Vickie Rosse
2018-2019 National Hospital Ambassador
I am thrilled that the VA has partnered with Objective Zero Foundation! The Hospital Program’s number one goal is to Spotlight Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Issues. The VFW Auxiliary has been learning and talking about Objective Zero all year. I am excited this app is getting the attention it deserves. Read the VA news release below for more information.
VA partners with Objective Zero Foundation
Mobile platform connects service members and Veterans to peer support and mental health services
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently partnered with the nonprofit Objective Zero Foundation to aid in connecting Veterans with suicide prevention support and resources.
The partnership, formalized on Dec. 3, 2018 provides a shared goal of preventing suicide among service members and Veterans, with a special focus on service members transitioning out of the military.
Objective Zero offers a free mobile app that instantly and anonymously connects Veterans, service members, their families and caregivers to suicide prevention resources and a nationwide community of peer supporters via text, voice, and video chat. The foundation enhances social connectedness among Veterans and improves access to mental health and wellness resources.
“At VA, we are working to prevent Veteran suicide by using an approach that looks beyond our traditional health care settings,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Our partnership with Objective Zero is an integral part of reaching Veterans where they live, work and thrives, and we are looking forward to working more closely with them.”
Objective Zero Co-founder and Executive Director Betsey Mercado said her foundation was proud to partner with VA to improve the well-being and mental health of Veterans.
“Joining efforts with this community provides better access to resources and highly needed support for the men and women that have served and sacrificed so much for our country,” Mercado said.
VA has a suite of mobile mental health apps that offer information about mental health issues, tools to help develop and practice coping skills, and assessments that allow users to track progress over time.
Learn more at www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile.
The Objective Zero app can be downloaded at https://www.objectivezero.org/app.
Veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a Veteran in crisis, can call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 800-273-8255 and press 1, send a text message to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
April
- Month of the Military Child – An opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued resilience.
- April 21, 2019 – Easter Sunday
- April 22, 2019 – Earth Day
April 7-13 is
- National Volunteer Week
- Community Volunteer Recruitment Week
From the website – www.vfwauxiliary.org/resources/hospital
Hospital Volunteer Recruitment Kit
- Community Volunteer Recruitment Weeks information
- Organize
- Facilities
- Opportunities
- Summary
- Recommendations
- Incentives
- Community Volunteer Recruitment Weeks Report Form
- Successes
- Learning opportunities
- Due to National Headquarters by May 31, 2019
- Mail or email to info@vfwauxiliary.org
- Volunteer Recruitment Flyers
- Choice of 4
An easy project idea for Community Volunteer Recruitment Week was printed in the March Blog.
Share Wonderful Auxiliary Projects/Programs (SWAP)
Many volunteers have made ditty bags, wheelchair bags, walker bags etc. for the Hospital Program. Auxiliary #8713 from Florida makes chemo bags. They fill the bags with items for patients while they are receiving their therapy. Included are comfort items specifically for men and women. It makes the patients smile.
Thanks to Virginia Brehmer, Department of Florida Hospital Chairman, for this submission!
Auxiliary volunteers at the White River Junction Medical Center make admission bags. Seven new items are placed in a gift bag to make veterans more comfortable during their hospitalization. Included are: lip balm, paper/pen/pencil, deodorant, dental floss, a comb, a deck of cards and a squishy stress ball.
Thanks to Madeline Dreusicke, Department of New Hampshire Hospital Chairman, for this submission!
