WINTER 2019 VA New England Healthcare System

VETERANShealthy living'

Making Connections, Delivering Care Message from Veterans’ Healthy Living the Network EDITORIAL BOARD Maureen Heard VISN 1 Chief Communications Director Officer / Public Affairs Officer

John Paradis Ryan Lilly, MPA Senior Editor & Writer WEBSITE: www.newengland.va.gov

Veterans’ Healthy Living is published as a Dear Veterans, patient education service by VA New England Healthcare System. The publication is intended to provide information to help you maintain Sometimes distance is the biggest obstacle for Veterans in obtaining good health and learn about the many health health care. VA New England is dedicated to closing the distance services available through VA. This publication is not intended as a substitute for professional between Veterans and the care you have earned. We know you can’t medical advice, which should be obtained from always get to us, so we are working on new ways to get to you. your VA health care provider. All articles may be reproduced for educational purposes. Our outreach teams visit hundreds of local activities every year in person, looking for Veterans to connect with and assist with benefits ON THE COVER: Cheri Glasset, lead telehealth clinical and claims. Two of our most successful outreach events are WaterFire technician at the Edith Nourse Rogers Providence and The Big E. This year was no exception. Read about Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, how many Veterans we reached on page 6. We are especially proud Mass., connects with Lisa Eisele, that this year’s WaterFire Salute to Veterans theme was “Honoring Connected Care program manager for the VA New England Healthcare System, Our Women Warriors” because every Veteran counts. on the screen of a new, state-of-the-art clinical access station. The station is one We are also excited to introduce expanded telehealth to our health of the latest telehealth technologies at care services. Technology is expanding our reach as never before, VA medical centers. The equipment can listen to heart beats, conduct eye exams allowing us to deliver health care to the homes of those who can’t and check for skin conditions among come to us. You can read about how telehealth is already saving lives other medical procedures. on page 4.

Even as we embrace technological advances in health care we still wholeheartedly believe in the value of in-person, face-to-face health care. You can read about our new community-based outpatient clinic in Somersworth, N.H. on page 7, as well as our plans to partner with University of Massachusetts Medical School to bring you a new clinic in Worcester, Mass., in 2021.

Finally, health care isn’t the only way we honor our Veterans. The Bedford VA community showed their appreciation and respect for local World War II Veterans with an “Honor Bus Tour” inspired by the Honor Flight program. I think you will love this story as much as I do (page 3).

With thanks for your service,

Ryan Lilly, MPA VA MISSION: Honor America’s Veterans by Network Director providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

2 Veterans’ Healthy Living » Winter 2019 Honor Bus Tour Salutes Local Heroes

Last fall in Massachusetts, the Bedford VA community honored local World War II Veterans (aged mid 90s to 102) with an “Honor Bus Tour.” The Oct. 2 salute was inspired by the national Honor Flight program to share love and respect with local heroes.

Ten World War II Veterans departed a cheering crowd at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, traveling to the American Heritage at the in Hudson, Mass. World War II Veterans at the American Heritage Museum at the Collings Foundation “From the moment the live band saluted our Veterans with a At the American Heritage U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. military medley, it was clear as the Museum, Veterans were greeted Adam T. Page from Hanscom AFB smiles on their faces that it would by the Fence Force Flagline concluded the ceremony with be a very special day,“ said an that traditionally greets the a presentation of the Ruptured editorial in The Bedford Citizen. honor flights. After a tour of the Duck Pin to honor those who museum, a ceremony was held served. After the ceremony Before leaving, Veterans were in front of a U boat from D Day, concluded, Veterans and guests gifted custom cardigans surrounded by photos of the enjoyed lunch in the museum to displaying an embroidered World Veterans, formally thanking them. World War II-era music. War II Ruptured Duck from the While taps played, a World War II Benevolent and Protective Order combat Veteran placed a wreath Although the Bedford Honor of Elks, lap quilts lovingly made in honor of those who gave all. Bus Tour was inspired by the by North Parish Quilters with national Honor Flight program, it support by Veterans of Foreign Veterans were presented with was born from the love, respect Wars (VFW) Post 6800, and a cards from grateful children, and gratitude we have for our World War II flag presented by friends, volunteers, students, local Veteran heroes. Their Bedford VA Director Joan Clifford. neighbors, and corporations; extraordinary service and sacrifice citations from Massachusetts will never be forgotten. The Honor Bus procession was Governor Charlie Baker; Ruptured escorted by the Massachusetts Duck coins from Clifford; roses; State Police and the Middlesex and a 2019 Veterans Day poster. Sheriff’s Office, while the Bedford Fire Department saluted these heroes of the “Greatest Generation“ by flying Old Glory from a ladder truck.

Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you. 3 Keeping Veterans in Good Health Telehealth technology helps New England Veteran patients stay connected

Connected Care is the broad title for all the technology solutions VA is using to enable Veterans to virtually meet-up with their VA health care providers.

It’s all part of the largest telemedicine initiative in the country led by the Veterans Health Administration. For VA New England, expansion of telehealth capabilities is a major strategic objective.

“We provided care to over 25,000 Veterans last year using telehealth technology and our goal is to provide the right care in the right place at the right Richard Tirrell, a Maine Veteran, “The VA saved my life,” says Tirrell, time through the use of state-of- had a low level of oxygen in his who checks in with Monica at the-art technologies,” said Eisele. blood and his heart was beating least once a month. “Telehealth “We’re making VA health care at more than 100 times per keeps me honest; it makes sure more convenient and reducing minute. He was short of breath, I’m checking my vitals every day travel times for Veterans. This is having difficulty breathing and and doing the things I need to especially important for those gasping with every breath. do and that’s very important. in very rural areas with limited If you’re a Veteran and you are access to VA health care facilities. Some 40 miles away from his offered telehealth, I definitely We’re able to meet Veterans home in Bath, Monica Fennell, his recommend it.” where they are.” telehealth nurse, was remotely monitoring his health from her Telehealth is the new and ever- Called Telehealth, the VA offers office at the VA Maine Healthcare growing world of health care. smartphone- and computer- System in Augusta. When she “VA New England is investing based technology for its patients, saw Tirrell’s oxygen level dip to significant resources and ranging from two-way tele- a dangerous level, Fennell called technology to keep our Veteran conferencing systems linked with and told him he needed to get to patients connected and in good medical equipment to using an an emergency room right away. health from any location no Internet connection and web matter where they live,” says Lisa camera to create an on-line C. Eisele, RN, Connected Care medical appointment. program director.

4 Veterans’ Healthy Living » Winter 2019 One component of telehealth is the “VA Video Connect” program, which is gaining popularity among New England Veterans, said Eisele.

Across New England, VA Video Connect has been used for scheduled appointments and to provide “just in time” care when Veterans have more urgent needs. In some cases, critical care has been available within minutes of the Veteran reaching out to the healthcare team to report their need.

In addition to VA Video Connect, 5,649 Veterans, similar to Tirrell from Maine, have used another key telehealth program, the home telehealth/remote patient monitoring program where a registered nurse VA “The single greatest value in In-person patient-doctor care coordinator monitors and having a telehealth program is visits will remain valuable and analyzes a Veteran’s medical data. access,” said Eisele. “Telehealth necessary in many circumstances, This has been particularly helpful increases access when our and discussions between the for Veterans with chronic health Veterans are experiencing Veteran and their provider will conditions such as diabetes, barriers to care. We are using determine when telehealth is an congestive heart failure, chronic telehealth in tremendous ways appropriate care delivery option, obstructive pulmonary disease, to overcome barriers such as lack said Eisele. and hypertension. of transportation, work or school schedule conflicts or childcare To learn Telehealth has also been demands. For us, it’s been a great valuable for Veterans who need way to provide continuity of care.” more to see specialists that are in about VA’s high demand or have limited At the same time, VA is using telehealth availability, such as sleep telehealth to emphasize the program medicine, endocrinology or importance of relationships advanced liver care. Veterans already have with their in VA New providers and how technology England, call your local VA Veterans are even able to is intended to enhance those medical center and ask participate in the VA’s very relationships. Telehealth is to speak with the center’s successful “MOVE!” program – a intended to provide additional health promotion initiative for access options to supplement telehealth coordinator. weight management where face-to-face appointments, Or visit www.telehealth. Veterans can see a registered said Eisele. va.gov. dietitian and wellness experts.

Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you. 5 Veterans WaterFire 2020 Save the Connect with Honors Women Dates! VA at The Big E Veterans VA New England’s outreach team will be at the following events this year to assist Veterans and their family members. For more information, visit www. newengland.va.gov/outreach.

BOSTON RV & CAMPING EXPO Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA, Jan. 24-26

CT FISHING & OUTDOOR SHOW Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT, In September, in Massachusetts, On November 2, Providence, R.I. Feb. 14-16 Eastern States Exposition kicked honored Veterans, active and off its annual fair with Military reserve military personnel, and NORTHEAST HUNTING & Appreciation Day at “The Big E,“ their families at the 7th Annual FISHING SHOW the largest VA veteran outreach WaterFire Salute to Veterans. Connecticut Convention Center, event in the nation. Hartford, CT, March 20-22 The theme of this year’s Salute On the Avenue of States, Veterans to Veterans was “Honoring Our NEW ENGLAND SALTWATER met with VA health care and Women Warriors,” featuring FISHING SHOW benefit representatives. This speakers and presentations Rhode Island Convention Center, year, 102 Veterans signed up celebrating the contributions Providence, RI, March 27-29 for VA health care, 122 met of women Veterans. A special with representatives from the exhibit, “Women Who Served,” LACONIA MOTORCYCLE WEEK Veterans Benefits Administration, showcased memorabilia Laconia, NH, June 13-21 and 78 started a claim for recognizing women Veterans and service-connected disability photographs honoring women NASCAR compensation and pension, who made the ultimate sacrifice New Hampshire Motor Speedway, according to Michael McNamara, in combat. Loudon, NH, July 16-19 outreach program manager, VA New England Healthcare System. Keynote speaker retired Army MARSHFIELD FAIR 1st Sgt. Dora Vasquez-Hellner Marshfield, MA, Aug. 21-30 In addition, more than 400 of Westerly, R.I., was this year’s Veterans met with readjustment honoree, leading the Torch CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FAIR counselors from across New procession to Waterplace Park. MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY England at a Mobile Vet Center Essex Junction, VT, Sept. 4 that was co-located with the VA VA New England Healthcare outreach area. System set up a Veterans THE BIG E MILITARY Resource Center at the event to APPRECIATION DAY Along with the VA outreach reach out to as many Veterans as West Springfield, MA, Sept. 18 area, more than 30 state and possible. VA Outreach Specialists community partners answered greeted Veterans and shared THE DURHAM FAIR questions about local and state information about VA benefits Durham, CT, Sept. 24-27 benefits at a “Veterans Commons” and readjustment services. They area at The Big E’s Massachusetts spoke with over 400 Veterans and State Building. family members this year.

