Veterans Advantage Newsletter

T H E W E L L N E S S M A G A Z I N E

F O R N E W Y O R K / N E W J E R S E Y V E T E R A N S

W I N T E R 2 0 0 4

AV D V A N T A G EAVE T E R A N S ’

6 Get vaccinated! It’s key to avoiding the flu

3 Healing the emotional scars of breast cancer

7 New VA websiteteaches youth aboutAmerica’s heroes

One of our most visible opportunities is to make a positive first impressionon the young men and women returning to our shores from Afghanistanand Iraq. They are the vanguard of the new generation of veterans who

will define the twenty-first century—for us and for America.In our VA network and across the VA system, we have identified coordinators

to reach out and assist these young men and women who find themselves in needof VA healthcare and benefits. Every VA employee has been made aware of thisspecial duty we have to these newest veterans.

Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, reiterated this commitmentin a recent speech to all VA employees:

“I have been to the army and navy medical centers at Walter Reed andBethesda and talked with many of these soldiers and marines. Many of them areseverely wounded. If it weren’t for modern body armor and dramatic improve-ments in battlefield medicine, they would be dead. But they return to us withamputated limbs and severe head injuries. Their stories will melt your heart. Their courage will inspire you for life. I am grateful that Providence still blessesour nation with young men and women made of the same strong fiber that sus-tained the troops at Valley Forge and pioneered the settling of a great nation. Iknow that you share my commitment to them. And I am confident that youunderstand that a young man or woman who turns to us after returning from battle defines our core mission.”

We are proud of all veterans who enter a VA medical center or clinic—proud of their service, proud of their heroism, proud of their love for this nation. Ournewest veterans deserve nothing less than the best a grateful nation has to offer.

See page 7 of this issue for a listing of returning veterans coordinators at eachmedical center in the VA New York/New Jersey Healthcare Network.

We’r e j u s t a p h o n e c a l l a w a y

Veterans, do you need information about medication dosages

or prescription interactions, or do you have questions about

your general health? Day or night, get answers to all your

healthcare questions by calling the VA Nurses Helpline,

24 hours a day, at 1-800-877-6976.

James J. Farsetta, FACHE

Network Director

http://www.va.gov/visns/visn03

Reaching out to America’s newest veterans

Editor: Gerald Culliton

Joseph Sledge, Northport VA

John Mazzulla, NY Harbor HCS

Peter Juliano, NY Harbor HCS

Al Hong, Bronx VA

Sandra Warren, NJ HCS

Nancy Winter, Hudson Valley VA

Breast cancer survival involvesmore than follow-up chemo-therapy and watching the

surgical incisions heal. Even afteroncologists reassure survivors thattheir prognosis is excellent, manywomen feel more vulnerable thanever. Following treatment, manywomen wonder, “How did thishappen, and what can I do so itdoesn’t come back again?”

The challenge of adjustment

Fact is, life’s never the same aftera woman survives breast cancer.While her victory gives her a prover-bial new lease on life, it transformsher into a different person, too.Many breast cancer survivors travelthe same road in the months afteracute medical treatment ends.Emotional conflicts include:

• A damaged self-image.However, new reconstructivesurgeries recreate natural, com-fortable breasts for women whorequire a mastectomy. Breastreconstruction is often completedduring the same surgery as mas-tectomy, and many women reportfeeling they “never lost a breast.”

• Self-blame. Many women ask,“What did I do to cause this?”

• A feeling of betrayal. Manywomen feel betrayed by the bodythey took care of and nurtured.

• Disillusionment. Susan Spector,M.S., R.D., C.D.N., Clinical

take care of our whole bodiesand our lives,” says Spector.

Mary Williams, program assis-tant in the VA Police at Bronx VAand a breast cancer survivor, says,“I feel as beautiful today as in thepast, perhaps even more so, becauseI have overcome cancer.”

Breast cancer survivors may consult organizations such as theAmerican Cancer Society, SHARE(self-help for women with breast orovarian cancer) and Latina SHARE,as well as support groups that helpsurvivors rejoin life. Survivorsshould also discuss follow-up andtherapy with their VA providers.

Emotional healing helps sur-vivors achieve a more fulfillinglife and greater inner strength inwhich they can accept any chal-lenge—especially to enjoy theirsecond chance. Talk to your VAprimary care physician or VAmental health provider for addi-tional information. ■

Nutrition Coordinator/DieteticInternship Director at Bronx VAMedical Center, is a five-year sur-vivor of breast cancer who recallsfeeling betrayed by her good healthhabits. Although she’s a nutritionistand healthcare professional, she feltignorant about the risk factors andprevention of breast cancer.

