Posted on May 13, 2015
Homeless Veteran Commits Suicide Outside Phoenix VA
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Homeless Veteran Commits Suicide Outside Phoenix VA
Suicide and homelessness “are well documented among veterans,” Schaefer says. “Unlike other diseases, where they can just give you a pill, these are some tough issues for veterans, and there is no one solution.” These are two issues we’re spending a lot of time and energy and talent on,” she adds, “because they are incredibly important.”
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/homeless-veteran-commits-suicide-outside-phoenix-va-7324999
Suicide and homelessness “are well documented among veterans,” Schaefer says. “Unlike other diseases, where they can just give you a pill, these are some tough issues for veterans, and there is no one solution.” These are two issues we’re spending a lot of time and energy and talent on,” she adds, “because they are incredibly important.”
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/homeless-veteran-commits-suicide-outside-phoenix-va-7324999
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There is no way that we can ever do enough to help these veterans. Even with all of the problems that I think I face, it is nothing compared to them.
A big, bureaucratic organization like the VA is never going to be responsive enough. I wish I had an answer or suggestion, but I don't. Maybe it is autonomous "rapid response" teams that don't need to go through the normal process. It saddens me every time I read something like this.
A big, bureaucratic organization like the VA is never going to be responsive enough. I wish I had an answer or suggestion, but I don't. Maybe it is autonomous "rapid response" teams that don't need to go through the normal process. It saddens me every time I read something like this.
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
I just picked up another pile of contact cards from my VFW.
I hand one out to every person claiming to be a homeless vet.
I hand one out to every person claiming to be a homeless vet.
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CPT Bob Moore
SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. Several people here in Lexington do that as well. I was actually given one a few weeks ago and I wasn't offended at all. I think the more awareness we can build, the better. If it gets one veteran help, it is worth it.
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CPT Bob Moore
SSG(P) Hercules Lobo I agree. You can't pin the responsibility on any one organization. At least at the VA where I am, the people working with the veterans at the VA are dedicated, caring, and professional. However, sometime getting into the system to get the help is difficult at best. Other time, veterans are just not aware of the help that is available. Those are the issues that we need to overcome.
I have never seen or heard of a vet with mental or homeless issues being turned away at the VA here in Kentucky. Has it happened, I don't know.
However the "rusted , burocratic, old system that tempts to prevail even after all these scandals that we all know about" is part of the problem. The people that work for the VA are the only thing that is making it effective right now. The system is broken.
I have never seen or heard of a vet with mental or homeless issues being turned away at the VA here in Kentucky. Has it happened, I don't know.
However the "rusted , burocratic, old system that tempts to prevail even after all these scandals that we all know about" is part of the problem. The people that work for the VA are the only thing that is making it effective right now. The system is broken.
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- Tragic story.
- Veteran with possible mental illness, untreated or unhelped medical problems, separation from family and other issues.
- Yet another indicator of the failings of the VA in general and of the Phoenix VA in particular.
- Makes one wonder what exactly it will take for VA to get the message and start to address their individual and systemic problems. Might take "throwing the baby out with the bath water" and just getting rid of the VA. Why invest funds and resources into an organization that is obviously broken and possibly broken beyond repair? Better to address veteran medical needs via the private market place rather than a public organization that evidently refuses to fix its problems.
- Veteran with possible mental illness, untreated or unhelped medical problems, separation from family and other issues.
- Yet another indicator of the failings of the VA in general and of the Phoenix VA in particular.
- Makes one wonder what exactly it will take for VA to get the message and start to address their individual and systemic problems. Might take "throwing the baby out with the bath water" and just getting rid of the VA. Why invest funds and resources into an organization that is obviously broken and possibly broken beyond repair? Better to address veteran medical needs via the private market place rather than a public organization that evidently refuses to fix its problems.
