HomeMy WebLinkAbout012826 - Winter storm_ deep freeze put Veterans at riskALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
A powerful winter storm and a blast of Arctic air brought heavy snow, dangerous ice and life‑threatening cold to large parts of the United S
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NewsFlash
Winter storm, deep freeze put Veterans at risk <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fnews.va.gov%2F144708%2Fwinter-storm-freeze-veterans-risk-urge-planning%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c
785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/gQJJ5dDz37ab4t6n-BNeybsZOc4NdoAGET2pJNsAJbA=442>
VA Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness (OSP)
Extended winter weather forecasts indicate below freezing temperatures for many more weeks.
A powerful winter storm and a blast of Arctic air brought heavy snow, dangerous ice and life‑threatening cold to large parts of the United States this past weekend, and VA officials
are urging Veterans and their families to know where to turn for help. Veterans and their families are encouraged to make a simple plan, check on one another and use VA resources and
local emergency services to stay safe and warm.
Staying warm and safe at home
Experts recommend setting home thermostats to a safe temperature and blocking drafts with towels, weather stripping or caulk to keep heat indoors. Veterans should test smoke alarms and
carbon monoxide detectors <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cpsc.gov%2FSafety-Education%2FSafety-Guides%2FHome%2FSeven-Highly-Effective-Portable-Heater-Safety-Habits/1/0100019c05b
9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/Hkre3797KypHIkz5WsibK65QzvAcXvUKTKoorHKK2Tc=442> , change batteries and follow manufacturer guidance for space heaters, keeping them
away from bedding, curtains and other flammable materials <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cpsc.gov%2FSafety-Education%2FSafety-Guides%2FHome%2FSeven-Highly-Effective-Portable-He
ater-Safety-Habits/2/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/Te9FZjaSpJIv9me1TBeBnJpZnBsQw2yRMPUdQQ9Ba_w=442> .
An emergency kit should include several days of food and water, at least a week of medications, flashlights, extra batteries, warm clothing and blankets, and copies of important documents;
Veterans can review VA winter safety tips <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fnews.va.gov%2F137131%2Fget-ahead-of-winter-emergencies%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f
9fbe61-000000/FjJjDB93L-GgX_1chUV9YKKbmCCvExG3Ro5V1XOdH1Q=442> and Ready.gov winter preparedness guidance <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ready.gov%2Fwinter-weather/1/0100019c05
b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/3eiIWhKuDTE3k55rO4-Zut8_iwcscMilC_kts3uwc7A=442> when building their kits. Those who rely on electrically powered medical equipment
should charge devices and power banks in advance and talk with their health care team or local VA facility <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Ffind-locations%2F/1/0100019c0
5b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/u8ykoXWfjVoHJ5DTjvLRXsoTzCqlaE6fkIgbDcj6ZqY=442> about backup plans if the power goes out.
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➤ NewsFlash <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2Findex.asp/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/muyZkh_geQY7QmUXR9ywuDT_
gR_UdLo66ZLTI_8kXqk=442>
➤ Adaptive Sports <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FAdaptiveSports.asp/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/sWAR_8dbk
rrihcXx44oIPPIyT1zdVjpw46Gfm6u7Vik=442>
➤ Financial Readiness <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FFinancialReadiness.asp/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/a
6sL-lszDhAIIgodOjNdPXEjhXk-Ayg3JKGrzCWPB30=442>
➤ Resources <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2Fresources.asp/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/vhIye8TMh3aB-YpEpmcP
FZdFEGxqO-jKkWWkLK7bdv4=442>
➤ Service Dogs <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FServiceDogs.asp/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/MiGXUY-ADHZHg88
EhTKwJRxvgGFbzrBz5Dl47nZljwQ=442>
➤ Transition Assistance <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FTransitionAssistance.asp/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-0000
00/BRdZOG_6n1GI2cB0YdVFjogX7b2meLEEGGzcQ8Stkws=442>
➤ Warrior Care <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FNewsflash%2FWarriorCare.asp/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/75Vk_Ae41Xxri-D
5XOCGvHSQ2aYEM0btIiOvRzJ6U6Q=442>
FORWARD MARCH: Service members may have been exposed to extreme cold in combat and military training missions. The major cold injuries they could suffer from include frostbite, non-freezing
cold injuries, immersion foot (formerly called trench foot), and hypothermia <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.publichealth.va.gov%2Fexposures%2Fcold-injuries%2Findex.asp/1/010001
9c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/RkBtVHkZHKoOwrokhA2Z94J74GUXH1oKYadiEEGi4B8=442> .
