The news is particularly encouraging given the performance level of the federal agency that is charged with providing ongoing medical care for millions of our nation’s military veterans.  Veteran Hospitals (VA Hospitals) have historically been located near large metropolitan areas, requiring patients to travel long distances for even the most basic of medical services.  The agency is making significant changes to its system, consolidating specific treatment into regional locations, causing some patients to be concerned about traveling even longer distances to receive their VA Medical Benefits.

Most recently the Agency has come under attack for its inability to process a long backlog of claims resulting in some veterans who have been waiting for treatment to coin the phrase, “Delay, Deny, and Wait Till I Die”.  Embracing the new telemedicine and telehealth technology programs may be the most promising decision the agency has made in the recent past to help turn the long history of inefficiency and questioned quality of care around.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2012 Performance and Accountability Report, submitted by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki in November, discusses the Department’s achievements in improving healthcare and benefits service delivery to veterans.  The report states that in 2012, the VA maintained the largest integrated healthcare system in America and implemented “new innovative practices to improve Veterans’ access to health care, such as telemedicine and mobile clinics, to provide care to more than 6 million unique patients.” Throughout 2012, nearly 500,000 veteran patients received 1.4 million telehealth-based consultations, which were delivered from 150 VA Medical Centers and 750 Outpatient Clinics.

Supporters of the VA’s utilization of the latest technologies to expand access to quality, primary and specialty care believe that it will transform healthcare delivery at VA Medical Centers while providing veterans solutions that enable greater access to their benefits, at a lower cost, all while improving the quality and outcomes of the medical care.

Telemedicine and telehealth technology is demonstrating its benefits of improved care, increased access and lower costs in the private sector.  Let’s hope that its application and practice at the VA demonstrates an equal measure of success.  Our military members risked their lives and suffered countless injuries in service to our country.  They deserve efficient, accessible, quality medical care for their commitment and sacrifice for protecting our freedoms and our country’s security.

About the San Mateo County Event Center:

San Mateo Event Center is the Bay Area’s top destination for events, meetings, promotions, and special events – from 6,000 to 35 people. Offering expansive space, lush landscaping, and flexible amenities conveniently located 20 minutes from all major cities.

Call us today! 650-574-3247

The west’s premier antique show, celebrating its 43rd year at the San Mateo County Event Center, the Hillsborough Antique Show, is held three times each year. Show dates are April 27, 28 and 29,   November 3, 4 and 5 and again next February.  Come see beautiful pieces from 325 exhibitors in 506 booths — featuring antiques, decorative arts, fine art and vintage collectibles from the 17th Century to the late 20th Century.  Most exhibitors represent pieces from the Americas, Europe and Asia.

For each show, the American Decorative Arts Forum of Northern California (ADFA) creates a special display that both delights and educates attendees with their special collections.  The theme for this Spring’s show is A Hillsborough Wedding — come see wedding related antiques throughout the show, hosted by ADAF and Hillsborough Exhibitors.  Exhibitors will have pieces available for sale that are appropriate for any springtime wedding.

Proceeds from admissions will help benefit the volunteer work of United Voluntary Services in VA Medical Centers across the USA.  It is especially beneficial as four VA medical centers are here in the Bay Area.   The Hillsborough Antique Show is the only charity antique show on the Peninsula.  There are hundreds of antique shows in California — but only one Hillsborough — the Original!

Hours:  Friday 11-8, Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 11-5.  Admission $10 for Adults, $8 for Seniors (65+), discount coupons available at website, www.hillsboroughantiqueshow.com

From VAntage Point Blog, a soldier putting down the sword for a pen in a writing program that is part of a holistic treatment approach to post-traumatic stress and TBI.

The VA currently has more than 345,000 combined Facebook  “fans” and is looking for more. As of this week, each of the 152 VA Medical Centers has its own page.

“This event marks an important milestone in the overall effort to transform how VA communicates with Veterans and provide them the health care and benefits they have earned,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki in a Department of Veterans Affairs media release.

VA now has over 150 Facebook pages, 64 Twitter feeds, a YouTube channel, a Flickr page, and the VAntage Point blog.

