Transcript Oklahoma City VA Medical Center

Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
OEF/OIF Program Office
OEF/OIF Program Office
Oklahoma City VA Medical
Center
921 NE 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 456-3215
Serving our “New” Veterans
• Michele Diesselhorst-Reese –
OEF/OIF Program Manager
(MSW/LCSW/CCM) 405-456-3215
• Tanya Gutierrez – Case Manager
(MSW/LCSW)
• 405-456-3214
• Kelly White – Case Manager
(MSW/LCSW)
• 405-456-5556
• Sandra Nikkel – Caregiver Support
Coordinator (MSW/LCSW)
• 405-456-5569
• Waco Blakley – OEF/OIF Transition
Patient Advocate
• 405-456-1410
OEF/OIF Program Office
• In the Spring of 2007 the Department of
Veterans Affairs created the OEF/OIF
Program Office to expand services to
veterans as they transitioned from the
military into the VA Healthcare System.
• It is the goal & responsibility for our office
to ensure that each combat veteran is
provided with the full spectrum of
healthcare needed and deserved.
Services Provided
• Assist with Enrollment & Eligibility
• Provide Orientation & Assignment of a Primary
Care Physician
• Conduct a TBI, PTSD, Depression, MST,
Rabies, OEF/OIF, Drug, and Alcohol Screen for
each combat veteran
• Make referrals to Specialty Clinics as needed
• Work with OEF/OIF Counseling Program and
Vet Center
• Assist with Benefits Claims
• Provide Employment Guidance & Referrals
• Assist with Emergency Financial Resources
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• PTSD can happen to anyone who has
been exposed to traumatic experiences.
Any OEF/OIF Veteran experiencing some
of the following symptoms can give us a
call at (405)456-3215 and we can refer
them to one of several programs to assist
them as they transition home.
PTSD Symptoms
• Startle reactions to noise
or movement
• Reliving of traumatic
memories
• Guilt and/or depression
• Concentration & memory
problems
• Sleep problems, dreams
& nightmares
• Alcohol and/or substance
abuse
• Authority problems
• Anger Management
Veterans May Experience
Marriage or
relationship
problems
Irritability or
outbursts of
anger
Difficultly
Concentrating
Exaggerated
startle response
Dependence
on alcohol or
other
substance
Problems
falling asleep
or staying
asleep
Hyper vigilance
or intrusive
thoughts
Feelings of
isolation
Lack of
motivation
TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury
• Traumatic Brain Injury is the signature
wound of the war in Iraq & Afghanistan. If
you as an OEF/OIF veteran were exposed
to IED blasts, mortars, RPG’s, accidents,
or other injury where you were dazed,
confused, or lost consciousness and are
experiencing any of the following
symptoms please call us or walk-in to our
offices. We can screen you for further
evaluation & referrals.
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
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Frequent or continuous headaches
Ringing in the ears
Dizziness or balance problems
Irritability
Memory Problems
Sleep Problems
Sensitivity to light or noise
Expanded Healthcare
• On 28 January 2008 the National
Defense Authorization Act of
2008 was signed into law by
President Bush.
• OEF/OIF Combat Veterans now
have free deployment related
healthcare extended for 5 years
(from the date of discharge) at all
VA Medical Centers.
• OEF/OIF Veterans have 180
days to register for free dental
care from the date of discharge
on their DD-214
CONFIDENTIALITY
The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
prides itself on confidentiality and the
important fact that many of it’s
employees are veterans or combat
veterans themselves. NO Information
will be released without your written
permission!
Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
Thank you for your
time, attention, and
love of country!