5 minute read
View from the waiting room
VIEWS FROM A VETERAN HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM
Experience gives perspective on conditions
COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
The Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Administration Medical Center in Spokane.
By Don Walker
VETERANS HELP NET
I recently spent some time in the “waiting room” for lab work at Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Spokane.
It was 7:58 on a Wednesday morning. I was new to the VA medical system but I wanted to get my VA Healthcare set up. This process required me to get some lab work taken care of before I was assigned a primary VA provider.
I only had a short wait but the time that I sat there waiting for my name to be called gave me a glimpse of a real-world cross section of today’s and yesterday’s U.S. veterans.
The view showed me a lot. I looked around, and I counted six walkers and three wheelchairs among the 15-20 veterans waiting for their names to be called. There were six women among this group seeking help. Ages ranged from early 20s to ‘a whole lot of grey hairs.”
Nobody looked happy to be there, but is anyone ever very happy when visiting a medical facility? The medical staff were treating all with the dignity and respect they earned and deserved. No one waited very long.
Men and women of all ages had one thing in common…everyone there was hurting. Some had a small hurt but many had bigger hurts caused by living, or serving.
Watching each person, it makes you wonder “What’s their story?” “What life paths got them to this VA waiting room on this day?” “What choices did they make in their life that got them into the military?” and “Did those choices lead them to this waiting room?”
Whatever their choices or paths were, here they are today, looking for and getting help.
The Waiting Room takeaway for me was: “Thank God and the U.S.A. we have our VA medical Healthcare program to get them the help they need and the help they have earned.”
Spend an hour in our VA waiting room and you will feel humbled and gracious for the folks that made their choices, and for the folks that come here every day. Give them Help and Hope.
Thank you.
Suicide Prevention
If you’re a veteran having thoughts of suicide or concerned about someone, reach 24/7 crisis support through the new Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) number: Dial 988, then Press 1.
This shorter, three-digit number provides an easier-to-remember way to access the VCL. Below are answers to some questions you might have about this change.
Why did the VCL get a new number?
The change is a result of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act. The law authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Under the law, all telephone service providers in the U.S. had to activate the number by July 16.
Because VA administers the VCL through the Lifeline’s national network, the service was affected by this transition.
What does the new number mean?
Since 2007, the VCL has supported millions of veterans in crisis. This new, shorter number increases ease of access and clarity in times of crisis for both Veterans and supporters.
Like the current number, to reach the VCL, veterans will press 1 after dialing to connect with VCL responders. Though the number is new, the Veterans Crisis Line dedicated service is still the same. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
Is the old VCL phone number going away?
No. Veterans will still be able to call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to connect with responders. The VCL will also still be available by chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat) at www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-helpnow/chat/ or by text at 838255.
What happens if I’m overseas?
The VCL’s 800 number is a continental United States (CONUS)based toll-free number that remains active. Some international calls may incur a charge, depending on the caller’s location and network provider. Veterans overseas may contact the VCL through chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net/gethelp-now/chat/
If you prefer a phone call, you can request this within the chat venue. A responder will call you at the number you provide at no charge.
Be prepared and save the new number: Dial 988, then Press 1. Remember, you’re not alone. Day or night, the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you.
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is shown in June at West Palm Beach, Fla. Visitors flock to see the names of deceased friends and honor others who served. The exhibit will be coming to Liberty Lake in September. Read more on page 6.
VETERANS CHRONICLE
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW AUG. 19, 2022
VETERANS HELP NET
Don Walker Bryan Bledsoe
MANAGING EDITOR Joe Butler
ART DIRECTOR Anne Potter
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Scott Baumbach Veterans Help Net partners with The Spokesman-Review to publish Veterans Chronicle on the third Friday of every month to increase awareness about veteran issues and to help veterans find hope and help. To share a veteran story or information about resources for veterans, please contact info@ veteranshelpnet.com or visit www.VeteransHelpNet.com. For advertising information, please contact advertising@ spokesman.com or (509) 4595095.
No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.
IN THIS ISSUE
Vietnam veteran searches for corpsman...................................................4
Mann-Grandstaff recognizes outstanding employee ............................5
Moving Vietnam Wall comes to Spokane area .......................................6
Hey veterans, did you know? .......................................................................7
Veteran shares his journey to receiving benefits....................................8
The role of the Favored Few ........................................................................9
Local women veterans gather ......................................................................12
WE BE LIE VE IN VA FINANCING
The United StatesS Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans to active military members, reservists, and retirees, as a benefit of service in our nation’s Armed Forces. Many service members are not aware this earned benefit is available to them; many sellers are not aware of the advantages to VA loans in the transaction process. We encourage all Spokane realtors - to become familiar with this loan type so that we can all join in saying “We believe in VA financing!”