“Veterans of all eras are depending on us to get the right information to the right person at the right time,” said Brandon Friedman, VA’s director of online communications, and a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.

A geographic directory for the VA Medical Center Facebook pages is available HERE. In Florida, the Facebook pages are:

• Bay Pines VA Healthcare System
• North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System
• Miami VA Health Care System
• Orlando VA Medical Center
• James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (Tampa)
• West Palm Beach VA Medical Center

The Department plans to continue expanding its Facebook presence while also focusing on bringing Twitter to every VA medical center as well.

Below is a sample of the VA YouTube Channel, a piece prepared for Veterans Day 2011.

(CNSNews.com) – Department of Veteran Affairs’ guidelines dealing with sterilizing reusable medical equipment at VA medical centers are rife with weaknesses that could potentially put veterans’ safety at risk, a federal audit has concluded.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit on VA health care, released on Tuesday, found the some vital pieces of equipment were not being sterilized properly.

Conducted for the period March 2010-May 2011, the audit was presented during a hearing held by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

The hearing was called to examine medical safety practices at VA medical facilities, following several safety incidents, including one at a facility in Dayton, Ohio, where hundreds of veterans had to be tested for potential infection after being treated by a dentist who was accused of not sterilizing instruments or changing disposable gloves between patients.

Last September the GAO reported that VA hospitals had potentially exposed 2,609 veterans to infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis as a result of improperly sanitized reusable medical equipment.

VA operates the largest government-run health care delivery system in the U.S. It provides health care to over 5.5 million veterans each year in a system including 153 VA medical centers (VAMCs) across the nation, providing a range of outpatient, inpatient and residential services.

Continue reading>>>

Let's give away things...that will save the taxpayers millions

America…taxpayers…we are screwed. Obama is holding another contest that basically asks Federal employees “how can I save money.” I have a quick answer. Stop hiring federal employees who earn more than their bosses (taxpayers). Simple solution.

The Washington Post reports:

Federal workers with thoughts on how to save taxpayer dollars can start submitting their cost-conscious ideas Thursday as part of a contest backed by the White House.

The second annual SAVE Award will start accepting submissions at http://www.saveaward.gov from Thursday through July 22. Federal employees will be able to rank the submissions submitted by colleagues, and the general public will be able to vote on the top submissions later in the year. The contest winner earns a meeting with President Obama, who will include the winning idea in his fiscal 2012 budget proposal.

Fiscal 2012 budget? Hell, Congress didn’t pass a budget in 2010 for 2011. A historic first, which happened under the most open, most honest, most ethical Democratically controlled Congress.

Want to hear the brilliant idea that won last year?

Last year’s winning idea came from Nancy Fichtner, a Department of Veterans Affairs employee from Colorado who suggested that VA medical centers should permit patients to take home extra bandages and medication when they are discharged. The change in policy is expected to save the Department of Veterans Affairs at least $14.5 million by 2014, the OMB said.

Givng away items that have already been paid for? This saves money? The taxpayers paid for these  “extra” bandages and medication. The Obama administration wants you to believe that giving away items saves money. Are they fucking serious? Try this with your business and see how long you stay in business.

We’re screwed America. This is the most inept administration in history. They seem perfectly able to spend our money but are true idiots when it comes to saving our money. This is what you get when you elect someone with no business or executive experience. Remember this the next time you vote.

“Our military families are tested each day. Multiple and extended deployments mean that children often don’t see their moms or dads for long periods of time. Civilian spouses juggle the demands of work and family without their partners for long stretches of time. Family members serve as primary care givers for our wounded warriors, and too many families bear the heartbreaking reality of moving forward with their lives while keeping the memory of our fallen heroes alive. Through it all, military families contribute countless hours to supporting other military families, being role models to our children, and making communities stronger. A small percentage of Americans fight our wars, but we need 100 percent of Americans to support these brave men and women and their families back home.”

Last month the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that nearly 8000 homeless veterans will get permanent housing through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH). New Jersey vets and their families are expected to receive 150 HUD-VASH vouchers. Eligibility screening for the program occurs at designated VA Medical Centers and within designated Service Areas (Camden, Jersey City, Paterson, Newark, Trenton, and Elizabeth). Eligible veterans are provided supportive services and case management as well as being referred to a participating public housing authority for their rent subsidy voucher.

