Hospital: The Most Important 72 Hours

The Most Important 72 Hours

Seventy-two hours can save a veteran from financial ruin…and I don’t think I am over stating this. Our veterans have earned their healthcare benefits, and it is the things they don’t know that can cost them everything. Veterans have 72 hours to notify the VA of an emergency room visit at a non-VA medical center or urgent care. If they fail to make the 72-hour cutoff, services received “on the economy” may not be covered by the VA. Anyone can call to notify on behalf of the Veteran.

• Email Notification: VHAEmergencyNotification@va.gov
• Phone Notification: 844-72HRVHA (844-724-7842)
• Printable Information for Veterans: VA Community Emergency Care Fact Sheet
• Non-VA Hospital Emergency Notification Form (fillable PDF)

Are You a “Spuddy Buddy”?
If you are a self-avowed “couch potato” like me, it feels like COVID is my time! It is finally socially acceptable to be at home and chillin’! But – being the multi-tasker I am – we can still serve our veteran patients (from our couch). Be their “Spuddy Buddy!” From the comfort of their couch our Auxiliary Sisters and Brothers are:

• Making lap blankets and quilts
• Writing cards and letters
• Sewing and knitting walker bags
• Assembling blessing bags
• Learning about women veterans’ healthcare
• Electronically connecting with in-patient veterans
• Making “thank-you’s” for the awesome staff who care for our veterans
• Encouraging one another to stay in the fight for our veteran patients

November is Diabetes Awareness Month
“Right now, things are difficult for people living with diabetes—and for those who love them. Between the constant bad news and the bleak forecast, it’s easy to feel powerless, afraid and small. Enough is enough. It’s time to embrace a message of hope and empowerment. Because hope is greater than fear. Actions are greater than words. And unity is greater than division. November is American Diabetes Month—a time to take action together, as a community. Because together, we can conquer this disease. Together, we stand greater than diabetes.” – American Diabetes Association

Plan Something Fun
COVID may be ruling the conversation, but it doesn’t have to rule our lives. Plan something fun for the holidays; as they say in the service, “Proper preparation prevents p**s poor performance!” It is entirely possible to experience joy this holiday season if we plan for a safe and responsible celebration. Whatever way you find to light up the season, be blessed and stay “Blessed to Serve!”