May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Now more than ever, the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System is committed to providing high-quality mental health care while keeping veterans safe from exposure to the coronavirus.
To help reduce the risk of infection at the facility, Charles George VA Medical Center asks that veterans use VA’s online resources for routine or non-urgent mental health care and questions. This will help protect veterans from contracting COVID-19 while enabling CGVAMC providers to focus on care for veterans with the most acute needs.
“Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, and out of concern for our local veterans, we are honoring current physical distancing guidelines,” said Dr. Laura Tugman, the Mental Health Services assistant chief here. “Through VA’s virtual care tools, we are able to leverage available technology to make sure that our patients and staff are as safe as possible during this time
VA offers veterans a variety of at-home resources, including the following:
Telephone or Video Appointments – Veterans should maintain their existing mental health appointments — and may receive care at home — using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or tablets. To set up telephone or video appointments, veterans can send their health care provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov or call CGVAMC’s Mental Health clinic to schedule at (828) 298-7911 ext. 2519. Veterans can learn more about VA Video Connect at mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.
Mental Health Peer Support Specialist Groups – Veterans can continue to stay connected with our Veteran recovery community by attending our Peer-led groups including Wellness Recovery Action Planning, Navigating Relationships and Veteran “X” in a virtual platform. For more information on how to attend a Peer-led group, contact your current Mental Health provider.
Prescription Refills and Safety – Veterans should continue taking all medications as prescribed and talk to their mental health provider if they have any concerns. Veterans may request prescription refills and order shipments of medications to their homes using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app, which can be downloaded at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill. VA’s Safe Home Environment handout provides information on safely storing medications in the home.
Mental Health Information and Resources – VA provides information on ways for veterans and their families to maintain and enhance their mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak. Information about managing stress and anxiety, as well as mental health resources, are available at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus/resources.
Text Message Reminders – Veterans can use Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions protocol to send automated text messages with information about COVID-19. This application helps veterans monitor their symptoms and can assist those who need to contact their VA facility for care. Veterans may enroll in the app at mobile.va.gov/annie.
Mental Health Month – This May, VA is observing Mental Health Month by emphasizing that “Now Is the Time.” Even during the coronavirus outbreak, veterans can still prioritize their mental health. Veterans and their families can visit www.MakeTheConnection.net/MHM to learn more about mental health resources and hear stories of recovery from other veterans.
For more information on ways veterans can maintain and enhance their mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus. For the most up to date information follow the CGVAMC on Facebook at @AshevilleVAMC or visit the website at www.asheville.va.gov.