Health Services

Geriatrics and Extended Care Services

Care we provide at Durham VA Health Care System

We assess your situation and condition to decide which outpatient geriatric services are right for you or a senior Veteran in your care, and then we coordinate your care. Our team of specialists provides geriatric services that include:

• Medicine and nursing
• Psychology, psychiatry, and social work
• Physical and occupational therapy

About the Program

The Geriatrics and Extended Care services at the Durham VA Medical Center is composed of the following programs:

• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ext. 176874)
• Community Living Center (ext. 172161)
• Home Community Care (ext. 175675)
• Palliative and Hospice Care (ext. 172161)
• Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (ext. 176974 or 177065)

View the comprehensive resource guide to all Geriatric and Extended Care Services.

Services Offered in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)

• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Specialized services to veterans in need of rehabilitation following amputation, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury

Community Living Center (CLC)

The CLC is a hospital-based transitional care unit. CLC maintains an average length of stay of 32 days. Most patients require extended rehabilitation and care following surgery and/or lengthy hospitalizations before returning to independent living.

Home Health Care (HHC)

HHC consists of programs that manage care in veterans’ homes and community settings. Services include:

• Home-based primary care
• Home telehealth care

Contacts

Community Living Center

George Squires, MSN, RN-BC

Chief Nurse Geriatrics & Extended Care
George.Squires2@va.gov

Palliative Care Consult Team and Hospice Unit

Toni Cutson, MD, Medical Director

Home Based Primary Care (HBPC)

Jeannette Stein, MD, Medical Director

Theodore Hodges, MSN, Acting Program Director

Community Nursing Home, Contract Adult Day Health Care, Homemaker Home Health Aide and Non-Institutional Respite

Ivey Chavis, LCSW, MSW, Contract Programs Coordinator

Learn more about VA long term care

Pharmacy Service

The Durham VA Medical Center pharmacy processes over 2,500 prescriptions daily. Many of these prescriptions are filled by the Central Mailout Pharmacy (CMOP). Prescriptions may be refilled by phone, mail or the Internet. 

Learn about our Pharmacy Residency Program. 

Services Offered

Automated Refill Line - ension 172700 or Toll Free: 1-:

1. After you have dialed the number, Press 3.
2. To check the status of your prescription or to speak to a representative, press 1.
3. To use our automated system to hear a listing of your future appointments or request a medication refill, press 2.

If you are using the automated refill line, all refills should be ordered at least ten days prior to when the refill is due to insure prompt processing and delivery time.

Internet Refill

Prescriptions may also be filled online using the VA’s My HealtheVet Program (see below).  You will need a user ID and password to log in. If you do not have one, you can easily get one by creating your own personal profile.

Refills at the Durham VAMC Pharmacy

All veterans are encouraged to refill their prescriptions by phone or Internet. Because of our patient workload, prescriptions cannot be refilled at the main VAMC pharmacy window.

Drug Information

Please visit My HealtheVet for information about any prescriptions you may be taking.

Hours

Outpatient Pharmacy

Monday - Friday 8:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Inpatient Pharmacy (inpatient hospitalized veterans only)

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Pharmacy Administration Office

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.*

*All of the above services, except for the inpatient pharmacy, are closed on all federal holidays.

Care we provide at VA Durham health care

Our pharmacy provides you and other Veterans with convenient, efficient service to make it easy to get your medications and medical supplies. You can:

• Pick up new prescriptions in person
• Refill prescriptions online and by phone or mail
• Safely dispose of medicines

Learn more about our pharmacy

MHV/IPA Update – Durham VAMC

MyHealtheVet (MHV) is a web-based portal.

Prescription refills are the most requested feature by our Veteran MHV Users and with the In-Person Authentication (IPA) process now guaranteeing secure user access to more medication information will be provided. Instead of the prescription number only for refills, IPA will release the actual names of the medications in a secure environment that will make reordering safer and simpler. Seeing the names of medications requires release of information, with the patient signing a Release of Information (ROI) consent form after security/privacy training.  Later in 2007, MHV users will be able to view portions of their electronic medical record, like labs; view appointments and co-pay balances; and give access to all or portions of their medical record to family members or other designee.

IPA is the latest enhancement to MHV.  The first step in the IPA process is to register for MHV access and be identified as a MHV user. You can do this by going to www.myhealth.va.gov. You will set up your own individual account, with a User ID and Password.  You will have access to “Quick Links” that will allow Veterans to log Emergency contacts, refill medications on-line, seek medication information and a lot more. Once you have completed the IPA process, your MHV account will look a little different.

