Last Saturday was the VA Townhall on Geriatrics and Extended Care which is all under the VHA (VA Healthcare).  VHA in Maine falls under the leadership of VHA Maine, Ms Tracye Davis.  This event was organized by Rob McCann, the VHA Government and Community Relations Specialist and former Marine (although once a Marine, always a Marine).  So, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Rob for his efforts organizing this event and to Tracye for supporting it. And to the leaderships of each of the eight different offices within VHA Maine who provide services to veterans and caregivers who came and explained what is available to the 40-plus folks who attended. We were especially honored to have Ms. Davis there to lend her support in person.

From the comments I heard for those who attended, it was a real eye opener for most (including my wife, and to be honest, me). Besides understanding what the services are, they explained who is eligible and how to access the programs. Knowing who to call and their phone numbers is always important and to that end, they provided a current pamphlet with that information. They left a number of copies of that pamphlet, so if you would like a copy, I can make arrangements to get one to you. 

As many of you know, our own Kylie Higgins is now the Veteran Experience Officer (VEO). This is a new office within VHA Maine but not within the VHA nationally. The VEO reports to the VHA Director and is responsible for the Patient Advocates and the Center for Development and Civic Engagement Office (formally Voluntary Service Department), among other things. Kylie also attended on Saturday and was able to help some who attended connect with the right VHA resource.

Now that I mentioned the Patient Advocates, Togus now has two. They are located in building 200, main floor in the office right next to the elevators. Navigating any healthcare system can be daunting and Togus isn’t any different. Sometimes you need questions answered and don’t know where to go, or, you might think something with your care didn’t go right and you want to rectify it, the Patient Advocate (207-623-5760) is there to help with those issues. 

Back to Saturday ... as you will remember, Sunday was our Legion breakfast which meant that after the VA event, we had to prepare the Hall accordingly. So, helping set up tables and move chairs, were the Director of VHA Maine, Ms. Davis, Rob McCann, Kylie Higgins, and Mike Labbie (the VA’s MyHealthyVet guru)! It just goes to show you that our VA in Maine is truly all about supporting the veteran community! So, a big Thank You to VHA Maine and to all of those who attended! 

Don’t forget the Yard Sale on Aug. 10.  We need all the help we can get on Friday to move everything to the Boothbay Common. More info as we get closer.