• Weight gain. VA doctorsreport it’s the extra weight manywomen gain from treatment thatdisturbs them most.

Rediscovering ‘normal’

Left untreated, the pain andemotional conflicts surroundingbreast cancer prevent completerecovery. Fortunately, a wide rangeof resources are available to helpsurvivors target and overcometheir emotional issues. Spectornow counsels VA breast cancersurvivors on nutrition, helpingthem transform guilt to empower-ment. “We need to nurture and

W I N T E R 2 0 0 3 • 3V E T E R A N S ’ A D V A N T A G E

Healing the emotional scars of breast cancer

CONTRIBUTIONS BY SUSANSPECTOR, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.,BRONX VA MEDICAL CENTER

Each year more than 20,000people in the United Statesdie from the flu. Most are

over 65 years old. Yet, you canavoid the flu by getting vaccinated.

What you need to know about

the flu and vaccination

The flu, also called influenza,is caused by a virus and is highlycontagious (easy to catch). Itusually affects the respiratorysystem, causing fever, a cough, a sore throat and extreme tired-ness. The flu lasts for about aweek and can be a very serious

cause the flu. About one quarterof people who get the vaccinehave a sore arm for a day or twoafter the shot—a small price topay for protection.

Who should get vaccinated

Physicians strongly recommendyou receive a flu shot each year ifany one of the following is true:

• you are 50 years old or older• you have heart disease, lung

disease (such as emphysema orasthma) or diabetes

• you see a doctor for anotherserious medical condition

• you live in a nursing home• you are an adult who lives

with a person who has a seriousmedical condition

• you are an adult who wishesto avoid an influenza illness

• you are a healthcare workeror have frequent contact with ahigh-risk person

Do not get the flu shot if youhave had a severe allergic reac-tion to one in the past or if youare allergic to eggs or thimerosal(a mercury derivative used in con-tact lens solution). Also, checkwith your doctor before getting a flu shot if you are pregnant orplan to become pregnant in the

next three months, or if youhave ever been paralyzed

by Guillain-Barre syndrome.

If you haven’t had a flu shot thisyear, consider con-

tacting your health-care provider for an

appointment. And if youdo come down with the flu,

see your VA healthcare providerto prevent your condition fromworsening. ■

illness, especially for older peoplewho have other health problems.

More people die from the flu than any othervaccine-preventabledisease. To protectyourself, get a flushot each fall. Theflu shot is veryeffective. While itdoesn’t prevent regu-lar colds, it can preventthe flu.

Rest assured that today’s vac-cine is safe. The virus given inthe vaccine is dead, so it cannot

6 • W I N T E R 2 0 0 3V E T E R A N S ’ A D V A N T A G E http://www.va.gov/visns/visn03

Get vaccinated!It’s key to avoiding the flu

A flu shot

can help

you enjoy

a healthier

winter.


OPERATION

IRAQI FREEDOM—ENDURING FREEDOM

ENDURING AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS

VA CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH HEALTH CARE AND BENEFITS

ASSISTANCE IF YOU HAVE SERVED IN A RECENT THEATER

OF COMBAT OPERATIONS.

If you are a recently discharged veteran with service in a theater of

combat operations, VA can provide you free medical care for two

years from your discharge from active duty for conditions possibly

related to your service, regardless of your income status.

Bronx VAMCCarol Allen, M.D.(718) 584-9000, ext. 3777

Mr. Mark Benson, L.C.S.W.(718) 584-9000, ext. 5223

Hudson Valley VAMCTrudy O’Dell(914) 737-4400, ext. 2413

Northport VAMCThomas E. Ross, Sr.(631) 261-4400, ext. 7037 or7039

New Jersey VAMCMichelle Stefanelli, M.S.W.(973) 676-1000, ext. 1727

New York Harbor VAMCManhattan CampusRobert S. Greene, M.S.W.(212) 951-5422

Brooklyn CampusMichelle Woodward(718) 630-2965

St. Albans CampusDennis Farley(718) 526-1000, ext. 8655

“To care for him who shall have borne thebattle and for his widow, and his orphan,”

President Abraham Lincoln

Department ofVeterans Affairs

lthough the September 11terrorist attacks profoundly

impacted Americans, their effect onmental health service utilizationremains unclear.

Mental health researchers E. Weissman, M. Kushner, D. Davis and S. Marcus—from theNew York/New Jersey HealthcareSystem—used aggregate data onservice utilization and found thenumber of veterans treated forpost-traumatic stress disorder inthe New York metropolitan regionVA facilities increased significantlyfollowing the attacks. The increasewas most evident in the thirdquarter after 9/11—consistentwith trauma research that showssymptoms often do not occur until months or even years aftera traumatic event.