Patients can receive the on-line training through the MHV web-site at home or at MHV computer stations located in the Durham VA Medical Center. The privacy and security training consist of viewing a video, agreeing to a privacy statement, and completing a MHV Special Consent and Participation Form. The form can be downloaded from a computer or a copy is made available at the ROI office.

There is a one-time validation process required: The MHV user must go to a local VA facility’s ROI office, read and sign the consent form, acknowledge the viewing the video, and present government identification, like a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) Card or valid driver’s license and the user must appear in person for this process.

Once the MHV user is authenticated, the names of the medications are immediately released for viewing.

The Durham VA Medical Center provides technical support and assistance to veterans with the IPA process. As of February 21, 2007, the In-Person Authentication process that requires Release of Information support cannot be completed in the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC’s). However, the patient education component is available in all four CBOCs with administrative approval to place computers for training. ROI capability is under review. We will keep you posted on when the entire IPA process can be accomplished in the CBOCs.

If you have any questions, please call Lori Evanochick, MHV Point of contact at or ension 176813.

Your VA primary care provider will work closely with you to plan for all the care you need to stay healthy and well throughout your life, including immunizations and vaccinations. They will also work with family members or caregivers who support you.

A strong network of family and internal medicine specialists and services can offer you the best possible care. Internal medicine doctors (internists) prevent, diagnose, and treat adult diseases. Doctors who specialize in family medicine provide primary health care to the entire family. Your primary care team can coordinate the many services you receive such as:

• Labs and blood work
• Mental health care
• Women's health care
• Radiology
• Social services
• Telehealth

We provide immediate, walk-in care for minor injuries and non-emergency illnesses that are not life-threatening but need early attention.

Our urgent care clinic offers walk-in health care when you need help right away, but don’t have an emergency. Urgent care doesn’t replace your primary care doctor, but it can help when your doctor’s office is closed and you need to see a health care professional immediately. We treat medical conditions like:

• Colds, flu, and strep throat
• Sinus, ear, and eye infections
• Minor injuries and muscle strains
• Rashes and skin infections

Learn more about VA urgent care

We offer women’s health services to meet your specific needs such as disease screenings, mental health treatment, recovery from military sexual trauma, maternity care and female-specific medical equipment.

Our women's health program offers complete health care for women Veterans of all ages. Our primary care providers specialize in women’s health. They work closely with specialists in gynecology, obstetrics, female urology, oncology, medicine, radiology, surgery, and breast illness. Our services for women Veterans include:

• Ultrasounds, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests
• Mental health care and counseling
• Lifestyle wellness services
• Menopause treatment, including hormonal therapy
• Family planning, contraceptive care, and infertility evaluation

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/docs/VHA-WH-Service-Act-Handout-Patient-v09-508.pdf

We work with behavioral health providers and community organizations to help you and your family during times of crisis. We offer:

• Suicide prevention care coordinators
• Suicide prevention case managers
• Gun safety locks

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

The anesthesia service works to keep you comfortable, safe and pain-free during surgical or medical procedures.

Available at these locations

• Durham VA Medical Center

Care we provide at Durham VA Health Care System

Our specially trained team, doctors called anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA’s), can help with your care before, during, and after surgery. They will develop a plan for your care and safety, provide medicine to keep you comfortable during your operation, and help you manage your pain after surgery. Our services include:

• General anesthesia (intravenous drugs, inhaled gasses, or some combination) to keep you pain-free and in a sleep-like state during surgery or other medical procedures,
• Regional anesthesia (injecting numbing drugs around nerves) to control pain in specific parts of your body during or after surgery
• Monitoring your breathing and vital body functions while you’re under anesthesia.
• Working with the rest of your care team to manage your pain medications after your operation.
• Coordinating care with your other health care professionals to facilitate a smooth transition from hospital to home.

Our Durham VA anesthesiologists follow the latest national guidelines to ensure excellent patient care. Find more information from the American Society of Anesthesiologists about anesthesiology and pain management.

Watch a short patient education video that covers our management of your care during the surgical period :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCEfhRimNlc 

The mission of the VA Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic (BROC) at Brier Creek is to “uniquely enhance” the personal independence and quality of life for Veterans who are legally and totally blind. This includes Veterans enrolled in the Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) program at the Durham VA Medical Center and those who receive Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialist (BROS) services.

For questions about the VA Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic or the availability of related services, please contact . For information on health benefits eligibility, please call toll free ension 3276.

FAST FACTS

Facility Address: 8081 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 120, Raleigh, N.C., 27617

Phone:

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Size: 3,700 square feet

Services Available: Blind Rehabilitation and Visual Impairment Services

Facility features: State of the art facility includes: training kitchen, telehealth capability, visual skills room, computer training room, electronic aid room, specialty equipment space, automatic doors, touch-less faucets, motion sensor lights, and keypad locked doors.

