Page 11 - Desert Oracle April 2021

SAVAHCS Director’s Report:
April 2021

LOCAL UPDATE

DID YOU KNOW?

• Over 80% of our employees have received COVID-19 vaccination! Because of this
landmark, effective, March 17, 2021, we have closed all employee screening stations
o Employees will be able to enter the facility using their PIV card and are expected to
continue to utilize the COVID-19 screening tool daily. Text SCREEN to 53079 to
use the screening tool
o The SAVAHCS will continue to operate Veteran and visitor screening stations in
Buildings 50, 57, 60, 80 and 90
o The Emergency Department will continue to screen all Veterans and visitors
presenting there for care
• Veterans can contact their primary care team and request refills the same day they
receive it in the mail by telephone or through MyHealtheVet
• Employee Cathi Starr received the VA Secretary’s I CARE Honor Award for creating
the Compassionate Contact Corps Program at the SAVAHCS. This program helps
vulnerable Veterans feel less isolated by connecting them with volunteers based on their
interests and life experiences. Check out the KOLD news story HERE
• The Southwestern Blind Rehabilitation Center (SWBRC) has reopened! The SWBRC
offers inpatient blind rehabilitation services and training to visually impaired Veterans who
can benefit from learning how to safely navigate their environment, performing daily tasks,
managing personal needs, and developing personal independence that supports
reintegration back into family and community. Each Veteran’s program is highly
individualized according to his/her specific needs and goals. The staff at SWBRC are
uniquely trained in working with individuals with visual impairment and supports Veterans
in gaining confidence and independence
o If you or a Veteran you know is challenged managing tasks because of vision loss
and is interested in obtaining more information about services offered in blind
rehabilitation, please contact one of our SAVAHCS Visual Impairment Service
Team (VIST) Coordinators.
▪ Main Campus-(520) 792-1450 X15608
▪ Sierra Vista or Southeast CBOC- (520) 792-1450 X15632
▪ Casa Grande, Green Valley, Northwest and Yuma CBOC-(520)792-1450
X14501
• Our Fisher House is approved for 5 room occupancy (effective March 8, 2021)
• Primary Care, Mental Health, and Specialty Care appointment wait times by facility
can be found at https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/