The VA Medical Centers involved in this HUD-VASH voucher allocation are located at:

East Orange – VA Medical Center
385 Tremont Avenue
East Orange, NJ 07018
973-676-1000

Lyons – VA Medical Center
151 Knollcroft Road
Lyons, NJ 07939
908-647-0180
Service areas includes: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren

Philadelphia – VA Medical Center
3900 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-823-5800
Service area includes: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester

Wilmington – VA Medical Center
1601 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19805
302-994-2511 or 800-461-8262
Service area includes: Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem

If you know of a veteran who may qualify for the HUD-VASH program they should contact their local VA Medical Center. Or to connect to a trained VA staff person call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline at 877-4AID VET (877-424-3838). For other useful New Jersey contact information see HUD press release or visit the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Read more here.

Roseburg VA Appreciation Day

Soldiers’ Angels in Oregon participated in a wonderful Veteran appreciation day at the Roseburg VA.  Sandy Marcell and Donna Madison joined several other Veteran organizations, families and Veterans for a nice lunch and carnival, complete with Wii bowling!  Lap blankets, quilts and hats were given to the Veterans and the best  gift of all of course,  was time spent with an incredible group of people who have served and sacrificed for the rest of us.   Thank you Veterans!! We Appreciate you!!

Set up and Ready to Go

Melissa and Gang Ready to serve!

Edna Entertains the Veterans!

Thank you Edna for your wonderful dancing!

Thank you to everyone who helped with the Soldiers' Angels Ice Cream Social at the Portland VAMC. Thank you to all our wonderful Veterans for allowing us to share in your day!

Bare in mind that as you read through this blog, you’ll notice a play on words – not mine – whereby downplaying the “errors” and “mistakes” as if it was a non issue.

A few days ago, Howard Dean, former democratic Presidential candidate, was filling in for Keith Olbermann on MSNBC. Mind you, Olberman is no mantle piece, so his list of fill-ins represents a studious yet ignorant bunch. Like anchor, like anchor wannabe.

One of his guests was an “expert” on how great government run health care will be using the Veterans Administration as an example of great medical care and treatment. When this “guest” finished his fraudulent depiction of the VA’s great medical treatment of our veterans, Dean said this:

“Our military is the best therefore they deserve the best and that is exactly what they get” and he goes on to say that all Americans should have this type of healthcare.

Now the Truth Based Upon Fact:

In February 2009, the VA warned 10,000 former patients in Georgia, Tennessee and Florida and dating back to 2003, that they may have been exposed to infections after having a colonoscopy or endoscopic procedures advising them to get blood tests for HIV and hepatitis.

Hell, if I was told to get blood tests for HIV and hepatitis, “I’d be a former patient”.

Does the fact that it took 6 years to finally acknowledge or admit to this medical blunder bother anyone but me?

The initial results came back with the following “good news”:

- Six veterans tested positive for HIV

- 34 veterans tested positive for hepatitis C

- 13 veterans tested positive for hepatitis B

Now we begin the play on words..

The VA said the “errors” were limited to VA medical facilities in Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. The inspector general said the problems could be more widespread.

Ya think?

On May 13th and May 14th 2009, there were surprise inspections at 42 VA medical centers. The investigators found ONLY 43 percent had standard operating procedures in place and showed that their staff was properly trained on the use of medical equipment.

The VA administration apologized for it’s “weaknesses” and said “they would do better”. The apology and it’s content sounds a lot like a kindergartner getting an F for not sitting Barbie in GI Joe’s jeep properly.

Eric Shinseki, the VA Secretary, said “along with disciplinary measures” he is going to require each medical center director to verify in “WRITING” that they are in compliance with agency guidelines.

This is like telling a murderer or rapist that if they verify their innocence in writing, then the crime did not happen no matter how many dead bodies are in the morgue with stab wounds or gunshots. Positive DNA not admissible.

For veterans in Western States, your risk of infection has been characterized as “very low”. VA medical centers across the country have said “our vets have no issues because we have followed manufacturers procedures for use, storage and cleaning of the equipment.”

Okay!!