 

Driving Directions:

From the east, take I-40 to exit 283 (I-540 N) towards US-70. Merge onto I-540 E, and then take exit 3, Lumley Road, in 1.1 miles. Turn left onto Lumley Road and then take the first right onto Arco Corporate Drive. Destination will be the first large building on your right.

Please call  for more information.

Care we provide at VA Durham health care

Our low vision outpatient clinic can assess your needs and provide a rehab plan tailored to your personal goals. Our team of specialists and social workers will work with you to find the right aids and services. Our clinic services include:

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Visual skills assessments
• Guidance on how to develop visual motor and perceptual skills
• Training to help you manage daily activities with your vision loss

Enemies change tactics over time, and so do viruses. Keep your defenses current. Protect the health of family, fellow Veterans, newborns, the elderly, and yourself.  Your health care team recommends getting the 2023-2024 influenza and COVID vaccines; if you are age 60+, talk to your care team about whether RSV vaccine is right for you.   

Why Get Vaccinated Now? 

• Join your fellow Veterans and VA employees in battling viral threats with the updated vaccines. Stay ahead of the viruses. 

• You trust the Durham VA Health Care System to provide your care and health information.  Talk with your provider about fighting the risks of COVID, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and influenza. Get the facts on benefits and risks. 
• Protect your right to be as healthy as possible.  Fire up your fellow Veterans to fortify their viral defenses! 
• Durham VA patients have a high rate of COVID and Flu vaccinations.  Don’t be left behind this year.  Ask for your vaccinations. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Updated:  VA is now offering updated COVID vaccines for the 2023-2024 season. The updated vaccines target more recent COVID strains.  

Availability and Information:  Flu and COVID vaccines are widely available in Primary Care and Specialty Clinics, free of charge to Veterans and VA Health Care employees. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html. COVID and flu vaccines may be given together. 

Is RSV Vaccination Right for Me? Talk with your provider to see if the RSV vaccination is right for you. RSV vaccines are FDA approved for adults age 60 and older. Adults at highest risk for severe RSV disease include older adults, adults with chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, or certain other underlying medical conditions, or who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. 

Prefer to Schedule a visit? You can also call us at to schedule an appointment for your updated shot. Our staff will help you find a time that’s convenient for you.  

Vaccinations Provided at no Charge:  Updated vaccines are available free of charge to VA healthcare employees and Veterans receiving care at VA. We are no longer authorized to vaccinate spouses. 

Updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 Shot Eligibility 

1. All adults should receive one updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose, if it’s been at least 2 months since receiving any older COVID-19 vaccine.  

2. Anyone who has not yet received any COVID-19 vaccine should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine. 

3. People with moderately to severely immunocompromising conditions may receive additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 doses, if recommended by their provider.  

You are up to date if you have had one dose of the most recent COVID-19 vaccine that became available in September 2023. 

Spouses and caregivers: Due to the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, spouses, caregivers and unenrolled Veterans are no longer eligible to receive COVID vaccines through the VA. 

Flu and COVID vaccines are available to Veterans at no-cost in your community at select in-network pharmacies: You can search for an in-network pharmacy by going to Find VA Locations | Veterans Affairs. Bring this billing card with you when you go: OCC-Billing-Information-Card.pdf (va.gov) 

Care we provide at Durham VA Health Care System

We diagnose and treat medical conditions in your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, and other parts of your digestive system. We can also test and treat other organs, like your liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Our gastroenterology department provides services like:

• Colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which use an endoscope (a long, flexible tube with a small camera on the end) that lets us examine your digestive system
• Endoscopic ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create images that help us diagnose and evaluate digestive and lung diseases
• Manometry study, which tests how well your esophagus is working
• Small bowel capsule endoscopy, which uses a tiny wireless camera that takes pictures as it moves through your digestive system
• 24-hour pH study, which measures how much stomach acid is flowing into your esophagus and helps us assess conditions like severe heartburn and acid reflux

Welcome to the Hematology/Oncology Clinic

1C Clinic, First Floor

Durham VA Health Care System

Durham VA Health Care System

Clinic 1C,   Mail Code 111G 

Durham, NC  27705

Telephone:

Fax: 

Hematology/Oncology Services and Treatment

• Hematology & Medical Oncology Care
• Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Infusions
• Clinical Trials
• Precision Oncology—Molecular Testing
• Telehealth & Video Appointments 
• Multidisciplinary Team Approach
• Interventional Radiology
• Palliative Care
• Radiation Oncology
• Social Work

 Our Hematology and Medical Oncology Team uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide specialty care and treatment for Veterans with problems related to blood disorders and cancer. 

