing program – HUD-VASH that many Veterans associate with mental health a Veteran in crisis, know to contact the Veterans
Veterans being provided with a broad range of that partners with the local housing authority. HUD symptoms, conditions and treatments,” said Health Crisis Line for confidential crisis intervention and
necessities to include food, clothing, medical, provides rental assistance vouchers for privately- Care System Director Amir Farooqi. support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
legal and mental health assistance,” said owned housing for Veterans. If a landlord is interested 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press
CAVHCS invited community leaders to give a
Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) in helping homeless Veterans, they can reach out to 1, text 838255, or chat online at https://www.
message of hope to our Veterans during this very
Program Manager, Jakia Sherrell-Thompson. the CAVHCS homeless program at 334-727-0550, veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat.
challenging time during a pandemic and the events
“Veterans also have an opportunity to access extension 52549, and ask to speak with the HUD- relating to Afghanistan. Veterans don’t have to be enrolled in VA health
shelter during the Stand Down with the goal of VASH supervisor. care or registered with VA to use the Veterans Crisis
obtaining permanent housing.” The #YourCommunityCares campaign featured
“Stand Down aims to bring together various Line.
the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs,
The annual event offered food, clothing, agencies and service providers to provide Veterans Benefits Administration, members of
toiletries, haircuts, flu vaccinations, health comprehensive services/resources that encourage Alabama and Georgia congressional delegations
care screenings, legal counseling and job and assist homeless Veterans in overcoming the and the Montgomery Vet Center joined CAVHCS to
assistance for homeless Veterans in Central barriers that led to them becoming homeless,” demonstrate their support for Veterans in September
Alabama and Western Georgia. All VA facilities Sherrell-Thompson said. during Suicide Prevention Month.
and clinics that administer COVID-19 vaccines CAVHCS HCHV program is grateful for the
accept walk-ins for all Veterans, spouses, and You can view their messages here CAVHCS
support of individuals with the same goal to eliminate Facebook page.
caregivers. This walk-in service ensures all homelessness among Veterans.
Veterans enrolled in VA health care and those “I have no doubt that Veterans are driven and
authorized under the SAVE LIVES Act have an Should you know of homeless Veterans seeking resilient, but everyone needs help sometimes,” said
opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination housing resources, services are available via a walk-in Farooqi. “We understand this has been a challenging
from VA at a time convenient for them. clinic in Tuskegee, Alabama and Columbus, Georgia, year, so, whether Veterans are looking for peer-to-
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. peer support, clinical care, counseling or something
Homeless Veterans are a vulnerable
population and offering services that can make Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk else, VA along with our community resources are
a difference to their health and well-being is a of homelessness can also contact the National Call here to help.”
top priority of CAVHCS. Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET
(877-424-3838) for assistance.
14 15
CAVHCS Clinical Pastoral Education CAVHCS Prosthetics Team Embraces
Training Program Technology with Charleston VA in 3-D
Printing Project
minister. From theological reflection on specific
human situations, they gain a new understanding of
“We are currently still in the trial-and-error
ministry. Within the interdisciplinary team process of
phase. But as of now, this process will allow us
helping persons, they develop skills in interpersonal
to expedite wait times for Veterans waiting for
and interprofessional relationships.
their prosthesis. The biggest pro of this project is
CPE provides an opportunity to learn the art that because we are working from VA to VA we
of spiritual healing from caring mentors, to learn are not incurring additional outside costs,” said
about yourself through rewarding service in the Williams.
atmosphere of an acute-care hospital.
