VA New England Healthcare System WINTER 2013WINTER

VETERANS’healthy living

Anything is Possible Veteran Volunteers Transform Healthcare Dear Veterans A Message from the Network Director

Michael F. Mayo-Smith, M.D., M.P.H. Network Director

Veterans’ Healthy Living This holiday season there are many things to be thankful for. We here at Editorial Board the VA are thankful for all of you! Maureen Heard VISN 1 Chief Communications Officer/ On page 3, you will find the article “Veteran Volunteers Transform Public Affairs Officer Healthcare.” It explains how the VA is changing the face of healthcare with a fascinating genetic research study called Million Veteran Kathleen Makela VISN 1 Deputy Public Affairs Officer Program. Enrollment in the program takes a mere 20 minutes and, when compared to the far-reaching potential benefits of the findings, 20 Diane Keefe minutes is well worth it! To all the Veterans who have stepped forward VA Boston HCS, Public Affairs Officer or plan to step forward and take part in this program: thanks a million. John Paradis VA CW Massachusetts HCS, Public Affairs Officer On Pages 4 and 5, you will find Natalie Dell’s inspirational story about her road to Olympic glory. She said being part of a team and working with Pamela Redmond VA Connecticut HCS, Public Affairs Officer others taught her “Anything is Possible.” She said, “You cannot achieve anything great without the help of others, whether it’s an Olympic medal or Website: www.newengland.va.gov serving Veterans. You can’t do it alone.” Congratulations, Natalie! We are Veterans’ Healthy Living is published as proud that you are part of the VA team! a patient education service by VA New England Healthcare System. The publication is intended to provide information to help “VA Brings Traveling Benefits to the Big E” on page 6 reiterates the you maintain good health and learn about VA’s quest of providing quality healthcare to all qualifying Veterans. the many health services available through VA. This publication is not intended as a Veterans who served and sacrificed for our country are entitled to substitute for professional medical advice, and deserve VA services. Many of you, who at one time bravely stood which should be obtained from your VA healthcare provider. All articles may be shoulder to shoulder, know there is strength in numbers, and as more reproduced for educational purposes. Veterans enroll for services, the VA grows stronger, too. If you know someone eligible for VA healthcare, encourage him or her to once again stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow Veterans and access what they have rightfully earned.

This year, Boston had the honor of hosting the 2012 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. The article “Healing Arts” on page 7 tells how Veterans participating in a variety of visual and performing arts competitions had the opportunity to showcase their talents as a form of creative arts therapy—a winning combination for all involved. Also on page 7 is the article “Close to Home.” Is there a CBOC right around the corner from you? Take a look; a VA clinic may closer than you think!

Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you! Michael F. Mayo-Smith, M.D., M.P.H. VA Mission: Network Director Honor America’s Veterans On the Cover: Natalie Dell, U.S. Bronze medalist and Bedford VA by providing exceptional teammate. health care that improves their health and well-being. 2 Veterans’ Healthy Living VA New England Healthcare System | Winter 2013