These results conflict with studiesconducted outside of VISN 3, whichdetected no change in mental healthservice utilization after the 9/11attacks. In an article printed in the Psychiatric Services December2003 edition by the Journal of theAmerican Psychiatric Association,the researchers identify several vari-ables that could have contributed to their results. Yet, the study’s outcome shows that clinicians andadministrators need to ensure thatpatients who suffer from traumaticevents receive proper care. ■

The VA New York/New Jersey HealthCare System has created “VA Kids”—a

Web page for children and young adults tobecome more aware of what VA is andwhom it serves. Kids can go to the site foractivities and information relating to patrio-tism and history of veterans and VA. The sitealso offers a teachers’ section with suggestedclassroom tips.

Visit www.va.gov/visns/visn03/ to seewhat the kids are learning about your valuablecontributions to America.

New VA website teaches youthabout America’s heroes

Study reveals

9/11 impact

A


Welcoming home ourreturning veterans

s the joyous holidayseason draws near,

I would like to wish allveterans, employees andtheir families a happy hol-iday season and a happy,healthy new year.

I want to take thisopportunity to remind you that you shouldget your annual flu and pneumonia vac-cines if you haven’t done so already, espe-cially if you are over 65. Your long-termprospects for good health depend on suchpreventive measures. See your primary careprovider here at the Bronx VA MedicalCenter or at one of our easily accessibleCommunity-Based Outpatient Clinics.

Other news: You may be aware that theBronx VA Medical Center was reviewed bythe Joint Commission on Accreditation ofHealthcare Organizations (JCAHO) lastOctober. The JCAHO reviewed our prac-tices, procedures and policies against thehighest state-of-the-art standards of care.We prepared diligently for many monthsbefore this visit, seeing this as an opportu-nity to self-assess our individual areas andto continue to take measures to ensure ourveterans receive the best possible care.

I am pleased to report to all our stake-holders that JCAHO has judged us to beamong the very best healthcare providersin the nation.

I am grateful to our employees and theBronx VA family members for this proudand remarkable achievement. We havepromised our veterans the highest level ofcompassionate care, and I’m pleased thatthe JCAHO agrees the Bronx VA is deliver-ing that promise.

Sincerely, Maryann MusumeciBronx VAMC Director

Greetings from thedirector, Bronx VAMC

In the past few months, anincreasing number of veter-ans returning from combat

zones in the Middle East havecome to our facility for help.We proudly provide these med-ical services to these braveAmericans.

We have developed a pro-gram to help these veteransmake the transition from activeduty to active civilian life: The Welcome Home VeteranProgram. As soon as a staffmember becomes aware thatthe person with whom they areworking is a recent returneefrom a Southwest Asia opera-tions area (Iraq, Kuwait orAfghanistan), he or she notifiesour official Medical CenterPoint of Contact (POC) forrecent returnees.

Secretary of Veterans AffairsAnthony J. Principi has made itclear that we are to give thesereturnees every possible con-sideration and help make theirtransition to VA healthcare andother services “seamless.” OurMedical Center POC communi-cates with the Veterans BenefitAdministration and other VAentities who are part of theSecretary’s Seamless TransitionPlan.

It is our privilege to servethese veterans and make themas comfortable as possible. If you are a recent combatreturnee interested in seekingbenefits from the Departmentof Veterans Affairs, contact Dr. Carol Allen at (718) 584-9000, ext. 3777, at the BronxVA Medical Center. ■

BY JIM CONNELL, PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

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Maryann MusumeciBronx VAMC Director

t the Bronx VA MedicalCenter, we continually striveto provide better healthcare

services to our veterans. Our recentmovement toward Advanced Accesshelps us accomplish this mission.

The word access refers to health-care provider availability—in otherwords, how easily you can get anappointment. Advanced Accesshelps improve your wait time, mak-ing sure you get the right care, inthe right place, at the right time.

How does Advanced Access

benefit you?

We know from patient satisfac-tion surveys that many of youhave difficulty getting appoint-ments when you need them. Some

knows he or she needs to seeyou, he or she should encourageyou to call for an appointment.In turn, if you feel you need to

be seen immediately, call yourprimary care provider and

speak with the triagenurse. The triage nursewill work to get youan appointment assoon as possible.

Advanced Access has been shown to work

very effectively, significantlyreducing wait times for appoint-ments. But it will take some effortto shift from a “walk-in” to a“call-in” mentality. Help us achievethat goal so we can best meet yourand your fellow veterans’ needs. ■

of you have had to wait weeks,even months, for one.