6 Veterans’ Healthy Living » Winter 2019 New Worcester CBOC New Somersworth CBOC

VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare A ribbon cutting ceremony was held October System and the University of Massachusetts 11 for the opening of Manchester VA's new Medical School have announced plans to build a Somersworth Community Based Outpatient Clinic new community-based outpatient clinic on the at 5 Tarrascape Parkway, Somersworth, N.H. school’s Worcester campus, to open in 2021. The ceremony was attended by local Veterans, The clinic will include 65 exam, consultation and Department of Veterans Affairs, Manchester VA procedure rooms; radiology; echocardiology; Medical Center and its partners, and local and physical and occupational therapy facilities; a state dignitaries including U.S. Senators Jeanne clinical lab and a pharmacy. Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Congressman Chris Pappas. Ryan Lilly, director of the VA New England Healthcare System, said the announcement comes The CBOC was dedicated to Veteran James Alty, after years of hard work and planning to meet the who was recognized during the ceremony for his needs of Veterans in and around Worcester County, advocacy and dedication to the community and and would not have been possible without the his fellow Veterans. Alty joined the U.S. Air Force support of U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern. in 1953, and was deployed to the Marshall Islands, North Africa and Vietnam. “Strengthening and expanding access to health care for our Veterans is one of the most important The new building more than doubles the space ways our nation can honor their service,” said of the previous location and expands care Rep. McGovern. options for area Veterans. It offers the following services: primary care, home based primary care, The announcement furthers a partnership between women’s health, podiatry, mental health, lab, case UMass and VA that began in 2016. The partnership management/care coordination, telehealth and will also enhance the educational experience for social work. medical students, leading to a better education for the many future doctors and nurses UMass trains, The clinic was recommended by the VA New said UMass officials. Hampshire Vision 2025 Task Force to better meet the needs of New Hampshire’s Veterans.

Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you. 7 VETERANShealthy living' VISN 1 Communications Department of Veterans Affairs 200 Springs Road Bedford, MA 01730