Help enhance Veteran care by forwarding this email to your VA colleagues.
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Finding heat, warming centers and local help
Veterans who are worried about staying warm, paying heating bills or losing power are urged to reach out early to local officials <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Fresourc
es%2Fdisaster-help%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/DqNYcEeCKMBdWSuzlYCWDbuSM4BXzvhllQGI7TYTmGM=442> and community resources <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/htt
ps:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Fhomeless%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/kbNHZpleaHNgRTtEe3rIjo81uPJP5MU_NpGCt8wGmqY=442> rather than waiting for an emergency.
In most states, calling 211 connects callers with local services, including information about warming centers <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.211.org%2Fget-help%2Fenergy-utiliti
es/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/4garU9AZOeESAPqtP537IIBd-qrZwS8k-IkgnbrDiQ8=442> , shelters <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Fhomeless%2F
/2/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/MESGyvdAgInbhhWg6vCb2M4Ig7UZI1h5hrpTnZkfqBQ=442> , transportation options <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.211.org%
2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/6UwT1sE_1JBvjxCn_LmLv5WFAMwEYt6-O3iDsUbXx0c=442> and utility assistance programs <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fww
w.va.gov%2Fresources%2Fdisaster-help%2F/2/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/A3TgRU278fsjP5jcx8vQSpt1sRPYsPRlAkjGhxGEZjM=442> ; many communities also publish
warming center maps and updates on city or county emergency management websites <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.fema.gov%2Femergency-managers/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4a
ea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/evFtBz6L29UwwGg4NYOpC0cSNTr8C61_FoNLu3beiGY=442> and social media.
Local emergency management offices, city and county governments and tribal authorities typically announce the opening of public warming centers <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.21
1.org%2Fget-help%2Fenergy-utilities/2/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/8c5zR9Y6joXz4KumaisfnNNSxhqO5CnJgUTgKUzHTAg=442> at libraries, senior centers, community
centers, churches or other public buildings during periods of extreme cold. Veterans and families are encouraged to monitor local news <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.usa.gov%2F
state-emergency-management/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/gIC_6DqZmP5Y59kr1YsFVKLfnKpM27xIcLcu940YexE=442> , National Weather Service alerts <https://links-1.govdelive
ry.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.weather.gov%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/0pN7ySIsC9LSMzkcN_McIg1mmkG_dH0jvp5ynoQ0HKQ=442> and the FEMA app <https://links-1.govdeliver
y.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ready.gov%2Ffema-app/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/L_wBxvXfGbDoNS7NSlfHr6l4DLDD1T6gIym60EHKejo=442> , and to contact local
emergency management directly for the nearest safe, heated location if home heat is unreliable or lost.
Mental health and crisis support
As the cold weather of the winter continues, Veterans are reminded that it is normal to feel stress, worry or frustration, especially if storms disrupt routines, trigger memories or
add financial strain. Staying connected by phone, text or online with family, friends, battle buddies and support groups can ease isolation and make it easier to ask for help when needed,
including through VetResources <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fnews.va.gov%2Fvetresources%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/CKMvDkMFGLR62n5WdtNjETbBY
Hyxa2TONBGkADf6bfY=442> and VA social media channels <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FVeteransAffairs%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-00
0000/bgBaUPhWvIfCZrAXp2EcIe9p0lQJIwdx2hGjJiVIPTg=442> .
