The North Chicago Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Division 12 of the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 12) today announced that they have introduced a new program, the VetAdvisor Support Program, to support Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) returnees. This program includes outreach to OIF/OEF veterans enrolled in VISN 12 Medical Centers and is supported by a contracted team of clinicians from Three Wire Systems and their partner MHN.
The VetAdvisor Support program is designed to assist veterans in obtaining VA health care and to offer them an opportunity to receive answers to any questions they may have. The program is staffed with licensed clinical care coaches. Using VA-approved screening protocols for military and civilian personnel, these coaches phone veterans to offer them an opportunity to be screened for health conditions that can be associated with serving in combat. The screenings have been developed to enable the Care Coach to gather necessary information about the veteran's military experience that may have an impact on the veteran's reintegration into civilian life.
Veterans who consent to enroll in a longer follow-up program with a Care Coach can receive program services for up to 16 months. This follow-up is designed to guide them in accomplishing their goals for productive reintegration into their civilian lives and includes access to vital VA resources.
The VetAdvisor Support Program was piloted by the North Chicago VA Medical Center in November 2007, and may be implemented VISN-wide in 2008. The program involves an introductory letter to all veterans, followed by outbound outreach telephone calls extending a warm welcome home and gesture of appreciation for their service on behalf of our country.
Our men and women have endured real challenges on and off the battle fields of Iraq and Afghanistan. They need our support, now more than ever, when they return to civilian life. The return can be difficult and the VetAdvisor Support Program will be there to help bridge the transition, says Steve Sell, MHN president. He adds, This program will help our vets access the care they need. We're pleased to begin serving those who have served us so well.
VISN 12 includes Jesse Brown VA Health Care System; Hines VA Hospital; North Chicago VAMC; Milwaukee VAMC; Madison VA Hospital; Tomah VAMC; and Iron Mountain VAMC. These facilities compose a regional health care system that provides a full spectrum of health care to veterans.
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