But a key word is missing, STERILIZATION. Cleaning is one thing, but sterilization? Do they know what that is?

Apparently not as I am sure the VA medical centers in Tenn, Fla, and Ga said the exact same thing. I’ll bet those veterans who served their country and who have tested positive for HIV and hepatitis are really happy with the “best care” imaginable and especially how well the staff “cleans” things.

So there it is, Government run health care at it’s finest and this is only what has been made public. Imagine what is not being told such as administrative blunders, prescription blunders and when you put that together with medical malpractice, a government blunder.

If America’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines don’t get the “best”, think about how “better” it would be for civilians.

So Howard Dean didn’t get the presidential nod. I’m just guessing here but that is a good thing, isn’t it? Don’t get me wrong, Obama is just as dirty and fraudulent if not more so.

For Dean to sit in for Olbermann on MSNBC and boast about the VA health care system and how American’s should relish the example set forth by the VA, is an example of politics, lies and distortion set forth by both the media tunnel vision and the White House.

Shinseki, a retired U.S. Army Soldier should know better but obviously missed the lecture on “attention to detail”.

THE OBAMA CLAN IS PERPETRATING A FRAUD WHEN THEY USE THE VA AS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHAT IS IN STORE FOR GOVERNMENT RUN HEALTH CARE. THEY WILL CONTINUE TO MISLEAD AND MISINFORM AMERICA ON THE BENEFIT OF GOVERNMENT RUN HEALTH CARE.

ETHICS AND MORALS OUT THE WINDOW!!

IF ANY OF YOU HAVE AN OUNCE OF COMMON SENSE YOU WILL SEE THAT GOVERNMENT BEAURACRACY IS NOT CHEAPER, WISER OR HEALTHIER.

IT IS A PLOY FILLED WITH EGOCENTRIC AGENDA AND SOCIALIST POLITICS. YOUR HEALTH, THE CONSTITUTION AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS  NOT WITHSTANDING………..

Absolutely no credibility. None!!

Gov. Rick Perry

Dixie Chicks

I’m going to stay close to home – make that at home! We were treated this week by our governor, the Dishonorable Rick Perry threatening to secede from the United States of America.  Well, that got my blood boiling unlike anything I’ve heard in a while.  Isn’t this the same state that brutalized the Dixie Chicks for expressing embarrassment about President Bush?  Doesn’t Rick Perry belong to the same Grand Old Party that labeled every attacker of Bush policy as unpatriotic and seditious?  Isn’t this the same Rick Perry who begged the Federal Government to put troops on the Texas border with Mexico to protect us from the drug wars that rage across a narrow and shallow river sometimes spilling over onto our streets already?  The answer to all of the above is yes! It is the same Perry who belongs to the same sore-loser party mentioned above.  Now, he wants to pull his people, the people he is supposed to serve in their best interest, out of the good old USA.  Isn’t that a declaration of war?  Isn’t that sedition?  Doesn’t that, at least, show a lack of patriotism?  Once again, the answer is yes!

Dallas, Texas

Now, for all of my crazy fellow Texans who think that Governor Perry might have something, let’s take a peek at the overlooked facts about our state’s associations with the Federal Government and what Perry is risking.  I’ll selfishly start with my own greatest concern: Veterans Medical Centers in cities such as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.  What does Governor Perry offer to the brave veterans of Texas in the way of healthcare once the USA closes down its Veterans Healthcare Centers in our state?  And let’s talk about another bit of assistance the State of Texas enjoys from the USA.  Go to San Antonio and look at all the military bases there.  Some say the city owes its modern existence and economic strength to the Army and Air Force bases located there.  There’s Fort Bliss in El Paso where I went for basic training when drafted into the US Army in 1968.  It is a major part of the economy of El Paso.  There’s the Naval Air Stations in Corpus Christi and Kingsville, Texas, not to mention the Naval Homeport located there.  Those would be closed by the USA if we were to leave.  Fort Worth has an Air Force base as well as Wichita Falls.  And Killeen, Texas, would have no reason for being if Fort Hood was closed.