The trial process consists of taking a 3-D
CAVHCS Clinical Pastoral Education program is scan of the limb needing a prosthesis, uploading
accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral the scan to the computer, sending the scan to
Education, Inc. 55 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Suite the printer. The engineer in Charleston prints
835, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 (404) 320-1472. www. the prosthesis and mails it to Central Alabama,
acpe.edu a process that takes weeks when an external
The heart of CPE is in ministry with patients vendor is involved. By doing this from VA to VA,
who are veterans, their families, staff, and learning the prothesis can be scanned, prepared and
from that ministry through reflection, discussion, shipped within days instead of weeks.
and evaluation with other students and a Certified “For CAVHCS, one of our long-term goals is to
educator. be able to 3-D print definitive sockets for patients
CPE students utilize verbatims, case studies and in-house in under a week turn-around time,” said
other ministry descriptions to present their ministry Beitenman.
By Chaplain Rose S. Bryan for supervision. The focus in some seminars will In 2020, Veterans Health Administration
be on what is happening to the student and what (VHA) Innovations launched the Agile Design
I
am Chaplain Rose S. Bryan, the new clinical is happening to the patients, families and staff and Product Transformation (ADAPT) Initiative.
chaplain and certified educator for the receiving ministry. Because of the advancements in the printing
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at Each CPE unit at CAVHCS requires 100 hours process, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the
CAVHCS. I’m a board-certified chaplain with the of educational time and 300 hours of clinical time, By Maria Vinson, CAVHCS Public Affairs Charleston VA was selected as 1 of 3 national
Association of Professional Chaplains and am a including weekend coverage at least one weekend 3-D printing hubs to support the country where
W
certified educator with the Association of Clinical day each month. hen Peter Williams, a prosthetist at the supply chain was experiencing significant
Pastoral Education, Inc. Chaplain participates and Central Alabama Veterans Health Care delays.
There will be discussions that help in
facilitates the mentoring of students interested System, heard about the possibility of In addition to the projects with CAVHCS,
understanding theological issues arising from
in becoming confident, competent and effective using 3-dimensional printing to fulfill Veteran needs, Beitenman’s team prints projects for use within
experience. There will be invaluable opportunities
spiritual care providers. he didn’t let the opportunity pass by. their local hospital, VISN and all of VA. Some of
to gain experience from the behavioral sciences
What is Clinical Pastoral Education? while also reflecting theologically, and the student Williams contacted Nicole Beitenman, the 3-D the projects include, but are not limited to, dental
may draw from both in understanding the human printing initiative leader at the Ralph H. Johnson VA guards, equipment tags, equipment casings,
Clinical Pastoral Education is interfaith condition. CPE students will be challenged to think Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, to equipment covers, an assortment of wheelchair
professional education for ministry. It brings about groups and social structures and individuals begin collaborating. accessories (cup holders, trays, joysticks, etc.),
theological students and ministers of all faiths in defining their ministry. medical personal protective equipment, testing
Beitenman and Williams began generating supplies and more.
(pastors, priests, rabbis, imams and others) into Being part of a dynamic learning group with prosthetics prototypes using 3-D printing technology.
supervised encounters with persons in crisis. Out other students and a chaplain educator will provide By doing this, a prosthetic test socket for an
of intense involvement with persons in need, and opportunities for mutual supervision, caregiving, amputated patient can be returned to CAVHCS within
the feedback from peers and teachers, students challenge and appreciation. If you are interested in 48 hours. Previously this process could take up to
develop a new awareness of themselves as the program, please contact me at 334-727-0550 two weeks.
persons and of the needs of those to whom they extension 53755.
16 17
CAVHCS and ASU join to prepare future Central Alabama VA and Tuskegee University
Physical Therapy leaders collaborate to meet a vital healthcare need
C
By Brenda Winston, Chief of CAVHCS Education Service
entral Alabama Veterans Health Care • Undergraduate and graduate social work
R
System (CAVHCS) and Alabama State trainee programs. Graduate trainees earn a egistered Nurses are among the Behavior Health, Acute Care (Medical and
University (ASU) are collaborating to stipend while in the program. top Veterans Health Administration Surgical) and Ambulatory (outpatient) Care.
educate and train future Doctors of Physical “Resident and intern programs are also a good mission critical occupations.