Veteran Volunteers Not unlike their already Transform Healthcare selfless service to the nation, Veterans are stepping forward to help others in a new way — research can even provide provide a blood sample that will an exciting new VA research future insight on prescribing be stored for future research; program to study how genes medications. “It may help us complete an optional health affect health. The Million pick a particular drug for a assessment; allow secure access Veteran Program (MVP) patient,” said Dr. Gaziano. to VA and VA-linked medical and launched in January 2011, “Some patients respond to health information; and allow and the goal is for one million certain drugs and others don’t, future contact. Veterans in the VA Healthcare and understanding about how The samples and data will be System to volunteer to take part the genetics influences that will available to VA researchers, in this pioneering program, help us tailor therapies for a other federal health agencies, reaching a million participants given individual.” and academic institutions for over the next five to seven years. In general, gaining a better research projects approved VA strives to be a leader in understanding of how genes by VA oversight committees. research to provide the best work may help to prevent and However, the name, address, healthcare available, and this improve treatment of common date of birth, or social security new initiative aims to transform illnesses such as heart disease, number of every participating healthcare for Veterans as well diabetes, and cancer. By Veteran will not be included as all Americans. To achieve collecting genetic samples and in the VA Central Research this lofty goal, MVP is creating health information from large Database. In fact, VA is going to an enormous medical database groups of people, researchers great lengths to protect privacy of genetic, military experience, can compare which genes are of volunteers, as security and lifestyle, and health information linked to certain health traits. patient confidentiality are top for research on diseases and And that’s why VA is calling priorities for MVP. military-related illnesses for one million Veterans, as Knowledge about the effects of (such as post-traumatic stress people from all walks of life certain genes has already aided disorder). In the long run, are important to making the in the screening, diagnosis, researchers hope to find new database an invaluable resource. and treatment for illnesses. ways of preventing and treating So what does involvement in Together, MVP researchers illnesses in Veterans. MVP include? Participants will and participating Veterans The research may help doctors fill out surveys about health can help transform healthcare understand why some people and health-related behaviors; for future generations. get diseases and others do not, and according to Dr. For more information about MVP, visit www.research.va.gov/mvp, J. Michael Gaziano, MVP call toll-free at (866) 441-6075, or visit an MVP enrolling site. Principal Investigator, genes

Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you. 3 Winter 2013 | VA New England Healthcare System

Fernando Malonado Garcia, Veteran, Natalie Dell, Bedford VA Employee and Olympic Bronze Medalist, and Anything Michael “Mikey” Masse, Veteran is Possible “Sharing the message that we all have dreams to realize and obstacles to overcome, Obtaining goals is never easy, because in the sport of rowing, even Olympians, proved to but people like Natalie Dell, who most female competitors stand be inspirational to Veterans have unwavering determination well over six foot, but Natalie and staff.” and the ability to endure any was a mere 5’ 8” tall. It didn’t obstacle, prove that any goal, no slow her down, though—she just - Christine Croteau matter how difficult it may be, is trained harder. achievable. Not once, but three times Natalie What was Natalie’s goal? To tried out for the national team only 40 women who recruited achieve the status of a world- and was shut out. At the tryouts, from across the country for the class athlete by securing a she said, “I got destroyed by team. She said, “From the day position on the elite women’s the other women.” After each I entered the training center as rowing national team. Her attempt, she returned home and full-time athlete, I had exactly aspirations didn’t stop there— continued training on her own. two years to train for the she was actually looking past the It was difficult as she juggled Olympics.” national team at a spot on the training time before and after Olympic team. It seemed like an work at the Bedford VA, but she The strenuous seven-day-a- unattainable dream, but Natalie never gave up. On her fourth week training took place in decided to give it her all. The attempt, the coaches finally Princeton, New Jersey, in odds seemed stacked against her noticed Natalie and invited her the summer and San Diego, even before she got into a boat to the training center—one of California, in the winter. In the

