In an effort to increase enrollments for VA services, the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center held a town hall at the American Legion in Poplar Bluff on Wednesday afternoon.
“I know that we have a lot of veterans in this area, and we really need to encourage them to enroll for VA services,” said Veterans Integrated Service Network 15 Director Patricia Hall. “If you are eligible for VA benefits, you should enroll for yourself and for your family.”
Hall is the former director of John J. Pershing, and she stressed the importance of all veterans obtaining the services they are eligible for.
“When you enroll, you actually help your local VA receive more funding for future enrollees,” she explained. “So you aren’t just helping yourself, you’re also helping other veterans.”
Interim Medical Center Director James Warren expressed to everyone that they have earned their access.
“We’re focused on making sure that our veterans receive all the benefits that they have earned,” Warren stated. “We’re dedicated to upholding the highest standards for vets.”
Warren noted that he is a veteran of the U.S. Army and said it was an honor to serve with his fellow veterans.
There were multiple tables set up to inform veterans of different benefits that they might consider exploring. One such new area is related to the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) act, which was recently extended by Congress to address health problems that may have been sustained during military service — specifically conditions related to exposure of different chemicals.
Enrollment coordinator Josh Phelps explained that there are numerous factors to be considered, such as where and when a person was stationed, what chemicals they may have been exposed to, occupational hazards, and more.
One of the other presenters, James Collins, is the My Health-e Vet coordinator and informed those in attendance about how they can access their information online.
“Using My Health-e Vet, you can access your medical records 24/7,” Collins explained. “And you can also refill medications. It is your portal to manage your care completely.”
Collins went on to explain that registration for the program takes only a few minutes and is a valuable tool for a veteran to manage their care.
Whole Health Program Manager Rebecca Hartwell explained how the VA has progressed to incorporate other forms of care, including more holistic approaches.
“Essentially, the VA looked at the level of care and asked ‘what are we doing right’?” she explained. “We went from asking ‘what’s the matter with you’ to asking ‘what matters to you.’”
This new, broad approach includes acupuncture, biofeedback, meditation, massage, and even clinical hypnosis, tai chi and yoga.
“We want you to feel right at home with the VA,” said Chief of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Lacey McClintock. “What makes the VA special? We know veterans here. We understand veterans needs.”
McClintock read compliments that had been given locally, and she noted that the VA has seen an increase to 94.2% in its confidence and trust rating.