When observing Veterans Day, it’s important to recognize how healthcare organizations can meaningfully work together to improve health outcomes and address the unique needs of service members and their families.
The Battle Fought at Home
Veterans and active duty service members often return home and face challenges that directly impact their overall health and wellbeing. Faced with navigating fragmented healthcare systems while battling mental health struggles, physical injuries and/or chronic health issues – some of the most common including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, suicidal ideation, chronic pain and traumatic brain injuries. With this in mind, advocates are calling for recognition of military service as a health indicator considering the profound impact service experience and environments can have.
While Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare systems serve an important and specific purpose, approximately 50% of veterans seek medica care from non-VA facilities and less than 50% are connected to all of their earned benefits. Knowing this, health systems must work to improve identification and recognition of military service through integration of screening within electronic health records and coordination of care across VA and non-VA healthcare facilities.
Identifying & Supporting Veterans
Connecting veterans with the right resources starts with asking the right questions and understanding what resources exist across local communities.
- Words Matter: “Have you or has someone close to you ever served in the military?” is the recommended screening question, as not all service members to identify as “veterans.” It also helps identify spouses and/or caregivers who may need access to resources or benefits of their own. Resource spotlight: Michigan Center for Rural Health I-REACH (Improving Veterans Access to Healthcare).
- Integrate Standard Screening Tools: To ensure providers are asking the right questions, standardize the screening process for medical and social needs to ensure healthcare teams are equipped with an understanding of what signs and symptoms may indicate a service-related injury or health concern. Resource spotlight: PRAPARE.
- Don’t Stop at Identification: Build awareness and education within the organization around best practices for providing care to veterans and service members. Staff trainings, local community partnerships and fostering strong relationships with local VA hospitals and networks can help connect patients to the necessary resources. Resource spotlight: Veteran Interoperability Pledge.
Additional Resources
Michigan hospitals are committed to serving the unique needs of all communities, including veterans. This is often demonstrated through tailored patient care, clinical research, strategic community benefit investments, financial assistance and tailored healthcare career pathways. Michigan hospitals have also joined the MHA in supporting legislation like the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care and Treatment (COMPACT) Act of 2020, which allows eligible veterans to receive emergent suicide care in any VA or non-VA facility at no cost.
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and initiatives like the Michigan Center for Rural Health I-REACH (Improving Veterans Access to Healthcare) are additional resources to consider when looking to connect veterans and their families to lifesaving services and support.
Members with questions about resources and networks supporting service members are encouraged to contact Ewa Panetta, MHA.