Clinic Contact:

Monday - Friday (7:30a - 4:30p): 

Call 1-  ext 17-6944 or -6944

For URGENT issues after 4:30pm Monday-Friday, weekends, and holidays:

Call and ask for the Hematology/Oncology Fellow on-call.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Dial 911

Clinic Appointments

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 7:30a-4:30p     

Please arrive 30-45 minutes early for your appointment.  This will allow time for parking and lab studies.

If labs are ordered, please report to the lab drawing station on the 1st floor prior to checking in for your appointment in 1C. Ideally labs are drawn and results are available prior to seeing your provider.

Bring all medications in their original bottles with you to your appointment.

Upon arrival check in at the kiosk or with the receptionist.

Bring a list of questions you want to ask your nurse or provider.

Make every effort to keep all scheduled appointments. 

Notify the clinic as soon as possible to cancel and reschedule any appointment you are unable to keep.

Secure Messaging

My HealtheVet’s Secure Messaging is a secure, web-based message service that improves the connection and communication between you and your VA health care team.

With Secure Messaging you are able to:

• Communicate non-urgent, non-emergency health care issues or concerns with your participating health care team
• Request test results and health information
• Request medical appointments

All personal health information is secure, protected, and private.

Your VA health care team will respond to your Secure Message(s) within 3 business days.

Clinical Trials

Your cancer and blood disease provider wants to offer you a full range of options for your care. Sometimes clinical research trials are included in these options.  Clinical trials aim to find new and better treatments for cancers and blood disorders, which could help you and future patients.  Clinical trials might be a good option for you to consider, in addition to or instead of standard treatment.

Disease groups for which we have clinical trials include lung cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, skin cancer, and more! 

To learn more about what clinical trials are, and to learn about specific clinical trial options: 

• Talk to your cancer and blood disease provider
• Review the National Cancer Institute’s pamphlet on Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies for more information on participating in research.
• Read about a Veteran’s research experience and learn more about clinical trials on the Vantage Point blog: Expanding cancer clinical trial access at VA | VAntage Point

Helpful Resources:

American Cancer Society (ACS) 
www.cancer.org 

Cancer Information Service 
www.nci.nih.gov 

Our laboratories provide a full range of clinical and diagnostic testing services. Our laboratory and pathology services include:

• Study of blood, urine, and other bodily fluids for illness management
• Testing for infectious diseases
• Cytopathology (study of unusual cells) and surgical pathology (study of tissue removed during surgery)
• Autopsy services

Care we provide at the Durham VA Health Care System

MOVE! is a weight-management program designed to help you live a longer, healthier life. With the help of your MOVE! care team, you can eat a healthier diet, get more exercise, reduce your health risks, and improve your quality of life. The MOVE! program offers:

Contact the Durham VA Health Care System MOVE! Program at 

• Weight-loss support groups to help you lose weight and keep it off
• Healthy eating tips and cooking classes
• Behavioral change strategies to help you live a healthier lifestyle

Learn more about MOVE!

Our team of kidney doctors (nephrologists) actively manage all aspects of adult kidney disease, kidney and bladder stones, renal hypertension (high blood pressure caused by kidney disease), and mineral and bone disorders. We provide inpatient and outpatient services, like:

• Dialysis preparation and referral
• Home patient monitoring
• Kidney transplant evaluation
• Kidney disease education

Our nutrition experts work closely with you and your care team to help make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need to get and stay as healthy as possible.

Available at these locations

Durham VA Medical Center

Care we provide at VA Durham Health Care System

Our registered dietitians can help you maintain or improve your health with good nutrition tailored to your needs. Through group, individual, and telehealth sessions, we provide nutrition education and counseling in areas such as:

• Cardiovascular and heart health
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes (including gestational diabetes)
• Eating disorders and digestive health
• Pregnancy and postpartum nutrition
• Weight management

Our physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors and therapists focus on whole-body health. They can help you manage your pain, increase your independence, and improve your quality of life with services like:

• Personalized therapy for your rehabilitation
• Medication, stretching, and massage for short-term pain relief
• Strengthening exercises and movement therapy to increase fitness and prevent future pain
• Recreation therapy to create coping and social skills
• Occupational therapy to improve coordination and balance, and help you manage life skills and everyday activities
• Assessment and treatment of speech, language, and swallowing disorders

Physical therapy, occupational therapy and kinesiotherapy can help restore movement and function if you have been disabled by injury or disease.