4 Veterans’ Healthy Living VA New England Healthcare System | Winter 2013

“Oftentimes, the obstacles I faced in making the Olympic team seemed insurmountable. But the strength I received from the VA set me apart from my competition and eventually enabled me to step onto very excited to put my career the podium with my teammates. The VA provided first. I have a master’s degree, the financial stability of part-time employment and and I’ve always been passionate unparalleled support from my coworkers. Because about public health. It’s the first of the VA, I was a force to be reckoned with. So time I can put all my energy into this may be my Olympic medal, but it is also yours. my career.” Thank you for being a part of this journey.” Currently, Natalie is managing - Natalie Dell a mental health research study at the VA facilities in Boston, midst of the training, Natalie Now that Natalie is back to work Bedford, and Providence. The still miraculously continued full-time at the Bedford VA, she study investigates the health teleworking for the Bedford said she is still experiencing behaviors of Veterans in primary VA. “I had a huge network of what it feels like to be part of care and tracks what happens people, a hospital director, and a team. “You cannot achieve to them after they have had a a public affairs officer at the anything great without the help positive screen for depression. VA that stood behind me no of others,” she said, “whether “We are speaking with providers matter what,” she said. “I knew it’s an Olympic medal or serving for primary care screening everything would work out for Veterans. You can’t do it alone. processes of mental health and me if the Olympics didn’t.” She Working within the rowing looking for any opportunities to added that having the VA on her sphere taught me anything is better serve our Veterans.” side gave her a huge advantage possible if you are willing to over many of the other women collaborate with others. It does What goals has Natalie set for who only had rowing because for inspire me to work for this her VA career? Only time will them, it was all or nothing. incredible cause—for Veterans. tell. But, one thing is certain: It’s a big responsibility, but its great things are in store for On the line, getting ready to race possible because of teamwork.” the Veterans she works with in for a spot on the Olympic team, VISN 1 because of her drive, Natalie didn’t think she had a Giving her all to the Veterans determination, and ability to chance. She said, “After two she works with, she said, “I am overcome any obstacle. years of training, I was ranked at the bottom of those 40 women. I was a long shot.” She might have been a long shot, but she made the team. Natalie and her quadruple sculls rowing team went on to win bronze at the 2012 Olympic games in London. Reflecting on her Olympic win, she said, “It’s a deep honor to win a medal for the United States, but I felt like I was winning a medal for the VA, too, especially Bedford VA, so I had a lot of pride in that.” From left to right: Natalie Dell, Kara Kohler, and

Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you. 5 Winter 2013 | VA New England Healthcare System VA Brings Traveling Benefits to The Big E through the VA. Many Veterans use other health insurance and don’t use the VA because they believe that they are allowing others who are more needy or injured are more “deserving” of benefits to get assistance. Yet when more Veterans use the system, more money is given to VA for additional programs to assist additional Veterans. Through outreach events like The Big E, the VA is encouraging all Veterans to use the benefits they have rightfully Katy Americo talks earned. McNamara said, “On VA healthcare with September 14 alone, we spoke a Veteran to more than 600 Veterans and their families. We distributed In September, well over one MA, and White River Junction, dozens of 10-10EZ enrollment million New Englanders flocked VT,” he said. “There were forms, which will be mailed to West Springfield, MA, to take representatives from every into our facilities over the next part in “The Big E,” the largest facility and all facets of VA to couple of months.” fair in the Northeast. Although include OEF/OIF, Women Vets, To find out if you’re eligible many came to the extravaganza Minority Vets, and Homeless for VA healthcare, visit your for the entertainment, Vets coordinators.” Employees local VA medical facility or call attractions, and parades, the were available to assist Veterans 1-866-825-1465. VA New England Healthcare with enrolling in My HealtheVet, System was there for a very and the VA even provided flu important cause—to educate shots to enrolled Veterans—right and get Veterans enrolled into on the spot. VA healthcare. “We’ve increased our Mike McNamara, Outreach participation each year, Program Manager for the and we are now the official VA New England Healthcare sponsor of The Big E’s Military System, reported that 106 Appreciation Day [opening Veterans were enrolled during day],” said McNamara. The The Big E, while more mail-in Veterans parade was even enrollments will continue to lead by the VA New England come in. But the VA did much Healthcare System. more than that. “This year we had over 60 healthcare McNamara and the team are professionals from across VISN reaching out to all Veterans to 1 working, plus on-site mobile make them aware of the great Vet Centers from Springfield, healthcare benefits available

Dr. Glen Gechlik, VISN 1, passes out 6 Veterans’ Healthy Living American Flags during the parade VA New England Healthcare System | Winter 2013 Healing Arts As the host of the 2012 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, Boston had the privilege of viewing a variety of presentations at the visual art exhibit held at the Massachusetts State House and a stage performance held at the Cutler Majestic Theatre at Emerson College. Talented Veterans from across the country participating in this year’s festival were chosen in local competitions before advancing to the national festival. The competition is unique because “Looking Into A PTSD Mind,” by William McCormick it not only is an opportunity for the Veterans to display their outstanding accomplishments; it is also a form of therapy for the Veterans who are actively participating arrived, auditioned, and were participating in VA programs. assigned parts the first day. After only five days of rehearsals, the stage show was performed on The visual arts division of the competition October 14, the last night of the festival, as the consisted of 53 categories of mixed media ranging grand finale. from oil painting and photography to beadwork and leatherwork. This year’s Best of Show award All Veterans that took part in the festival deserve was given to William McCormick for his photo a round of applause for their efforts. With the titled “Looking Into A PTSD Mind.” 2012 competition concluded, it is now time to look toward the 2013 National Veterans Creative The performing arts division of the competition Arts Festival. For information on how you can be consisted of 120 different categories that covered part of next year’s contest, contact the recreation all aspects of music, dance, drama, and creative or creative arts therapy staff at your facility. writing. For the stage performance, those Good luck!

