Congressman Lamborn/VA News
Partners,
Today we are launching a monthly email bulletin to Veterans and subscribers in our health care system. This monthly update will include information that we want to get directly in the hands of Veterans and their families. We can’t promote or share non-VA information through our channels, but I’d encourage you to sign up to receive the email: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHA/subscriber/new?topic_id=USVHA_182 Please feel free to share that link in your networks so that others who are interested in VA ECHCS can get our news and updates. Today’s version is attached (The Fourteener).
VA ECHCS now has tele emergency care and virtual clinic visits available through the nurse triage line at 303-399-8020 (press 3 for nurse triage). These services do not replace primary care, but in the case that a Veteran may need emergent care this resource can help assess and, depending on the situation, take appropriate action. Information about our virtual care available through the call center is attached (tele EC attachment).
Homeless Stand Downs are coming up throughout the front range. Flyers are attached. Dates/locations are:
Metro Denver: Thursday 9/14/2023 9am – 2pm at CRRC 3836 York St. Denver, CO 80205
Pueblo: Friday 9/29/2023 9am – 1pm at American Legion Post 2 701 West St. Pueblo, CO 81003
Colorado Springs: Tuesday 10/17/2023 9am – 2pm at City Auditorium 221 Kiowa St. Colorado Springs, CO
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Please join us Sept. 22, for the VA ECHCS Suicide Prevention Summit Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Veterans and community partners are invited to the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center to come together with VA ECHCS to share resources and lifesaving practices. Events include S.A.V.E. Suicide Prevention training, from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. and a Resource Fair and Walk & Roll from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the rest of the day dedicated to topical presentation from subject matter experts.
In addition to sharing resources and hosting events throughout Suicide Prevention Month in Eastern Colorado, VA ECHCS has partnered with VA facilities across Colorado to compile all VA suicide prevention events for the state. Visit https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/suicide-prevention-month/2023.asp#NorthernMonth for a full VA ECHCS suicide prevention agenda as well as suicide prevention events from all corners of Colorado.
VA Healthy Aging Fair
Join us Sept. 21, at our Rocky Mountain Regional VA medical center, in Aurora Colorado, for our Healthy Living Aging Fair. The VA ECHCS Healthy Aging Fair will take place in the RMR Auditorium from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30p.m. The event will include presentations on VHA Geriatrics programs, healthy aging and menopause, bone health, and more, as well as informational booths on programs and services for older adults. Learn more at https://www.va.gov/eastern-colorado-health-care/events/60977/
More Than 1,000 Veterans Apply for PACT Act-Related Benefits Via VA-County Partnership
During a fishing trip three years ago, Army Veteran David Krall, of Colorado Springs, noticed his balance slipping. As a forward observer in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, the long-term impact of chemical exposures was not often considered. Krall was one of more than 1,000 Veterans attending the El Paso County PACT Act claims clinics Aug. 7-9 in Colorado Springs. The three-day event culminated months of coordination between VA and El Paso County, prompted by The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or PACT Act. To learn more, read the story on VA.gov: https://www.va.gov/eastern-colorado-health-care/stories/more-than-1000-veterans-apply-for-pact-act-related-benefits-via-va-county-partnership/
Toxic Exposure Screening
If you are a Veteran, or you know a Veteran interested in completing the Toxic Exposure Screening, please call the TES Navigators at 720-857-2511 or talk with your PACT provider at your next appointment. The Toxic Exposure Screening allows your health care team to provide exposure-focused care. It is a voluntary process and does not affect your benefits, ability to file for benefits or the healthcare you receive.
COVID Vaccines
To better serve our Veterans, we are now offering COVID vaccines at primary care clinics effective August 16, 2023. The Vaccine Clinic closed on 8/16/23. We are confident that by providing the COVID vaccines at multiple locations, we will accommodate more veterans. Veterans should contact their primary care team for more information or to schedule an appointment.
PACT Act enrollment period for combat Veterans ends Sept. 30
Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and other post-9/11 combat zones may enroll in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits, a special enrollment period that ends Sept. 30. As part of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, are eligible to enroll directly into VA health care through September. Read more on our website: https://www.va.gov/eastern-colorado-health-care/news-releases/pact-act-enrollment-period-for-combat-veterans-ends-sept-30/
New Space Center Clinic in Colorado Springs
VA ECHCS is excited to announce the opening of our new Space Center Clinic!
The Space Center VA Clinic is located near East Platte Ave. and North Powers Blvd. at 565 Space Center Dr., Suite 130, in Colorado Springs. This clinic will add another 16,000 square feet for primary care, physical therapy and mental health. Laboratory services will be added soon. This expansion will help better serve our patients in one of the fastest growing Veteran areas!
If you live in the Colorado Springs area, make sure to double check your appointment letters for the location of your appointment! Call 719-638-5000 to schedule an appointment.
Visit the VA ECHCS Facebook page to see pictures of the new clinic.
VA ECHCS Public Affairs has a new group email address. If you need to contact our team, please email vhaechpao@va.gov.
Thank you for your support in serving those who served.
V/R,
Congressional Liaison
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
1700 N. Wheeling St., Aurora, CO 80045