Dear Veteran:
We will begin utilizing a new check-in procedure using VEText at all our North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System facilities on Monday, August 3, 2020.
This new feature allows Veterans with scheduled appointments to notify their care team when they arrive at the facility.
To use this feature, Veterans must have a text-capable cell phone number on file with us. If you are unsure if we have a number on file, please contact your care team or you can verify that information when you are contacted to schedule an appointment.
The process is simple!
1) Once you arrive, send a text message stating “HERE” to 53079. This will alert your care team you are at the facility waiting to be called to your appointment.
2) You will receive a text acknowledging your check-in status.
3) When your care team is ready for you, you will receive a text instructing you to proceed to the facility’s entrance for your appointment.
If you are unable to use the VEText feature please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
For the safety of all, we continue to conduct mandatory health screenings and require all to wear a mask or face covering. If you have a health condition that does not allow you to wear a mask, please notify your care team so they can make alternative arrangements for you.
To learn more about the steps we are taking to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, visit our “Prepare for Your Visit” page. It will provide important information on what to expect when visiting our facilities for your next appointment or procedure.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Be Safe....Stay Well!
Are you a military or Veteran caregiver in California, Florida, or Texas?
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has joined VA to create Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers, a new program that will offer caregivers access to no-cost, short-term relief during the COVID-19 crisis.
CareLinx is powering the emergency fund with a generous contribution of $1 million in professional in-home care services.
Online with MyHealtheVet
The NEW Rx Refill Mobile App
Call your local VA Pharmacy number on the prescription label
By mail: VA Refill Form
State representatives share the largest employers of Veterans in your state.
Find the list, in alphabetical order by state. https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/76442/veterans-benefits-2020-largest-successful-state-employer-veterans/
VA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is working diligently to ensure small, Veteran-owned businesses maintain the resources needed to keep their businesses afloat during these unprecedented times, with more than $8 billion awarded to date for fiscal 2020.
https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/76929/how-va-helps-veteran-business-owners/
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Dear Veterans,
We are very happy to see that many of you are opting for face-to-face appointments as we gradually lift COVID-19 restrictions at our medical centers and clinics across Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend all individuals wear masks in public or when around people who don’t live in the same household to stop the spread of COVID-19. VA requires masks to be worn while on our campuses and in our facilities. This rule applies to anyone who visits our facilities - patients and their loved ones, employees, volunteers, visitors, etc. Our goal is to ensure everyone is safe and our patients can seek care in a clean and welcoming environment.
This is especially true for people with lung diseases like asthma, emphysema and COPD because they may be at greater risk of severe complications and even death from COVID-19.
The American Lung Association, among others, indicate wearing a mask does not significantly affect oxygen or carbon dioxide levels. Individuals who have trouble tolerating a mask due to claustrophobia or anxiety can lessen these feelings by progressively wearing the mask for longer periods of time to adjust. They can also try different kinds of masks to find one that fits better or is more comfortable. Patients can speak with their health care provider about other options that may be available but still provide an acceptable level protection. It is important to note that masks with breathing valves do not offer protection but rather allow for the spread of the virus. If patients arrive on campus with this type of mask, they will be required to wear a VA issued one.
Thank you,
The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) - Providing exceptional VA health care services to Veterans in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
“Veterans and their families should be focused on their health and safety during the natural disasters,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “VA is taking action to give those with pending debts greater flexibility during these challenging times.”
If you have questions such as where to go for care or how to receive prescribed medications, VA has established a toll-free number for assistance in areas that have been impacted by disasters. Veterans or their families can call the VA Veterans Disaster Response line 24 hours, seven days a week at 1-800-507-4571.
If you are affected by a natural disaster, have a VBA benefit debt and need temporary financial relief, please contact VA's Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 to request assistance.
If you have questions on Compensation or Pension benefits: Call toll-free 1-800-827-1000 Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST.
Dial 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 access to VA services for homeless, displaced and at-risk Veterans
Homeless Veteran Chat Confidential, 24/7 online support for homeless Veterans and friends
Visit https://www.va.gov/homeless/ for more information
Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.