Veterans in emotional distress or thinking about self‑harm can contact the Veterans Crisis Line (988, then Press 1) <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.veteranscrisisline.net%2Fget-h
elp%2Fhotline%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/td9uJ8MYFVXK9XYZICrJ_GJbwSZ53dbjz4YkCXTclps=442> any time by phone, chat or text, or visit va.gov/resources/disaster-h
elp for more information about disaster‑related support, health care access, benefits and housing. For non‑urgent questions, Veterans can reach VA using the VA Health & Benefits App
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmobile.va.gov%2Fapp%2Fva-health-and-benefits/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/n9Go2uNp0y11grXW2Rvrb60pinvb0XXHCcFIjvOjI
7M=442> , My HealtheVet secure messaging <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.myhealth.va.gov%2Fmhv-portal-web%2Fhome/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/mS
EwYcGIAfSbH30oJGYINMLp0ikCWvh7TYN7DZx3fvQ=442> , the Ask VA online tool <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fask.va.gov%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/Q
4V9APC3ua4jPlmppTVuv7QWXB1ZJZbYq6oELI7M9jc=442> , or by calling 1‑800‑MyVA411 (1‑800‑698‑2411) <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.perplexity.ai%2Fsearch%2Fbased-on-information-in-th
e-fo-heOGe.MnQUyZJNb1cl.9XA/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/yGGGOCT1EHat6tiBV9iVODQOdXS_HiFUeu1xoJbjm-0=442> , and locate nearby care using the VA facility
locator <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Ffind-locations%2F/2/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/0xKdKr0THcSQ7Qdwe_0u1zMCeYBnk7UtTJ4A4KVRPX8=442
> or schedule a 1‑on‑1 appointment with a VA benefits expert <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fva.my.site.com%2FVAVERA%2Fs%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-0
00000/mH1BMYyrAw55qvKE3SRjy8z94wSZOlqmVeZ2mNszfwo=442> to discuss longer‑term needs.
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Health risks in extreme cold
Extreme cold can quickly lead to hypothermia and frostbite <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fwinter-weather%2Fmedia%2Fpdf%2Favoid-spot-treat-frostbite.pdf/1/0100019c05b9d
772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/qbDoUZPvioW3WZJ0i1PKzpjm_LjMDjd2ERGvwKJm1js=442> , especially for older adults, infants, people with heart or lung disease, and Veterans
who are socially isolated or experiencing homelessness. Even indoors, poorly heated homes can put some older adults at risk of hypothermia, making cold‑weather safety tips <https://links-1.govdelive
ry.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.nia.nih.gov%2Fhealth%2Fsafety%2Fcold-weather-safety-older-adults/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/xNhM6BqJ8YDtJaUXxYRd4kgY7xC71UulnJi_k3ECqpk=
442> and safe home heating a critical priority.
Winter storms also raise the risk of falling on ice, flare‑ups of asthma and added strain on the heart, particularly when shoveling snow or walking in deep drifts. Mental health can
be affected as well, as dark days, isolation and storm‑related stress may worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety and post‑traumatic stress, so Veterans are encouraged to connect with
Vet Centers <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.vetcenter.va.gov%2F%3Futm_source=footer%26utm_medium=email%26utm_campaign=VetResources/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed
12f9fbe61-000000/xFf6EJiGZk2z9muQJpPzczRmUFTA5eBMatiGObU2Ff0=442> , the Veterans Crisis Line <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.veteranscrisisline.net%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45
-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/61ttIc2d4dgdguGDWy5LmtD-JfMYc0UeYIbXqioDo6k=442> and local VA mental health services <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Fhealth-care%2F/
1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/EH0ckO3Qrj7OHU5Ft4ZU9kfKSwSfDiWRyOkF2ZHV7XA=442> if they need support.