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SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS
COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, I agree and disagree. Of course I am a VA employee with the HRC call center for eBenefits and MyHealtheVet in Topeka Regional of Hospital. So on the one hand I don't want to lose my job. On the other hand I talk with a lot of veterans each day that have stories that flat depresses me on the service they receive. I find myself on the phones way longer than I should trying to get solutions on various issues with gaps in their care at their local facilities.
I think the structure exists for the stopping of the funding to the VA. In my unprofessional opinion on funding and management of funds.
The facilities that have reputations like Phoenix and prove over time they do not improve should be shut down.
I would take the funding and exercise the VA Choice Program and allow the third party managers to use the referral system already in place. Apply the funds to veterans in the Phoenix Primary and associated Clinics.
I get the whole perspective of veterans experiences good and bad. In one week I spoke with a veteran born in 1917 who had nothing but praise to speak on the VA Healthcare he is receiving from his facility. They had the perfect balance in his case. He gets care from local specialist promptly when the VA is not able to accommodate him in a timely manner.
This was before the Veteran's Choice Program (this program is a referral system for those who live over 40 miles to the nearest VA Facility or have to wait longer than 30 days for their next appointment).
The most depressing call I received was a veteran dying of cancer who wanted to get an oncologist in the economy. The VA told him rushing his appointment would be a waste because he did not have long to live.
Sometimes I go home pretty pissed off, but I am not sure he would not get the same treatment from civilian doctors especially when our tax dollars are paying for his care.
I think the structure exists for the stopping of the funding to the VA. In my unprofessional opinion on funding and management of funds.
The facilities that have reputations like Phoenix and prove over time they do not improve should be shut down.
I would take the funding and exercise the VA Choice Program and allow the third party managers to use the referral system already in place. Apply the funds to veterans in the Phoenix Primary and associated Clinics.
I get the whole perspective of veterans experiences good and bad. In one week I spoke with a veteran born in 1917 who had nothing but praise to speak on the VA Healthcare he is receiving from his facility. They had the perfect balance in his case. He gets care from local specialist promptly when the VA is not able to accommodate him in a timely manner.
This was before the Veteran's Choice Program (this program is a referral system for those who live over 40 miles to the nearest VA Facility or have to wait longer than 30 days for their next appointment).
The most depressing call I received was a veteran dying of cancer who wanted to get an oncologist in the economy. The VA told him rushing his appointment would be a waste because he did not have long to live.
Sometimes I go home pretty pissed off, but I am not sure he would not get the same treatment from civilian doctors especially when our tax dollars are paying for his care.
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While I agree the story is not a good one and the Phoenix VA has had some real issues, I am not sure how this is their fault/issue. The story is short on details about him and what happened.
He does not appear to be a combat veteran or even diagnosed with PTSD or any other issue. He looks like someone that might have served an enllistment or two and seperated.
He was 53, appears not to have retired from the military (only served). He had arthiritis and was becoming homeless for some unnamed reason . Someone in the story said he was mentally ill but that isn't a clinical diagnosis. Is it the VA's job to manage this persons life? I am not so sure.
His story is a tragedy for sure but I don't think laying this at the VA's feet is fair.
My Dad, who served 27 years in the air force and is now 82 years old and in failing health and has been treated with fantaistic care at the VA hospital in Tampa. They are very professional and do great work with veterans. Dumping on them everytime something happens to a veteran is not a reasonable response.
He does not appear to be a combat veteran or even diagnosed with PTSD or any other issue. He looks like someone that might have served an enllistment or two and seperated.
He was 53, appears not to have retired from the military (only served). He had arthiritis and was becoming homeless for some unnamed reason . Someone in the story said he was mentally ill but that isn't a clinical diagnosis. Is it the VA's job to manage this persons life? I am not so sure.
His story is a tragedy for sure but I don't think laying this at the VA's feet is fair.
My Dad, who served 27 years in the air force and is now 82 years old and in failing health and has been treated with fantaistic care at the VA hospital in Tampa. They are very professional and do great work with veterans. Dumping on them everytime something happens to a veteran is not a reasonable response.
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