Each practice will develop itsown plan to improve patientaccess, but in short, if youneed to see a doctoryou can call for anappointment andreceive one quick-ly. For follow-upappointments, you’ll receive a general timeframe.

How can you help make

the initiative successful?

You and your primary careprovider must work together tomake Advanced Access success-ful. If your primary care provider


See your doctor fasterwith Advanced Access

BY SARAH GARRISON, M.D., PRACTICE CHIEF, AND ERIC LANGHOFF, M.D. PH.D., CHIEF OF STAFF

AAdvanced

Access helps get

and keep you on

track to good

health—quickly.

The mad rush begins inSeptember when storesbreak out the holiday deco-

rations and goodies. Traditionally,we associate the holiday seasonwith times of good cheer and fami-ly togetherness. But the reality isthe holidays create stress for manypeople, causing physical and emo-tional difficulties that often exacer-bate depression symptoms, anxiety and post-traumaticstress disorder.

The holidays not only wors-en symptoms in people whoalready have psychiatric prob-lems but also affect those whogenerally feel happy during thistime of year.

Know the symptoms

Signs of depression include:• an overwhelming feeling

caused by commitments • frequent headaches• a loss of interest in activities

unrealistic expectations, such asgift spending and family issues.Loneliness, financial worries,grief, distance from loved ones,poor physical health and the lackof light can also play a role.

Holidays can also trigger sadmemories. For many veterans,the season reminds them of holi-days spent away from their fami-lies. Facing the holidays can alsobe challenging to those who havelost loved ones.

Choose to enjoy

What can you do to preventfeeling depressed during the holi-days? First, lower your expecta-tions to prevent disappointment.

Then, make a plan as to howyou will spend the holidays.

Choose what traditionsyou want to observe andeven start new ones ifyou like. If you start to

feel depressed, don’t dwellon it. Instead, discover joy

in interacting with others. Visit anursing home, sing carols or helpthe needy. Also minimize alcoholconsumption—a dangerous reac-tion to depression—and do what

you can to reduce stress.Don’t be afraid to

get professional help,particularly if you aresuffering from extremedepression. Seekinghelp is not a sign ofweakness; it’s a sign of strength. Depressionoften responds well totreatment. To speakwith a mental healthprofessional at VAHudson Valley HealthCare System, call (914)737-4400, ext. 2330. ■

• a poor appetite• a poor energy level• irritability • difficulty sleepingIn severe cases, some

people may contemplate suicide.

Understand the causes

Many factors can cause holi-day depression. A key one is


BY MARIA L.A. TIAMSON, M.D.

Maria Tiamson, M.D., psychiatrist at VA Hudson Valley Health CareSystem, helps patients cope with a variety of mental health concerns.

Here’s some good news ifyou are one of the manyAmericans who suffers

from diabetes: You can control itand feel better with proper diet,regular exercise and weightmaintenance.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes, the seventh leadingcause of death in the UnitedStates, occurs when glucose, orblood sugar, piles up in the blood-stream. Here’s what happenswhen we eat: The food we con-sume turns into sugar and mixeswith insulin that the pancreasproduces. The food then entersthe cells and gives us energy.Without enough insulin, all thesugar can’t enter the cells, andsome remains in the bloodstream.This leads to diabetes.

You may have heard of twotypes of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 results when thepancreas doesn’t produce enoughinsulin. In type 2, the body resistsits own insulin.

How does diabetes

affect the body?

Long-term complications arisewhen sugar roams around thebloodstream, causing wear andtear on the vessels. The vesselsstart to close, which means thebody parts don’t get sufficientoxygen or nutrition. As a result,the body begins to shut down.

Complications can affect everyorgan of the body since sugar

healthcare provider will workclosely with you to establish theright diet and exercise plan so youcan pursue a long, healthful life.

Patients who would like addi-tional information should contactSu-Anne White, R.N., C.D.E., at(845) 831-2000, ext. 5800. ■

resides everywhere in the blood.The most common complication isneuropathy—when tiny vesselsclose, preventing the nerves fromgetting proper oxygen or nutrition.This in turn causes nerve damagethat affects the hands, legs and feet.If you have diabetes, your health-care provider can help you saveyour feet by teaching you how topractice good foot care.

Diabetes can also affect yourheart. Men who have diabetes andare overweight have a 100 percentchance of developing heart disease;women, a 99 percent chance.Other complications include diarrhea or constipation, whichoccurs when diabetes affects thestomach. Blindness can occur, too,if the condition affects the eyes.And diabetes is the number onecause of kidney disease.