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How Veterans may have had cold injuries
Veterans may have been exposed to extreme cold without adequate protection during:
* World War II <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.publichealth.va.gov%2Fexposures%2Fcold-injuries%2Findex.asp/2/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/gvBBObLj
dojyp1Kfc1JILuAdBAq7F0uXuxLBLybp9y8=442> : The Battle of the Bulge, fought in December 1944 through January 1945 under conditions of extreme cold
* Korean War <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.publichealth.va.gov%2Fexposures%2Fcold-injuries%2Findex.asp/3/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/HqUp5KWqSs
2co4YkOKA6a46sUZOeh7N6SfZ7wJRkQ68=442> : The Chosin Reservoir Campaign, conducted from October 1950 through December 1950 in temperatures that dropped to 50 degrees F below zero, with
a wind chill factor of 100 degrees F below zero.
* Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.publichealth.va.gov%2Fexposures%2Fcold-injuries%2Findex.asp/4/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9f
be61-000000/k5rH-2aHSX01RtBpdLhPFbMSgYGb2NsjVyeFCTsk_2M=442> in Afghanistan
* Other campaigns or circumstances during military service <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.publichealth.va.gov%2Fexposures%2Fcold-injuries%2Findex.asp/5/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45
-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/e6tHh-NQFlqidp2njvuqwW2CZmyo_gyM7llBitMEf3E=442> , including training.
Health problems associated with cold injuries
Cold injuries may result in long-term health problems, including the following signs and symptoms (at the site of exposure):
* Changes in muscle, skin, nails, ligaments, and bones
* Skin cancer in frostbite scars
* Neurologic injury with symptoms such as bouts of pain in the extremities, hot or cold tingling sensations, and numbness
* Vascular injury with Raynaud’s Phenomenon with symptoms such as extremities becoming painful and white or discolored when cold
Health Outcomes Military Exposures (formerly Post Deployment Health Services) includes the Epidemiology Program and the Environmental Health Program.
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Check on at‑risk Veterans
VA leaders and advocates emphasize that Veterans with chronic illnesses, mobility challenges, limited income or unstable housing are at higher risk during this storm and should be checked
on before and during the cold snap. Some Veterans may receive a text message from VA asking if you are OK or need any assistance. This is part of VA’s on-going efforts to ensure the
continuity of your care. Families, neighbors and fellow Veterans can help by confirming that at‑risk individuals have heat, warm clothing, necessary medications and a backup place to
go if the power fails, and by connecting them with Homeless Veteran Resources <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Fhomeless%2F%3Futm_source=footer%26utm_medium=email%26utm_c
ampaign=VetResources/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/0eB2M9N-GFoUrsJJo6rbhrAXW4L53NnpB0YpM2ziBQ4=442> or 1‑877‑4AID‑VET (1‑877‑424‑3838) <https://links-1.govdelivery.c
om/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.perplexity.ai%2Fsearch%2Fbased-on-information-in-the-fo-heOGe.MnQUyZJNb1cl.9XA/2/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/rEeDdifewvkbb-SHCpP9Be9oEMIK50uOj5
bQ8imPDLA=442> if they need shelter or housing support.
For Veterans experiencing homelessness or living in vehicles, outreach workers and local officials can connect them with VA homeless programs <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.g
ov%2Fhomeless%2F/3/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/tXpVutwkETsl7omu5RfqyTmeVRvdrSP9cX1TLmEiE58=442> , community shelters <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2F
www.211.org%2F/2/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/qZeqgaIAMAaC9B0RgUB97Avymc3WR2EUNps8sNJ-tjk=442> and warming centers <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fww
w.211.org%2Fget-help%2Fenergy-utilities/3/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/ylIP8g2LmpuXDJuow_BDb7gPF3uLdII2EhgURJdrzu8=442> in their area. Community groups,
Veterans Service Organizations and faith‑based organizations are also key partners and can often help coordinate transportation, blankets and other essentials when temperatures plunge.
