Network Update

Department of Veterans Affairs VA MIDWEST HEALTH CARE NETWORK Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 23 Network Update June 2008

VA Midwest Health Care Network, one of twenty-one Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), oversees the provision of health care provided to veterans residing in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and bordering states of Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.  Also known as VISN 23, the Network delivers VA's comprehensive benefits package through an integrated system of medical centers (8), community based outpatient clinics (45), domiciliaries (4), and nursing home care units (7).

The Network will participate in a national exercise the week of June 23-27 to further our preparedness in the event of a pandemic.  Emergency Planners and facility staff will work together to test our emergency response process.  The exercise, which will include CBOCs and the community, will allow us to work through our emergency response process so we can measure its effectiveness.  The exercise will not disrupt patient care, but if you are visiting the medical center during that week, you may see or hear of activities focused on a pandemic.  Do not be alarmed - this Pandemic Influenza planning and emergency exercise is designed to help us protect employees and the veterans we serve, maintain continuity of operations, communicate with stakeholders, and support and coordinate with Federal, national, state, local, and tribal efforts in the event there is a Pandemic.

What is a Pandemic?
Pandemic flu occurs when a flu strain new to humans quickly emerges and causes widespread illness.  This new strain can originate from the resorting of human and animal, such as bird or avian, strains that leads to sustained human-to-human transmission.  (Resorting has not happened yet with the current H5N1 avian flu, but the potential is there).  These new strains are dangers because humans have little pre-existing immunity to them, because vaccines may not be immediately available, and because antiviral medicines may be less effective than for seasonal flu.  Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss.

What Can You Do Now?

• Protect Yourself - Protect Others - Be Prepared
• Know the Symptoms of Flu and be aware of these in other people in your home, work place and community.  If you get the flu, avoid exposing others.  Stay home from work or school until your fever is gone and you feel ready to resume normal activities.
• Get Vaccinated - it is important for all veterans, VA employees, and volunteers to be vaccinated against influenza unless they have a contraindication to the vaccine.  Vaccination for influenza is one of the best ways to protect our entire VA community.
• Keep Hands Clean by washing with soap and water and by using alcohol based hand rubs.  Hand washing is the best defense against the spread of infection.  A sick person should wash their hands too!
• Cover Coughs and Sneezes by using clean tissues.  Coughing or sneezing into your sleeve is OK when you dont' have a tissue or handkerchief.  A sick person should cover their cughs and sneezes too!
• Dispose of Used Tissues immediately into a trash or waste can.  Always clean hands after using a tissue.

To learn more on how the VA is preparing for a pandemic, log on at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/Flu/pandemicflu_plan.htm

Recent revisions made to VA Form 10-10EZ and EZR clearly indicate veterans are no longer required to provide financial infomration to apply for Health Benefits.  Online and paper versions of VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits and the 10-10EZR "Renewal Form" reflect the enhanced enrollment opportunity for veterans who served in a theater of combat operations.  Va continues to encourage veterans to provide income information so they are able to be enrolled in to the highest Priority Group as possible.  Old version of the 10-10EZ and EZR should not be completed.  New forms are available at your local VA Medical Center or by logging on at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/Form/vha-10-10ez.pdf