Knowing the facts about dia-betes and taking steps to controlyour blood sugar will help youmanage the condition. Your

Understanding diabetes


Su-Anne White, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator at VA Hudson Valley Health CareSystem, teaches classes to help patients manage diabetes.

BY SU-ANNE R. WHITE, R.N., C.D.E.

East Orange Campuses as well asthe Community-Based OutpatientClinics. You do not need anappointment to get the flu shot atthese sites.

Lyons Campus Flu Walk-In Clinic

• Building 4, basement• Weekdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

East Orange Campus Flu

Walk-In Clinic

• A Level• Weekdays, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Community-Based

Outpatient Clinics

Brick: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1–4 p.m.

Elizabeth: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1–4 p.m.

Fort Monmouth: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2–3:30 p.m.

Hackensack: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1–4 p.m.

Jersey City: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1–4 p.m.

Morris: Mondays and Fridays, 1–4 p.m.

New Brunswick: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1–4 p.m.

Newark: Tuesdays, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.Trenton: Tuesdays and

Wednesdays, 1–4 p.m.Remember, good health

practices include a yearly review of your health. If you wish toschedule a physical exam, callyour primary care clinician orcall 1 (800) 315-7909. ■

The Centers for DiseaseControl (CDC) and theVA New Jersey Health

Care System (VANJHCS) physi-cians strongly recommend thatyou receive a flu shot each yearto stay well.

If you are due to see your pri-mary care provider anytimethrough January 2004, you canreceive the vaccine at the time ofyour visit.

For all other veterans, visit aspecial walk-in flu vaccinationclinic, available at the Lyons and


The VA New JerseyHealth Care System canhelp you fight the flu

Our latest results from the Joint Commission onAccreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

Survey continue to reflect on our remarkable group of dedicated employees at the VA New Jersey Health Care System.

Every three years, we go through the JCAHO Survey process. Thisyear, our preliminary scores for our areas included 97 for theBehavioral Health Program, 97 for the Opiate Treatment Program, 94 for the Hospital Accreditation Program, 93 for the Long-Term CareProgram and 93 for the Home Care Program.

These high marks compliment our organization and every employeewho takes pride in making certain that we meet our mission every day:to provide quality, compassionate and accessible services to veteranswhile achieving excellence in health care, education and research.

The surveyors also noted our staff’s generous hospitality and spokewith many veterans who praised the health care services they receivedfrom both clinical and administrative employees.

We seek accreditation for our organization to prove our commitment toquality and excellence in comparison both within VA and in the privatehealth care community. It is our veterans to whom we dedicate this highlevel of achievement, and we look forward to continuing in this effort. ■

—Kenneth H. Mizrach, Director, VANJHCS

4 • W I N T E R 2 0 0 3V E T E R A N S ’ A D V A N T A G E

Joint Commission acknowledges ourcommitment to quality health care

The Fort MonmouthCommunity-BasedOutpatient Clinic (CBOC)

opened on July 21 with a celebra-tory ribbon-cutting ceremony.Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, gave thekeynote address.

The new clinic offers youmany benefits:

• The CBOC has an annualbudget of $1.735 million, withan additional $250,000 allocatedfor start-up costs.

• The CBOC has 11 full-timepersonnel, including two full-time M.D.’s and one full-timenurse practitioner.

• The CBOC encompasses6,200 square feet on the third-floor wing of the FortMonmouth Patterson ArmyHealth Clinic.

• The CBOC operatesMonday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

• The CBOC is expected toaccommodate about 10,000patients in its first year.

• Half of the CBOC’s expectedpatients will be new to VA healthcare and half will come from theOcean County Brick Clinic or theEast Orange VA Medical Center.

• The CBOC provides primarymedical care, mental health, nutri-tional and social work services.

• Additional services and specialty care are provided by theEast Orange VAMC or throughfuture sharing agreements withthe Patterson Army HealthClinic.

• Future sharing agreementswith the Patterson Army Health Clinic could include lab, radiology


and limited specialty services, suchas audiology, orthopedics or men-tal health.

You can locate the CBOC inthe Patterson Army Health Clinic,Building 1075, StephensonAvenue, Fort Monmouth, NewJersey 07703. For more informa-tion or to make an appointment,call (732) 532-4500. ■

nthony J. Principi, Secretary ofVeterans Affairs, recently

issued commemorative pins toemployees in VA Central Office whoare members of the Reserves orNational Guard. The pins honorindividuals who were activated orwere ready to be activated to serve inthe Middle East. Secretary Principisigned the back of each pin.

Veterans Health Administrationpurchased the commemorative pinsbased on Department of Defense(DoD) information that lists VA staff

who are members of the Reserve orGuard and retirees who are subject to reactivation.