Therapy. The 10-year academic affiliation adds The outlook is to offer learning programs
recruiting tool,” said Brenda Winston, chief of Central Alabama Veterans Health Care for the nurses in their senior year of study and
another discipline to their existing partnership. CAVHCS Education Service. System and the Tuskegee University School a mini-nurse residency programs for the new
The provision of education for future health “Students who may never have considered a of Nursing are working together to provide a baccalaureate graduate. These new programs will
care providers is a VA statutory mission. VA has career with VA often seek permanent employment learning environment for the students and fill offer experiential training to master their skills and
conducted health professions education and after developing a fondness for our Nation’s a nursing shortage for VA. The two institutions increase potential for these nurses to join the VA
training in partnership with affiliated U. S. academic heroes. And even if they choose a different have renewed their academic affiliation. workforce.
institutions for the past 75 years. employer, they gain the experience of working CAVHCS has a long history of providing
“VA hospitals are an excellent training ground for with a special population with special needs,” a clinical environment for the Tuskegee
health professionals, said Amir Farooqi, director of Winston added. University School of Nursing Baccalaureate
CAVHCS. In fact, almost 70% of physicians in the CAVHCS also has academic affiliations with: students. It has provided a training
U.S. have completed at least part of their training environment for all levels of care from
in VA.” • Auburn University
fundamental nursing to medical and surgical
Other ASU program partnerships include: • Troy University clinicals.
• A unique program of Orthotics and • Tuskegee University The collaboration expanded as we look
Prosthetics internships offered by a small • University of Alabama Birmingham forward to offering student-trainee practicums
number of schools in the country, • Trenholm State Community College in all clinical sites – Geriatrics, Mental and
18 19Happy Holidays
VBA Information-Disabilities Caused
by Military Service
By Wendy Cosby, PAO for VBA Montgomery Regional Office
T
he Department of Veterans Affairs VA also added 3 new presumptive conditions
presumes that certain disabilities were related to particulate matter exposure. The new
caused by military service because of presumptive conditions are asthma, rhinitis and
certain unique circumstances of a Veteran’s sinusitis. To be eligible for benefits, you must
military service. If a presumed condition is have gotten one of these conditions within 10
diagnosed in a Veteran in a certain group, they years of your separation from active service.
may be awarded disability compensation. The If you have a pending claim for one or
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal more of these conditions, you do not need
Year 2021 (NDAA) (H.R.6395) added three new to do anything. We will send you a decision
conditions to the Agent Orange presumptive- notice when we complete our review. If you
conditions list. have been previously denied for one of these
Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange conditions, VA encourages you to submit a new
may now qualify for benefits for bladder cancer, claim. For more information about VA benefits
hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism, or Parkinson- and eligibility, or how to file a claim, Veterans
like symptoms. Veterans and survivors are and survivors can visit www.VA.gov or call
encouraged to submit claims. Veterans and toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. If you would like
their survivors, who previously filed and were more information about the Airborne Hazards
denied benefits for one of these new presumptive and Open Burn Pit Registry, you can read
conditions, will have their cases automatically more at https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/
reviewed without the need to refile a claim. VA will AHBurnPitRegistry/#page/home.
send letters to impacted Veterans and survivors.
20 21Community Partner Donations
Community Partner Donations
Alabama State Employees' Credit Union donated a variety of snacks for CAVHCS staff. While our VFW Post 1349, Sr. Vice Commander Ron Eggler, Commander Mike Dodge and Lifetime Member
team is working hard to take care of Veterans, it is wonderful to get support from our community. Linda Eggler, donated donuts and patriotic pins for Veterans and staff. We thank our Veterans
Thank you ASE Credit Union! Service Organizations who work tirelessly to support Veterans and CAVHCS.
CAVHCS leadership accepts a generous donation of 50,000 pairs of socks from Humana and Thank you to Saint James School of Montgomery, Alabama, for your very thoughtful Veterans
22 Veterans Care Charity. Thank you for your very thoughtful donation for our Veterans. Day Cards for our Veterans. 23You can also read