About VISN 20 and NW MIRECC
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VA's NW MIRECC serves to improve the mental health and well-being of Veterans through research and dissemination of information to providers both within VA and the general public. VHA
continually evolves and cultivates ongoing cutting-edge medical research and innovation <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%2Fvisn20%2FAbout_NWMIRECC%2Fnwmirecc-histor
y.asp/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/Kjkh1-PVEgn7Aldvgz9OUzsrc14tBRmQOsvy4JNT7KE=442> to improve the lives of America’s patriots. VA's Veterans Integrated
Service Network (VISN) 20 serves Alaska, Washington, Oregon, most of Idaho, and one county each in Montana and California. Operating across three time zones over 817,417 square miles,
VISN 20 is home to 273 federally recognized American Indian and Alaskan Native tribes. Spanning 23% of US land mass, VISN 20 is the largest geographic region of VA. NW MIRECC brings
together complementary research, education, and clinical programs from VA Puget Sound (VAPSHCS) and the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS). The collaborative approach to mental
health research, education and treatment has had a profound impact on the lives of Veterans.
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VAPSHCS and VAPORHCS were commissioned by Congress and the VA as one of the first three MIRECCs in the United States <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outloo
k.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%252Fvisn20%252FAbout_NWMIRECC%252Fnwmirecc-history.asp%26data=05%257C02%257C%257Cb62e861b39334593693308dc2d828a49%257Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251a
b3bf%257C0%257C0%257C638435285899560228%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=VdwUqaI%252B7itapmlk9pptEN7U1n1fg
6%252FyJXHVAEHVr%252F4%253D%26reserved=0/1/01000194b0cb14ca-ac446921-8aa6-4ef1-b529-d0324b9dc2cb-000000/XKWGNaSEeA4Qr0A-fszk2d30V6QGn1vhm65dwQ8wbm0=390> . The mission of NW MIRECC is
to improve the quality of life and function of Veterans by developing, evaluating, and promoting the implementation of effective treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
and its complex comorbidities. PTSD comorbidities include the behavioral consequences of repetitive blast mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), Substance Use Disorder (SUD), chronic pain
(in particular, post-concussive headaches), cognitive impairment, and increased risk for neurodegenerative disorders (chronic traumatic encephalopathy [CTE] and Alzheimer’s disease
[AD]). VA MIRECC's provide for the improvement of the provision of health-care services and related counseling services to eligible veterans suffering from mental illness (especially
mental illness related to service-related conditions) through—
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* the conduct of research (including research on improving mental health service facilities of the Department and on improving the delivery of mental health services by the Department);
* the education and training of health care personnel of the Department; and
* the development of improved models and systems for the furnishing of mental health services by the Department.
As part of the VISN 20 NW MIRECC mission to enhance access to mental health expertise, the NW MIRECC collaborates and consults with other MIRECCs and Centers of Excellence, as well as
with other VA, Department of Defense (DoD), Federal, State departments of Veterans Affairs, community agencies, and experts. The close geographic proximity (40 miles) of DoD Joint Base
Lewis-McChord/Madigan Army Medical Center to VAPSHCS has provided an exciting opportunity to develop innovative and productive research, education, and clinical care collaborations
with DoD personnel that address PTSD and its associated conditions in their early stages in active-duty Servicemembers.