On September 29, more than 80 employees from the VA NewJersey Health Care System were hon-ored in a special Commemorative PinCeremony at the East OrangeCampus. James J. Farsetta, NetworkDirector for VISN 3, and Kenneth H.Mizrach, Director of the VANJHCS,presented pins to our staff members,recognizing their service to ournation. ■

Pin ceremony honors servicemembers

Left to right: James J. Farsetta, Network Director,VISN 3; Kenneth H. Mizrach, Director, VANJHCS;Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs;Christopher H. Smith, Congressman, 4th District,N.J.; Frank Pallone Jr., Congressman, 6th District,N.J.; Rush Holt, Congressman, 12th District, N.J.(partially hidden);Theodore Narozanick,Monmouth County Freeholder; and Kevin Kiley,Major General, Commander General, NorthAtlantic Regional Medical Command, help cele-brate the Fort Monmouth CBOC’s opening.

New Monmouth CBOC opens

A

One of the major questionspatients ask is, “Whatwill happen when I am

ready to leave the hospital?”Northport VA Medical Centercaregivers understand veterans’concerns and want to help themachieve the highest level of recov-ery possible. We encourage veter-ans and their families—as partnersin continuing care—to ask ques-tions about medical conditions,treatments and needs that mayarise following discharge.

Why is it important to plan

for discharge?

Patients recover faster whenthey know what will happen tothem—from the time of admis-

address the total care needs of the patients.

How does each team member

help patients?

As the coordinator of veterans’discharge plans, the social workerassists patients with social, emo-tional, family and financial prob-lems related to illness and referspatients and their families tocommunity agencies if needed.VA social workers have profes-sional training and knowledgeabout community services as wellas alternative-living situations.They can help patients obtainthese services and also addressany financial concerns they mayhave.

sion, through discharge, to theirreturn home. And, patients andfamily members feel reassuredwhen they know how needs willbe met as they move from onelevel of care to another.

It’s never too early to beginthinking about hospital discharge.Advanced planning lets patientsthink about and adjust to changesthat may become necessary fol-lowing illness. It also helps themmake informed decisions andinvolves those closest to them.

An interdisciplinary group ofsocial workers, doctors, nurses,dietitians, pharmacists and otherhealthcare staff help patients planfor discharge. These team mem-bers work closely together to


Preparing for discharge

The VA doctor discussespatients’ illnesses and treatmentplans with them and their familymembers and determines a timeframe for discharge. He or she will:

• decide if patients will need toreturn to the outpatient clinic forfollow-up visits after discharge

• write the discharge orders • explain how patients need to

care for themselves after leavingthe hospital

• provide phone numbers forpatients to call if they have ques-tions after going home

• write prescriptions and sendthem to the pharmacy

The VA nurse teaches patientsto practice as much at-home self-care as possible. If a patientrequires nursing care after dis-charge, the Community HealthNurse Coordinator will:

• discuss home-care serviceswith a home-nursing agency

• review the care plan after hospital discharge, includingmedications and treatments

• provide written informationabout the discharge plan

The VA dietitian teaches patientsabout special diets they need to fol-low after discharge. He or she mayalso refer patients to groups, class-es or the Nutrition Clinic for out-patient follow-up visits.

The VA pharmacist teachespatients how and when to takemedications, what to do if sideeffects occur and what foods,drinks or other medications toavoid.

What if patients need help

after they go home?

The Treatment Team decideswhen patients may go home.Prior to discharge, patientsshould be sure they understandall aspects of their illness, includ-ing self-care, medications, dietand exercise. They should alsoask questions about other health-care concerns and write downfollow-up appointment times.

Patients who have questionsafter they get home should call the VISN 3 toll-free NURSEHELPLINE at 1 (800) 877-6976,available 24 hours a day. ■


Help fellow veterans get around

If you want to make a positive difference in the

lives of fellow veterans, consider becoming a vol-

unteer driver. Northport VA Medical Center volun-

teer drivers use DAV vans to transport outpatients

who have difficulty traveling to and from Northport

VA Medical Center appointments. To volunteer, call

Mary O’Sullivan, Northport VA Voluntary Service

Officer, at (631) 261-4400, ext. 7183 or 7184.Dennis Krulder Jr., Vice Commander of the NYS

Disabled American Veterans and a Vietnam veteran,

now coordinates Northport’s DAV Transportation

Program. Korean War Veteran and faithful DAV/VA

volunteer Raymond Desmond spearheaded the pro-

gram and served, until recently, as its coordinator.

Thanks to the studentswho wrote to expresstheir appreciation to

America’s heroes for Veterans’Day 2003. Below are somesamples that show their heart-felt thanks.

