On Wednesday, July 31, the Veterans and Military Coalition of the Ozarks hosted a town hall meeting with Veterans Health Services of the Ozarks. Area veterans filled the community room at Ozarks Technical Community College Table Rock Campus to hear presentations and ask questions about various aspects of the Veterans Administration healthcare system.
Special guest for the meeting was Dr. George Velez. As medical director of the Fayetteville, Arkansas-based VHSO, Dr. Velez oversees healthcare for over 56,000 veterans throughout northwest Arkansas, Southwest Missouri and eastern Oklahoma, with facilities including the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville and community-based outpatient clinics in Fort Smith, Harrison, and Ozark, Arkansas; Branson, Springfield, and Joplin, Missouri; and Jay, Oklahoma.
Dr. Velez introduced team members either in person or via Zoom video to share about different aspects of VA healthcare. One topic of particular interest is recent changes in the Choice Act, which provides for cooperation between VA and community healthcare providers to achieve better outcomes, shorter wait times, or other advantages for patients. In responding to attendee questions, Community Care Officer Jeremy Caviness acknowledged that communication between providers is still being worked out to determine potential advantages to community care in some cases, but encouraged veterans to remember that many VA providers are veterans themselves, resulting in better understanding of some situations, particularly in the area of mental health where the VA has a longer history of experience.
Other topics addressed included an overview of pharmacy service options and remote oncology services to help improve access, including a certified oncology RN in Branson. VHSO team members shared goals of improved education, increased participation in research, and addressing recruitment and retention challenges for better continuity in clinical care. Dr. Velez anticipates significant progress in these areas thanks to a partnership being developed for internships through the new Alice L. Walton medical school in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Another topic of significant interest was recent updates to the PACT Act regarding toxic exposure. Changes include elimination of phasing in, new categories of eligibility, and expanded eligibility for Vietnam veterans. In response to audience questions/comments, presenters acknowledged that many Vietnam veterans avoid the VA because of poor treatment upon returning from duty. Veterans in attendance were encouraged to check out the updates for themselves and to talk with other veterans about signing up, as well as to attend upcoming educational and outreach events around the VHSO service area. Visit https://www.va.gov/fayetteville-arkansas-health-care/ and scroll to “events” to find several happening soon, including the August 24 Springfield Summer Vet Fest. Also plan to attend the September 21 Veterans Appreciation Day in Branson.
Other attendee questions included frustration with being lost in the shuffle or receiving conflicting information, as well as the need to improve services to homeless veterans and those at risk for suicide. Dr. Velez and his team members spent time following up personally with several attendees after the meeting to get details of their concerns.
Staff members representing Senators Schmitt and Hawley and Congressman Eric Burlison were present; all emphasized that any veteran experiencing difficulty accessing services is encouraged to call their offices for assistance. Also on hand were team members from the Branson VA Clinic, for whom Dr. Velez shared high praise along with positive review numbers.
Wrapping up the meeting, Dr. Velez acknowledged that the VA healthcare system has not been perfect and that he and other leaders value input from these meetings. That considered, however, he reiterated the importance of getting every veteran plugged in with an environment that understands the challenges and issues specific to veteran care. He also encouraged veterans present to join a local group, mentioning Veterans of the Ozarks, BVA 913, VMCO, American Legion and others, to benefit from the fellowship.
The Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks is a Five-Star Hospital Compare Health System, the highest rating conferred by the Centers for Medical and Medicaid (CMS) and recognizes the highest quality of healthcare, outcomes and patient (Veteran) experience. The CMS Hospital Compare assesses the quality of healthcare at over 4,000 Medicare-certified hospitals, including over 130 VAMCs, and over 50 military hospitals across the country. Veterans needing more information should visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/introduction, or stop by the local clinic nearest them. The Branson VA clinic is located at 5571 North Gretna Road; call 417-243-2300.
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