Stopping smoking can be difficult, but healthy living should be a daily effort. (U.S. Army graphic by Karin Martinez)
Jennifer S. Gutowski, MHA, FACHE
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
Veterans Affairs is to go smoke free October 1st.
The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System is changing our smoking policy along with all other VA medical centers across the country to further our commitment to provide a safe and healthy environment for Patients, Visitors, Vendors, Volunteers, Contractors and Employees. The policy covers all smoking material including but not limited to:
- Cigarettes,
- Cigars,
- Pipes,
- Any other combustion of tobacco, and
- Non-Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including but not limited to electronic or e-cigarettes, vape pens, or e-cigars.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2019, Smoking will no longer be permitted on the VA campus for patients, visitors, contractors, volunteers, vendors and employees. On the Tripler Army Medical Center Campus (TAMC), VAPIHCS follows the TAMC Smoke Free rules.
Patients, visitors, contractors, volunteers, vendors, and employees are strongly encouraged to leave all smoking materials at home. To reduce the risk of ignition near oxygen or other flammable gases used in our facility, some areas may require materials to be stored during their visit.
The VA offers smoking cessation treatment services for Veterans. If you would like more information about smoking cessation, please contact your Primary Care or Mental Health Team.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kimberly Nagle)
New automated meal card
The Department of the Army is implementing a new automated Meal Card Management System effective Sept. 29, 2019.
Current Army directives mandated that all army dining facilities to include those housed within Medical Treatment Facilities transition to using Army Food Management Information System (AFMIS) register system
The AFMIS system does not have the capability to perform the functions that the current system does in terms of tracking balances of the VA Travelers daily usage. Therefore, TAMC will no longer be able to support current practices of applying a $20 per day voucher which is subsequently billed to the VA monthly from Tripler business operations division. The register system will be able to accept cash, credit card or apple pay, or Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) meal entitlement code for Soldiers.
The reimbursement model will be instituted in accordance with 38 CFR, Section 70.32: “The actual cost for meals, lodging, or both, not to exceed 50 percent of the amount allowed for government employees under 5 U.S.C. 5702, when VA determines that an overnight stay is required.”
Contact our Beneficiary Travel Supervisor, Douglas Anderson at (808) 433-0008 on further questions pertaining to the change.
New Sunday shuttles!
Flu Season is Upon Us for Season 2019-20!
The flu vaccines officially arrived last week! The VAPIHCS is interested in your health and well-being! We do stress the importance of immunity and prevention.
The VA wants you in the “driver’s seat” with your health care! We want to know what “matters most to you”! Screenings and immunizations are part of the preventive aspect of health and healing. The VA’s National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention shared last month about Getting Recommended Vaccines and Screening tests. We are so excited to share that the flu vaccine has arrived! The Honolulu campus already has the vaccine. The community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) will shortly have it (call first). See your primary care team to get your vaccine and get protected, as well as protecting your loved ones!
(Courtesy graphic)
September is Suicide Prevention Month
To mark Suicide Prevention Month this September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is shining a light on effective ways to prevent veteran suicide with its #BeThere campaign.
The campaign highlights the risk factors and warning signs for suicide, provides information about VA mental health and suicide prevention resources, and helps individuals and organizations start the conversation around veteran mental health in their communities.
“In our various communities, everyone is in a position to make a difference for a veteran who may be at risk for suicide,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, who recorded a video about VA’s strategies to prevent veteran suicide. “A common misconception is that you need special training to talk safely about suicide risk or show concern for someone who is in distress. One simple act of kindness could help save a life. I encourage everyone this September, and beyond, to take the first step in acting as that support system.”
Talking with a Veteran about mental health or suicide risk may be challenging, but VA encourages community leaders, colleagues, family and friends to simply “Be There” by sharing messages of support that can help show a Veteran you care.
VA has also collaborated with community partners and is asking individuals across the country this month to share resources with veterans in their lives via the http://BeThereForVeterans.com web page.
Veterans in crisis or having thoughts of suicide – and those who know a veteran in crisis – can call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call or save to your phone 800-273-8255 (TALK) and press 1, chat online at http://VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or text to 838255.
“One Team, One Ohana”