“I am very proud you riskedyour life for our country. Youare very brave and I look up toyou. I am so proud to be anAmerican. I hope you have agreat day!”

—Samantha

“Thank you for serving ourcountry while you were in themilitary. You risked your lifeand left your home. Your patri-otism helped our country.Happy Veterans’ Day!”

—Daniel

“Thanks for putting your lifeon the line for freedom.”

—Tyler

“I am very proud of you.Thank you for defending ourcountry. When I hear ‘TheStar-Spangled Banner’ or ‘God Bless America,’ I think of you. Happy Veterans’ Day!”

—Brooke

Kids reach out to Northport patients

ou mayhave seenrecent news

coverage orheard rumors thatthe VA New York

Harbor Healthcare System’s NewYork Campus is closing and that itsbuildings are being sold.

I want to ensure all of you thatthis is not true. The New YorkCampus is not closing, buildings are not being sold, nor are patients

when it will be. No decisions havebeen made, nor will they be madeuntil all analysis is complete. Pleasekeep in mind that CARES is a20-year VA national strategic plan.

We encourage you to visit theCARES website, www.va.gov/cares,for a national perspective ofCARES.

Our most important mission atVANYHHS is to provide qualityhealthcare to you, our veteranpatients. ■

being transferred to another facility.These rumors have resulted

from the recently published DraftNational CARES Plan, which rec-ommended that an independentstudy be conducted to considermoving all inpatient services to theBrooklyn Campus. Comprehensiveprimary and specialty outpatientservices would remain inManhattan.

This study has not been complet-ed, nor have we been informed as to


John J. Donnellan Jr.,

Director, VA New

York Harbor

Healthcare System

Message from the Director

Y

A New York HarborHealthcare System contin-

ues to show its commitmentto provide quality healthcare to New York City veterans, earn-ing top marks in its recent surveyby the Joint Commission onAccreditation of HealthcareOrganizations (JCAHO) duringthe week of October 29.

JCAHO is the nation’s predomi-nant standards-setting, accreditingbody in healthcare. An independ-ent, not-for-profit organization,

JCAHO evaluates and accreditsnearly 20,000 healthcare organi-zations and programs in the U.S.These include general hospitals,nursing homes, behavioral health-care and home care programs andambulatory care centers.

To earn and maintain accredita-tion, organizations must undergoa comprehensive on-site survey bya Joint Commission survey teamat least every three years.

VANYHHS earned near-perfectto perfect scores in all areas. ■

V

VA New York HarborHealthcare Systemmakes the grade

The New York Campus continues to serve you

A New York HarborHealthcare System aims to

provide the best qualitypharmaceutical care to veter-ans—with safety as its numberone goal. We are pleased to offerimproved services to help protectyour health and keep youinformed:

➤ Each time you pick up a prescription at the window orreceive it by mail, you’ll nowreceive a written medicationinstruction sheet.

➤ Our automated dispensingmachine, OPTIFILL-II, nowcommunicates with the pharmacysection of the hospital’s computerinformation system and printsmedication information witheach prescription filled. Also, asa safety upgrade, OPTIFILL-IInow uses bar-code identifi-cation (similar to scan-ning used at largegrocery storecheckout coun-ters) and digitalphotographytechnology toensure that eachprescription isdouble-checked andfilled correctly.

➤ You can now get pre-scription medication informationfrom CMOP, our prescriptionmailing operation. CMOPincludes the information witheach medication dispensed andmailed to patients.

➤ When requesting refillsusing the Automated Telephone

Refill Request System, 1 (888) 207-2004,

you can now getcomplete medica-tion informationon each pre-scription usinga push-buttontelephone.

➤ You cannow get the latest

information on med-ications, herbal products

and over-the-counter products—as well as answers to generalhealth questions—by visiting aHealth-Point Patient InformationKiosk. You can find one at eachVANYHHS campus. ■

Charles Baptiste, R.Ph., Staff Pharmacist, and Ruby Baena, Pharmacy Technician, oversee pharmacyoperations at the Brooklyn Campus OPTIFILL-II.

Take advantage

of our latest

pharmaceutical

services that

better care for

your health.