Mission Control, Johnson Space Center

What about NASA?  Do you think the government of the United States would control its space program from a foreign country?  Doubtful!  What about border control?  I guess my old home state would become the new southern border – that is if they don’t follow their crazy Texas cousins – and the US Border Patrol would move its operations to Ardmore, OK to keep all us illegal aliens leaving Texas from becoming Red River “wetbacks!”  What about all of those US Social Security pensioners who would suddenly not be citizens of the US?  Might the US Government decide to cut off their Social Security benefits?

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades.

Here’s a fact.  Texas is “governed” by a lean and mean state government under Republican management and has been for a good many years.  It was the design of its founders when it was a newly formed Republic that it have a small and weak central government.  Not much has changed over the years from 1836 to now.  Tax stingy Texans have again and again refused to spend money on infrastructure, education and assistance for the less fortunate among us.  Instead they have bought in to the Republican rhetoric that “no government spending is good spending.”  So, before we bail on the United States of America, we better think long and hard about what the cost will be to us as a go-it-alone republic in a dangerous world.  We would have to pay for our own border patrol – that is unless we want to have the Mexican drug cartels set their sights on the newly disorganized country to their north.  We would have to pay for our own armed forces including weapons systems and facilities.  Surely we are not naïve enough to think the Pentagon of the United States of America would leave their weapons behind for us to use against them.  In addition to all of the afore-mentioned military bases and Federal security services, we would lose huge amounts of money for education and highway repair and construction.

Murrah Federal Building bombing

And I have one more question for Governor Perry.  How, exactly, would you fire the first salvo at the United States to signify our none-too-graceful exit?  On the 14th anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in my hometown of Oklahoma City by a right-wing extremist, would you encourage by your reckless rhetoric a similar attack on a Federal Building in one of the cities of Texas?  I think it is a fair question, Governor.  What kind of crazy behavior are you enabling by a lunatic fringe on the right?  I call you out on this, Governor Perry!  Explain yourself, sir!  What, exactly, are you calling for?

I’ll tell you what I’m calling for.  I’m calling for your immediate resignation as the governor of my state! I would prefer to have Rob Blagojevich as governor.  And if, as I suspect, you do not have the common honor to resign, I feel that it is time for your impeachment on the grounds of sedition against the United States of America.  I’m serious! It is time for you and your sanctimonious Religious Right buddies to get down on your knees and repent your sin of pride!  And if you are really in the kind of daily contact you claim with God Almighty, I’m sure He will guide you to do the right thing and resign.  You are endangering the lives and well-being of those you serve.  That is the exact opposite of your job description and the oath you took as governor.  There is a reason that a mere 40% of Texas voters re-elected you as governor, and that reason is quite clear now.  Time to say good-bye!

Orlando, FL tax day tea party

As my readers can clearly see, I have completely lost my sense of humor.  And since I’m here already, I have a few well-chosen words for the idiots who took to the streets for those ridiculous “extemporaneous tea parties.”  GO BACK TO WORK WHILE YOU’VE STILL GOT A JOB! I have written about my crazy aunt Eunice in the past, and here she is again front and center along with her children.  They were out there on April 15th in Oklahoma City, ranting and raving as usual.  Here’s the rub.  Aunt Eunice is receiving  monthly welfare checks and food stamps.   Her son is a tax-paid officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department.  And her dear daughter, a truly sweet woman who is the dimmest bulb in a pack of 10-watt light bulbs,  works for – wait for it! – The Oklahoma Tax Commission, as an – get this! – auditor! You know, you just can’t make anything this good up.  Well, you could, but I didn’t have to.

Oklahoma City tea party protest

Wait!  There it is.  It’s back.  In the idiocy of my own hypocritical conservative Okie family, I have once again found my sense of humor.  Welcome back, old friend.  Boy, have I missed you.  (I’m not a schizophrenic with borderline personality disorder, I swear it.)

Anyway, in a tribute to one of my favorite bloggers, Helen, over at Margaret and Helen, I say to all those crazy creepy conservatives out there, “SIT DOWN AND SHUT THE HELL UP!”  We’ve all heard what you have to say, and we still don’t like it.  Go home or go to work or wherever it is you belong, but leave us alone.  We don’t like you and don’t want to play!  And one last thing:  You’re ugly, and your mother dresses you funny!

REMEMBER KATRINA!