Close to Home Plymouth Outreach Clinic is located at 116 Long Veterans to video conference with doctors and Pond Road in Plymouth MA. The clinic will other specialists across the network, thus saving provide basic primary care services and will be them the time and expense of travel for care. open Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In Vermont, Rutland’s new CBOC is located at They will also have tele-medicine capabilities 232 West Street and is over twice the size of the at the clinic, and the capacity to care for up to previous clinic and is now 100 percent VA staffed. 900 veterans a year. The closest VA facilities The Newport Outpatient Clinic is also in a new are Brockton and Hyannis, MA; this clinic will location at 1734 Crawford Farm Road and has certainly deliver care closer to the Veteran’s home. expanded hours of operation to three days a week.

The new Lewiston/Auburn CBOC located at 15 The new Willimantic CBOC is conveniently located Challenger Drive in Lewiston, ME, is also providing next to the Social Security Office at 1320 Main care close to home for many Veterans. The Street in Willimantic, CT. The clinic is four times 29,000-square-foot clinic offers an onsite lab and the size of the previous clinic and now has the is establishing a tele-health center that will enable capability to serve more Veterans.

Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you. 7 PRST STD U.S. Postage PAID VISN 1 Communications Lansdale, PA Department of Veterans Affairs Permit 491 200 Springs Road Bedford, MA 01730

