VA State of Readiness - The Network has been prepared for potential flu o outbreak for many years. The Network's Pandemic Flu Committee and local VA Medical Center Pandemic Flu Committees are meeting regularly to put in to action plans that have been developed in the event of pandemic flu. We are monitoring our staff's readiness and working with local VAMC leadership to make sure each facility has adequate supplies and medications on hand to respond to Veterans' needs.
One Confirmed Case of N1N1 Influenza Identified in VISN 23 - You may have heard about the one confirmed case of H1N1 virus is a Veteran treated at one of our Network's medical centers. Staff were prepared and knew what to do when the Veteran came to the emergency room. The Veteran was correctly diagnosed and started on antiviral medication, requiring no hospitalization. The quick and correct action by VA employees prevented the virus from spreading and we are pleased to report the Veteran has recovered. He was recently cleared by the local State Health Department to return to his home state of California. Our staff continues to work collaboratively with local state health officials to keep Veterans, VA employees and the community safe from the virus.
Continue Normal Activities - The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are not placing any restrictions on usual activities. A person suspected of having H1N1 virus may be treated with antiviral medication. At this time, very few people meet the criteria for receiving antiviral therapy (Tamiflu). Some communities may be experiencing school closures in response to suspected or confirmed cases. This is being done to stop transmission between students. WHO and CDC websites are updated daily and are excellent resources for more information. See web links below.
Why is There So Much Concern About H1N1? There is increased attended to H1N1 because it is a new influenza virus that can spread from human to human. The H1N1 influenza virus can be detected quickly because of advanced technology and laboratory testing. There is a potential for H1N1 to cause a pandemic but scientists are learning more about the virus every day. The number of H1N1 cases throughout the US is small compared with seasonal flu strains that are already in existence. Our focus is on reducing the risk of transmission and preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus in our daily lives. The H1N1 flu virus can be detected early and further transmission avoided. If you are ill - STAY AT HOME and contact your health care provider for additional guidance. As individuals, and as a team, we can effectively respond and prevent further disease transmission.
Stay Informed. Be Vigilant in Stopping the Spread of Influenza Virus
Wash your hands regularly
Cover your cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue (remember to throw your tissues away).
Stay home when you are sick.
For More Information - The Department of Veterans Affairs Health Revenue Operations Center has established two national toll-free call centers (open 8:00AM - 8:00PM EST) related to the H1N1 outbreak.
High Tech Imaging - 64 Slice CT Scanner in use at all Sites
Thanks to an aggressive effort during the last several years, all hospitals throughout the five states in the VA Midwest Health Care Network - from Fort Meade to Fargo to Iowa City - now have a high-tech imaging device called a 64-slice CT scanner that can quickly take "pictures" of specific areas of your body. This means Veterans in rural areas now have access to the same level of diagnostic services available in Minneapolis without driving three to five hours for the tests. "The 64-slice CT scanner enables us to look for plaque in your coronary arteries or look to see how much blood your heart pumps," says Dr. Quentin Anderson, Director of Imaging for the VA Midwest Health Care Network. "It also gives us a quick, non-invasive way to see abnormalities of the nervous system, spine, and head and neck such as might occur with a stroke or tumor." If you are in Sturgis, South Dakota with chest pain, for example, we are not able to do a coronary CT angiogram, determine that you have coronary disease, and set up an appropriate referral for a stent or surgery or whatever your disease dictates. Read more about the 64-Slice CT scanner in the current issue of the Veterans' Health Magazine.
More Veterans Living in Rural Areas
The Sioux Falls (SD) Argus Leader (April 15) reports, "With Vietnam War-era Veterans hitting retirement, the veteran population of urbanized areas across the country is eroding, even as veteran numbers are growing rapidly in some rural parts of the nation." At the "start of this decade, less than a quarter of America's veterans lived in rural areas. Now, even though there are 3.2 million fewer veterans than in 2000, 1.3 million more of them live in rural America, a 20 percent increase, according to US Department of Veterans Affairs data." To read more, log on to the Argus Leader.
VA Accepting Applications for Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that Veterans can begin submitting applications on-line for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Veterans, service members, reservists, and National Guard members with active duty since September 10, 2001, may be eligible for this benefit. Veterans will remain eligible for benefits 15 years from the date of last discharge or release from a period of active duty of at least 90 continuous days. Eligible applicants must have served for an aggregate period of at least 90 days since September 10, 2001, or served at least 30 continuous days on active duty since September 10, 2001 and received a discharge for disability. Benefit payment rates range from 40 percent of the maximum benefit for a person with at least 90 days, but less than 6 months of aggregate service and up to 100 percent of the benefit for people with at least 36 months of aggregate service or 30 continuous days and a discharge due to a service connected disability. Prospective beneficiaries may apply on-line throught he GI Bill by going to www.GIBILL.va.gov.
VA Enters the World of Social Media
Social Media can be defined as a shift in how people discover, read, and share news, information and content. Social media has become extremely popular because it allows people to connect in the online world to form relationships for personal and business. Social media outlets are commonly used by our newest generation of Veterans. VA expanded outreach efforts and entered the world of Social Media. You can find VA on
