IRON MOUNTAIN – May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Now more than ever, the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center is committed to providing high-quality mental health care while keeping Veterans safe from exposure to the coronavirus.
To help reduce the risk of infection at the facility, the Iron Mountain-based VA medical center asks that Veterans use VA’s online resources for routine or non-urgent mental health care and questions. This will help protect Veterans from contracting COVID-19 while enabling providers to focus on care for Veterans with the most acute needs.
“Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures and out of concern for our Veterans, we are honoring current physical distancing guidelines,” said James Rice, Medical Center Director. “Through VA’s virtual care tools, we are able to leverage available technology to make sure that our patients continue to get their care they need while keeping them and our staff are as safe as possible during this time.”
Here are some examples:
Telephone or Video Appointments – Veterans should maintain their existing mental health appointments — and may receive care at home — using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or tablets. To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their health care provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. Veterans can learn more about VA Video Connect at mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.
Prescription Refills – Veterans should continue taking all medications as prescribed and talk to their mental health provider if they have any concerns. Veterans may request prescription refills and order shipments of medications to their homes using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app, which can be downloaded at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill. Veterans may also call the automated refill line 24/7 at (800) 805-1870. VA’s Safe Home Environment handout provides information on safely storing medications in the home.
Mental Health Information and Resources – VA provides information on ways for Veterans and their families to maintain and enhance their mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak. Information about managing stress and anxiety, as well as mental health resources, are available at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus/resources.
Daily Call-in Support Group for Veterans – the Oscar G Johnson VA Medical Center offers a daily call-in support group from 1 to 2 p.m. CST Monday through Friday to give veterans an opportunity to gain support and stay connected during this unprecedented time. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to participate. Veterans can participate by calling 1-800-767-1750 and entering the code 56125# when prompted.
Mindfulness Meditation Sessions – The VA medical center’s Whole Health Department is offering virtual one-on-one mindfulness meditation sessions. These 30-minute sessions will help Veterans learn posture positioning, breathing patterns, and mindset. To schedule a session Veterans can call 906-774-3300, extension 34793.
#LiveWholeHealth Self-Care Resources for Veterans- The VA’s #LiveWholeHealth blog series highlights self-care resources—such as video sessions for yoga or meditation—that Veterans can experience at home.
Text Message Reminders – Veterans can use Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions protocol to send automated text messages with information about COVID-19. This application helps Veterans monitor their symptoms and can assist those who need to contact their VA facility for care. Veterans may enroll in the app at mobile.va.gov/annie.
Mental Health Month – This May, VA is observing Mental Health Month by emphasizing that “Now Is the Time.” Even during the coronavirus outbreak, Veterans can still prioritize their mental health. Veterans and their families can visit www.MakeTheConnection.net/MHM to learn more about mental health resources and hear stories of recovery from other Veterans.
“We want Veterans and their families to know that VA mental health providers at our medical center are here, and we are exploring creative ways to continue our mission to provide exceptional care and to offer additional support when it is most needed,” said Amy Fowler, Local Recovery Coordinator at the VA medical center.
For more information on ways for Veterans to maintain and enhance their mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus.
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