Jesse Brown VA announces partnership with America’s Heroes Group
One of the key topics discussed on the April 13, 2019 America’s Heroes Group radio talk show addressed services available to veteran men and women to assist in their transitioning to civilian life. While most people are aware there may be challenges when veterans return home, few people are aware of the many services available to veterans.
The panelists joining Vietnam Veteran and America’s Heroes Group radio talk show host Cliff Kelley for the discussion were Jesse Brown VA Medical Center Director Marc A. Magill, Holly Passi, PsyD, and Valerie Creedon, LCSW. The VA’s goal is to make each soldier aware of the transitioning and educational services available to Veterans immediately following their discharge from active duty.
Jesse Brown VA has a dedicated clinic, the Transition and Care Management Clinic (TCM), at the main campus and specific staff at their outpatient clinics to work with transitioning Veterans. The clinic includes primary care, case management/care coordination (through social work case managers, a nurse case manager, and a Transition Patient Advocate), mental health, and recreation therapy, as well as ancillary employment assistance and peer support groups located within the clinic.
In addition to the specific services offered to Post 9/11 Combat Veterans and transitioning Post 9/11 Veterans in the TCM Clinic, there is Battle Body Retraining and Understanding Readjustment Groups, outreach services, and resource gathering. The program also discussed the services and programs that address the multi-gen- erational needs of our Veterans from all branches and periods of service. Examples include Jesse Brown VA’s Whole Health Program, Recreation Therapy (archery, scuba diving, horseback riding, etc.), Healing Touch, Animal Assisted therapy through Buddy – Jesse Brown’s therapy dog, Battle Field Acupuncture (BFA), and job placement assistance through the Compensated Work Therapy Program.
Many veterans taking advantage of the educational benefits offered through the GI Bills will appreciate the VITAL Initiative introduced by Dr. Holly Passi, PsyD. VITAL Initiative stands for Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership at Jesse Brown VA. It provides outreach efforts on college campuses including liaison work with student veteran associations.
One of its unique features is the availability of real-time counseling that is offered when and where needed to this population. It has enabled Dr. Passi to provide therapeutic services to student Veterans both on campus and at the hospital depending on the school and the preference of the Veterans. Her efforts have been directly responsible for enhancing access, increasing enrollments, and spreading awareness of Jesse Brown VA Medical Center services.
Several callers voiced their appreciation for the availability of education and transition services and inquired how they might participate.
Returning Post 9/11 Combat Veterans and Transitioning Post 9/11 Veterans can reach the Transition and Care Management Clinic at 312-569-5900 or present to the clinic, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on the 10th floor of the Damen Pavilion at Jesse Brown VA, 820 S. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL. Veterans already in school or considering attending classes can reach Dr. Passi at 312-262-8007. Colleges, Universities, and student veteran organizations can reach Dr. Passi at 312-262-8007 or via email at [email protected] to request more information, explore an on-campus partnership, or request Jesse Brown VA participation in outreaches, presentations, or consultations.
Dr. Passi is here to support Veterans both directly and indirectly by working closely with those interacting with student veterans.