VERMONT Houlton Outreach Clinic Lynn CBOC Somersworth CBOC VA MEDICAL CENTERS Houlton Regional Hospital 225 Boston Street, Ste. 107 200 Route 108 White River 20 Hartford Street Lynn, MA 01904 Somersworth, NH 03878 Junction VAMC Houlton, ME 04730 (781) 595-9818 (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 VT 05009 Lewiston/Auburn CBOC 175 Elm Street Tilton CBOC Healthcare System (802) 295-9363 15 Challenger Drive New Bedford, MA 02740 630 Main Street, Ste. 400 Lewiston, ME 04240 (508) 994-0217 Tilton, NH 03276 Newington Campus (207) 623-8411 Ext. 4601 (603) 624-4366, ext. 3199 555 Willard Avenue COMMUNITY-BASED Pittsfield CBOC (877) 421-8263 Ext. 4601 (800) 892-8384, ext. 3199 Newington, CT 06111 OUTPATIENT CLINICS 73 Eagle Street (860) 666-6951 Mobile Medical Unit Pittsfield, MA 01201 CONNECTICUT Main Street (413) 499-2672 RHODE ISLAND West Haven Campus Bingham, ME 04920 Middletown CBOC 950 Campbell Avenue Danbury CBOC Plymouth CBOC (866) 961-9263 One Corporate Place West Haven, CT 06516 7 Germantown Road 116 Long Pond Road Danbury, CT 06810 Middletown, RI 02842 (203) 932-5711 Portland CBOC Plymouth, MA 02360 (401) 847-6239 (203) 798-8422 144 Fore Street (800) 865-3384 Portland, ME 04101 MAINE New London CBOC Quincy CBOC VERMONT (207) 771-3500 VA Maine 4 Shaw’s Cove, Suite 101 114 Whitwell Street Bennington CBOC Healthcare System New London, CT 06320 Rumford CBOC Quincy, MA 02169 186 North Street 1 VA Center (860) 437-3611 431 Franklin Street (617) 376-2010 Bennington, VT 05201 Augusta, ME 04330 Stamford CBOC Rumford, ME 04276 (802) 447-6913 (207) 623-8411 Springfield CBOC Stamford Health System (207) 369-3200 25 Bond Street (877) 421-8263 Brattleboro CBOC 1275 Summer Street Saco CBOC Springfield, MA 01104 71 GSP Drive Stamford, CT 06905 MASSACHUSETTS 655 Main Street (413) 731-6000 Brattleboro, VT 05301 (203) 325-0649 Saco, ME 04072 (802) 251-2200 Edith Nourse Rogers Worcester CBOC Waterbury CBOC (207) 294-3100 Memorial Veterans Hosp. 605 Lincoln Street Colchester CBOC 95 Scovill Street 200 Springs Road Worcester, MA 01605 162 Hegeman Ave., Unit 100 Waterbury, CT 06706 MASSACHUSETTS Bedford, MA 01730 (508) 856-0104 Colchester, VT 05446 (203) 465-5292 (781) 687-2000 Causeway Street CBOC (802) 655-1356 Willimantic CBOC 251 Causeway Street NEW HAMPSHIRE VA Boston Boston, MA 02114 Newport Outpatient Clinic 1320 Main Street Conway CBOC Healthcare System (617) 248-1000 1734 Crawford Farm Rd. Tyler Square (next to 71 Hobbs Street Newport, VT 05855 Brockton Campus Social Security Office) Fitchburg CBOC Conway, NH 03818 (802) 334-9700 940 Belmont Street Willimantic, CT 06226 275 Nichols Road (603) 624-4366, ext. 3199 Brockton, MA 02301 (860) 450-7583 Fitchburg, MA 01420 (800) 892-8384, ext. 3199 Rutland CBOC (508) 583-4500 (978) 342-9781 232 West St. Winsted CBOC Keene Outpatient Clinic Rutland, VT 05701-2850 Jamaica Plain Campus 115 Spencer Street Framingham CBOC 640 Marlboro Street (802) 772-2300 150 S. Huntington Avenue Winsted, CT 06098 61 Lincoln Street, Suite 112 Keene, NH 03431 Boston, MA 02130 (860) 738-6985 Framingham, MA 01702 (603) 358-4900 (617) 232-9500 (508) 628-0205 MAINE Littleton CBOC West Roxbury Campus Gloucester CBOC 658 Meadow Street, Ste. 4 1400 VFW Parkway Bangor CBOC 298 Washington Street Littleton, NH 03561 West Roxbury, MA 02132 35 State Hospital Street Gloucester, MA 01930 (603) 444-1323 (617) 323-7700 Bangor, ME 04401 (978) 282-0676 (207) 561-3600 Portsmouth CBOC VA Central Western MA Greenfield CBOC 302 Newmarket Street Healthcare System Lincoln Outreach Clinic 143 Munson Street Portsmouth, NH 03803 421 North Main Street (Bangor Satellite Clinic) Greenfield, MA 01301 (603) 624-4366, ext. 3199 Leeds, MA 01053 99 River Road (413) 773-8428 (800) 892-8384, ext. 3199 (413) 584-4040 Lincoln, ME 04457 (207) 403-2000 Haverhill CBOC 108 Merrimack Street NEW HAMPSHIRE Calais CBOC Haverhill, MA 01830 Manchester VAMC 50 Union Street (978) 372-5207 718 Smyth Road Calais, ME 04619 Manchester, NH 03104 (207) 904-3700 Hyannis CBOC (603) 624-4366 233 Stevens Street Caribou CBOC (800) 892-8384 Hyannis, MA 02601 163 Van Buren Road, Ste. 6 (508) 771-3190 Caribou, ME 04736 WHERE TO RHODE ISLAND (207) 493-3800 Lowell CBOC Providence VAMC 130 Marshall Road FIND US 830 Chalkstone Avenue Fort Kent CBOC Lowell, MA 01852 Providence, RI 02908 Medical Office Building (978) 671-9000 (401) 273-7100 197 East Main St. (866) 590-2976 Fort Kent, ME 04743 (207) 834-1572