VERMONT Houlton CBOC Martha’s Vineyard Hosp. Somersworth CBOC VA MEDICAL CENTERS Houlton Regional Hospital One Hospital Road 200 Route 108 White River 20 Hartford Street Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Somersworth, NH 03878 Junction VAMC Houlton, ME 04730 (508) 771-3190 (603) 624-4366, ext. 3199 CONNECTICUT 215 North Main Street (877) 421-8263, ext. 2000 (800) 892-8384, ext. 3199 White River Junction, New Bedford CBOC VA Connecticut Lewiston/Auburn CBOC 175 Elm Street Tilton CBOC Healthcare System VT 05009 (802) 295-9363 15 Challenger Drive New Bedford, MA 02740 630 Main Street, Ste. 400 Newington Campus Lewiston, ME 04240 (508) 994-0217 Tilton, NH 03276 (207) 623-8411 Ext. 4601 (603) 624-4366, ext. 3199 555 Willard Avenue COMMUNITY-BASED Pittsfield CBOC Newington, CT 06111 OUTPATIENT CLINICS (877) 421-8263 Ext. 4601 73 Eagle Street (800) 892-8384, ext. 3199 (860) 666-6951 Mobile Medical Unit Pittsfield, MA 01201 RHODE ISLAND West Haven Campus CONNECTICUT Main Street (413) 499-2672 Bingham, ME 04920 Middletown CBOC 950 Campbell Avenue Plymouth CBOC West Haven, CT 06516 Danbury CBOC (866) 961-9263 One Corporate Place 7 Germantown Road 116 Long Pond Road (203) 932-5711 Middletown, RI 02842 Danbury, CT 06810 Portland CBOC Plymouth, MA 02360 (401) 847-6239 MAINE (203) 798-8422 144 Fore Street (800) 865-3384 Portland, ME 04101 VERMONT VA Maine New London CBOC Quincy CBOC (207) 771-3500 110 West Squantum St. Healthcare System 4 Shaw’s Cove, Suite 101 Bennington CBOC 1 VA Center New London, CT 06320 Rumford CBOC Quincy, MA 02171 186 North Street Augusta, ME 04330 (860) 437-3611 431 Franklin Street (774)-826-3070 Bennington, VT 05201 Rumford, ME 04276 (207) 623-8411 Springfield CBOC (802) 440-3300 Stamford CBOC (207) 369-3200 (877) 421-8263 Stamford Health System 25 Bond Street Brattleboro CBOC 1275 Summer Street Saco CBOC Springfield, MA 01104 71 GSP Drive MASSACHUSETTS Stamford, CT 06905 655 Main Street (413) 731-6000 Brattleboro, VT 05301 Saco, ME 04072 Edith Nourse Rogers (203) 325-0649 Worcester CBOC (802) 251-2200 (207) 294-3100 Memorial Veterans Hosp. Waterbury CBOC 605 Lincoln Street Burlington Lakeside 200 Springs Road 95 Scovill Street MASSACHUSETTS Worcester, MA 01605 CBOC Bedford, MA 01730 Waterbury, CT 06706 (508) 856-0104 128 Lakeside Ave., Ste. 260 (781) 687-2000 (203) 465-5292 Causeway Street CBOC Burlington, VT 05041 251 Causeway Street VA Boston NEW HAMPSHIRE (802) 657-7000 Willimantic CBOC Boston, MA 02114 Healthcare System Conway CBOC 1320 Main Street (617) 248-1000 Newport CBOC Brockton Campus Tyler Square (next to 71 Hobbs Street 1734 Crawford Farm Rd. 940 Belmont Street Social Security Office) Fitchburg CBOC Conway, NH 03818 Newport, VT 05855 Brockton, MA 02301 Willimantic, CT 06226 Phillip J. Philbin Federal Bldg. (603) 624-4366, ext. 3199 (802) 624-2400 (508) 583-4500 (860) 450-7583 881 Main Street (800) 892-8384, ext. 3199 Fitchburg, MA 01420 Rutland CBOC Keene CBOC Jamaica Plain Campus Winsted CBOC (978) 342-9781 232 West St. 150 S. Huntington Avenue 115 Spencer Street 640 Marlboro Street Rutland, VT 05701-2850 Boston, MA 02130 Winsted, CT 06098 Framingham CBOC Keene, NH 03431 (802) 772-2300 (617) 232-9500 (860) 738-6985 61 Lincoln Street, Suite 112 (603) 358-4900 Framingham, MA 01702 West Roxbury Campus Littleton CBOC MAINE (508) 628-0205 264 Cottage Street 1400 VFW Parkway ort ent Gloucester CBOC Littleton, NH 03561 West Roxbury, MA 02132 Bangor CBOC aribou (617) 323-7700 35 State Hospital Street 199 Main Street (603) 575-6700 Bangor, ME 04401 Gloucester, MA 01930 VA Central Western MA Portsmouth CBOC (207) 561-3600 (978) 282-0676 302 Newmarket Street Healthcare System oulton 421 North Main Street Lincoln CBOC Greenfield CBOC Portsmouth, NH 03803 Leeds, MA 01053 99 River Road 143 Munson Street (603) 624-4366, ext. 3199 Lincoln, ME 04457 Greenfield, MA 01301 (800) 892-8384, ext. 3199 (413) 584-4040 incoln (207) 403-2000 (413) 773-8428 ME alais NEW HAMPSHIRE Haverhill CBOC ingham Calais CBOC Newport umord angor Manchester VAMC 50 Union Street 108 Merrimack Street urlington 718 Smyth Road Calais, ME 04619 Haverhill, MA 01830 olchester MAINE HCS ittleton Manchester, NH 03104 (207) 904-3700 (978) 372-5207 VT Auburn (603) 624-4366 Caribou CBOC Hyannis CBOC onway (800) 892-8384 163 Van Buren Road, Ste. 6 233 Stevens Street WHITE RIVER ortland JUNCTION NH Hyannis, MA 02601 Tilton aco Caribou, ME 04736 utland RHODE ISLAND omersworth (207) 493-3800 (508) 771-3190 WHERE TO Providence VAMC rattleboro MANCHESTER ortsmouth Lowell CBOC eene Fort Kent CBOC ennington averhill FIND US 830 Chalkstone Avenue loucester Medical Office Building 130 Marshall Road itchburg owell BEDFORD Providence, RI 02908 reenield ynn 197 East Main St. Lowell, MA 01852 ittsield MA BOSTON HCS auseway (401) 273-7100 CENTRAL WESTERN orcester BROCKTON uincy ramingham WEST ROXBURY Fort Kent, ME 04743 (978) 671-9000 MASSACHUSSETTS pringield (866) 590-2976 lymouth insted (207) 834-1572 RI New edord Lynn CBOC NEWINGTON PROVIDENCE yannis 225 Boston Street, Ste. 107 CT illimantic iddletown artha’s Vineyard aterbury New ondon anbury Lynn, MA 01904 CONN. 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