VA ranks as one of the nation's leaders in health research. Every year, thousands of research studies are conducted at VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. For
example, the VA has:
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* Developed artificial limbs that allow amputees to have more independence and better quality of life
* Invented the cardiac pacemaker
* Performed the first successful liver transplantation
* Developed the nicotine patch to help people stop smoking
* Played a major role in the development of the CT/CAT scan to view the inside of the body
* Tested new drugs and treatments for diseases such as AIDS, Diabetes, Alzheimer's and Osteoporosis
NW MIRECC research studies significantly contribute to advancements in our understanding of medical problems that lead to health improvements for Veterans and civilians alike. Research
studies at NW MIRECC are currently enrolling Military Veterans, First Responders, Health Care workers, and Civilians in Seattle, Washington <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.saf
elinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fwww.mirecc.va.gov%25252Fvisn20%25252Fresearch%25252Fptsd-tbi-research.asp%252F1%
252F01000194b0cb14ca-ac446921-8aa6-4ef1-b529-d0324b9dc2cb-000000%252F61ZqhBU8mNfLUahonm_JkBBUKvC65z7PGuBwsvNcMd8%253D390%26data=05%257C02%257C%257C8f0c3bb6a4bc45de764f08dd402ff634%257Ce95f1b23abaf45e
e821db7ab251ab3bf%257C0%257C0%257C638737296918060739%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%
26sdata=L6VHetJD9QCgTyX4RdNWo27PpxnDG7mRtmHCtfHSK6A%253D%26reserved=0/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/XZN2UhAgxpFM9UdPUssB_qfZc2lnQ5XiU2CuLVZOTxc=442>
.
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VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS)
Mail Stop: P3MIRECC
3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road
Portland, OR 97239
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.vetcenter.va.gov%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/dw7i8nS57bE8
G3OOaaTYY7T7f6cL6l_T7kVEz6v9rCU=442> that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty
Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Vet Center Call Center 1-877-927-8387
(1-877-WAR-VETS) <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.vetcenter.va.gov%2FVETCENTER%2Fmedia%2FCall-Center-PSA.asp/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/ZjpBbN
-sIfWcttQ6NWh5QDUGqMdtVHlRHdtyNkrx23k=442> is an around the clock confidential call center where Veterans, service members and their families can talk about their military experience
or any other issue they are facing in transitioning after military service or trauma and get connected to their nearest Vet Center. Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline
Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans may dial 988 and press 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans
may reach the Veterans Crisis Line through chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.veteranscrisisline.net%2Fget-help-now%2Fchat%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-d
f86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/Mr6JZFMtwbTnkG74I4Xul3aNMdoel0aJpFg7Px3s_eI=442> ).
Use of these Materials and Finding VA Health Care: Please note that the health care information provided in these materials is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the
role of a medical practitioner for advice on care and treatment. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your nearest VA medical center by using the Veterans Integrated
Service Network (VISN) map <https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2FHEALTH%2Fvisns.asp/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/J8AP7L4kNiCooFR_frwPNiY9mcj
pSGE7muE5Si-VJg8=442> . Along with links to every VA medical center, VISN resources provide Annual Reports, Points of Contact, and biosketches of VA leadership. Financial Readiness resources
are also for educational purposes only. It does not replace the role of a financial advisor for advice on savings and investments. Investing in your future means saving for retirement,
college or a rainy day fund. If you're working with an investment professional, or someone is trying to sell you an investment, check them out before handing over your hard-earned money
<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fadviserinfo.sec.gov%2F/1/0100019c05b9d772-df86cf45-c785-4aea-a04c-2ed12f9fbe61-000000/zfMPaFyKCqlF6fHQVszyIYNXi6JZtGs9bRPzvi2Mohk=442>
. NewsFlash pages may contain links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked
websites. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
________________________________
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Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute
or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of
the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. Disclaimer of Hyperlinks: The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute
endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department
does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department and the
VA website. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate and about specific additional external links which you believe ought to be included.
Disclaimer of Liability: With respect to documents available from this server, neither the United States Government nor any of its employees, makes any warranty, express or implied,
including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any
information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference from this web page or from any of the information
services sponsored by the VA to any non-governmental entity, product, service or information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the VA or any of its employees.
We are not responsible for the content of any "off-site" web pages referenced from this server. Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement
of products or services on the part of the VA.
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