Veterans' Health

Some facts about Virginia's Veterans:

• Both Veterans and their heathcare providers have limited knowledge of what services and resources exist for Veterans
• Virginia does not have a “One Stop Shop” or comprehensive statewide veterans resource guide for healthcare, creating frustration and confusion for veterans and their families.
• 1/3 of Veterans may be affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression or traumatic brain injury (TBI). 
• Health-care providers need to be more “culturally competent” to understand and treat mental health and brain conditions
• Stigma still exists in the minds of veterans about asking for help with psychological issues.
• Rural Veterans have a more difficult time finding mental health providers than other people in rural Virginia; a small number of providers accept Tricare.
• A lack of evening/weekend hours at VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics limit access to providers
• Virginia’s high and growing rate of female Veterans pose extra challenges in terms of service deficits and needed system changes.

Virginia has 800,000 Veterans, the highest ratio of any state. Nationwide 41% of Veterans live in rural areas. How can we make sure that our rural heroes receive the level of care they deserve? What policy changes need to be made to to overcome service gaps and barriers?

Get your seat at the table! Serve those who served our country by attending the Veterans' Health discussion.

Moderator: Janice Wilkins

Panelists:

Michael Rindorf
Regional Director
Western Virginia Wounded Warrior Program

Harold Kudler
Clinical Lead
Veterans Administration VISN 6 Rural Health Initiative

Day 1 - defining the issues

On the first day, participants had the opportunity to hear a panel discussion on each topic, but the focus was on sharing of information ideas and concerns.  They panelists only had a few minutes to speak, and then the participants were lead in a facilitated discussion to help them identify the top two issues on each topic. 

Day 2- finding solutions

While the first day identified issues, the second day was all about finding solutions.   Each of the top issues from the previous day was given its own discussion table.  Participants were asked to rotate between tables and asked a series of questions so that the issues may be considered from a variety of perspectives which would lead to constructive solutions.