Pharmacy upgrades providebetter medication

safety and education

V


10 things you should know about your medication1. the medication’s name 2. the medication’s purpose3. how long you need to take

the medication 4. how to use the medication 5. what side effects you should

expect from taking the medica-tion and when you should expect those effects to occur

6. what to do if you experience side effects

7. what to do if you miss a dose8. the significant interactions that

could occur (for example, mixingdrug and herbal products) and how to avoid them

9. any special precau-tions you may needto know

10. proper storage anddisposal of unused medication

NY/NJ Veterans Integrated ServiceNetwork 3130 W. Kingsbridge RoadVISN OfficeBronx, NY 10468


PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

LEBANON JUNCTION, KY

PERMIT NO. 19

BronxMedical Center:

130 West Kingsbridge RoadBronx, NY 10468(718) 584-9000

Community Clinics:23 South Broadway

White Plains, NY 10601(914) 421-1951

124 New Main StreetYonkers, NY 10701

(914) 375-8055

41-03 Queens BoulevardSunnyside, NY 11104

(718) 741-4800

953 Southern BoulevardBronx, NY 10459(718) 741-4900

VA NY Harbor Health Care System

Medical Centers:Brooklyn Campus

800 Poly PlaceBrooklyn, NY 11209

(718) 836-6600

New York Campus423 East 23rd Street

New York, NY 10010(212) 686-7500

VA Primary and Extended Care Center179th Street & Linden Boulevard

St. Albans, NY 11425(718) 526-1000

Community Clinics:40 Flatbush Extension—8th Floor

Brooklyn, NY 11201(718) 439-4300

21 Water StreetStaten Island, NY 10304

(718) 630-3550

55 West 125th Street—11th FloorNew York, NY 10027

(212) 828-5265

245 West Houston StreetNew York, NY 10014

(212) 337-2569

1413 Fulton StreetBrooklyn, NY 11216

(718) 636-4500

VA New Jersey Health Care System

Medical Centers:East Orange Campus385 Tremont Avenue

East Orange, NJ 07018-1095(973) 676-1000

Lyons Campus151 Knollcroft Road

Lyons, NJ 07939(908) 647-0180

Community Clinics:970 Route 70

Brick, NJ 08724(732) 206-8900

654 East Jersey Street—Suite 2AElizabeth, NJ 07206

(908) 994-0120

171 Jersey Street—Building 36Trenton, NJ 08611-2425

(609) 989-2355

385 Prospect AvenueHackensack, NJ 07601

(201) 487-1390

115 Christopher Columbus DriveJersey City, NJ 07302

(201) 435-3055

317 George StreetNew Brunswick, NJ 08901

(732) 729-0646

540 West Hanover AvenueMorris Plains, NJ 07950

(973) 539-9791(973) 539-9794

20 Washington PlaceNewark, NJ 07102

(973) 645-1441

Patterson Army Health ClinicStephenson Avenue—Building 1075

Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703(732) 532-4500

VA Hudson Valley Health Care System

Medical Centers:Montrose Campus

Route 9A/P.O. Box 100Montrose, NY 10548-0100

(914) 737-4400

Castle Point CampusCastle Point, NY 12511

(845) 831-2000

Community Clinics:275 Broadway

Monticello, NY 12601(845) 791-4936

150 Pike StreetPort Jervis, NY 12771

(845) 856-5396

20 Squadron BoulevardNew City, NY 10970

(845) 634-8942

110 Crystal Run RoadMiddletown, NY 10949

(845) 692-0551

488 Freedom Plains RoadPoughkeepsie, NY 12603

(845) 452-5151

1875 Route 6Warwick Savings Bank—2nd Floor

Carmel, NY 10512(845) 228-5291

VA Mobile Clinic(845) 452-5151

Northport (Long Island)Medical Center:

79 Middleville RoadNorthport, NY 11768

(631) 261-4400

Mental Health Clinics:235 Merrick Road

Lynbrook, NY 11563(516) 887-3666 (Mon. & Thurs. only)

98 Hubbard AvenueRiverhead, NY 11901

(631) 727-7171 (Thurs. only)

560 N. Delaware AvenueLindenhurst, NY 11757

(631) 884-1133 (Tues. only)

39 Nassau AvenueIslip, NY 11751

(631) 581-5330 (Wed. only)

4 Phyllis DrivePatchogue, NY 11772

(631) 475-6610 (Tues. & Fri. only)

Mt. Sinai Community CenterNorth Country RoadMt. Sinai, NY 11766

(631) 473-4068 (Mon. only)

1425 Old Country RoadPlainview, NY 11803

(516) 572-8567 (Tues., Wed. & Fri. only)

Primary Care Component:4 Phyllis Drive

Patchogue, NY 11772(631) 758-4419

(Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. only)

1425 Old Country RoadPlainview, NY 11803

(516) 694-6008 (Mon.–Fri.)

Westhampton Air Base(by appointment only)

150 Old Riverhead RoadWesthampton, NY 11978

Where Y O U C A NF I N D U S — A N Y T I M E

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