If you’re living with or recovering from an injury, illness, or chronic condition that limits your mobility and independence, we can help. Our physical, occupational, and movement therapists combine therapeutic exercise, counseling, education, and training to help you improve your health and quality of life. Our services include:

• Pain relief and joint mobilization
• Movement and exercise therapies to improve your strength, endurance, balance, and coordination
• Mobility assessment and training with wheelchairs, scooters, and walking devices
• Life skills training and activities to help you maintain the highest level of independence and functionality
• Aquatic therapy to manage chronic pain
• Evaluation and treatment for a wide range of medical, orthopedic, psychosocial, and neurological conditions

We provide and help you use medical aids, hearing aids, state-of-the-art adaptive home equipment and other equipment to help you preserve and increase your mobility and independence.

VA is the world’s largest and most comprehensive provider of sensory aides and prosthetic devices. Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system and referred by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician can receive a full range of services and equipment like:

• Artificial limbs and surgical implants, including artificial joints and pacemakers
• Wheelchairs and other medical devices
• Aids for Veterans who are blind, have low vision, or are hearing impaired
• Adaptive equipment and modifications to make your vehicle or home more accessible
• Other devices and services to help increase your mobility, dignity, and independence
• Clothing allowance for Veterans with devices that damage their clothing

We use imaging to help screen for, diagnose, and treat illness and injury. We provide X-rays and other imaging technologies.

Available at these locations

Durham VA Medical Center

Care we provide at VA Durham Health Care System 

We offer radiology and imaging services to diagnose and treat many medical conditions. Our services include:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Mammography (mammograms)
• Computer tomography (CT)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

We provide long-term care to help you and your family when you’re dealing with a disability, chronic (long-lasting) illness, terminal illness, or serious health issues related to aging. Our long-term health care services include:

• 24/7 nursing and medical care
• Physical therapy
• Help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, making meals, and taking medicine
• Pain management and palliative care to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for people with serious illnesses
• Hospice care to provide comfort and compassionate care for people in the last phases of an incurable illness
• To learn more about the different types of extended care that VA provides, see our guide to long-term services and support.

Learn more about VA long term care

If you are trying to quit smoking or want to stop using tobacco, we can help you with support, resources and programs.

You can quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Our goal is to provide support and strategies to add to optional nicotine replacement therapy prescribed by your primary care doctor. These include:

• FDA-approved medications to manage nicotine withdrawal and the urge to smoke.
• Counseling in person or by phone
• Tobacco Cessation Quitline for individual counseling and strategies
• SmokefreeVET text message program for daily advice and interactive support
• Stay Quit Coach mobile app to help you quit smoking and stay smoke-free

Learn more about how to quit

If you have a spinal cord injury or disorder, our specialists provide coordinated care throughout your life. We work to help you achieve your goals for independence, productivity and quality of life.

VA has the nation’s largest system of care for spinal cord injuries and disorders. We provide a convenient, connected network of experts to care for you during each phase of your life. Our experienced primary care providers are trained to check for problems unique to spinal cord injuries.

• Pressure ulcers
• Pneumonia
• Blood clots
• Bladder and sexual issues
• Constipation and other gastrointestinal problems
• Sexual issues

Learn more about the VA spinal cord injuries and disorders care system

If you’re a caregiver for a Veteran, you can get support by contacting one of our caregiver support coordinators. If the Veteran you care for was injured post-9/11, you may be eligible for even more services, including a stipend to help with expenses, training, and medical coverage if you aren’t already covered. For all caregivers, we can:

• Help you get caregiver assistance available through VA
• Provide progressive needs planning to help you manage degenerative conditions
• Match you with services and benefits
• Connect you with local resources and programs
• Listen to you when you struggle
• Provide you with additional help at home

Learn more and connect with a support coordinator

How Social Workers Help Veterans

How Do I Know I Need A Social Worker?

You will find social workers in all program areas in VA medical centers who are ready to help you with most any need. If you have questions or problems, the social worker will be able to help you or can refer you to the right person for help. Here are just some of the ways that VA social workers can help:

• Assisting with transitioning and adjusting to civilian life
• If you are having marriage or family problems
• If someone close to you has passed away and you want to talk about it
• If you have problems with drinking or drug use
• If you feel that someone is taking advantage of you or if you feel mistreated in a relationship
• If you are feeling angry, sad, depressed or anxious
• If you are feeling stressed because of your health or because your medical condition interferes with your daily activities
• Help Veterans and their families understand and adjust an illness or disability
• Financial or housing assistance
• Getting help from the VA or from community agencies, such as Meals on Wheels, so you can continue to live in your own home
• Applying for benefits from the VA, Social Security and other government and community programs
• Making sure your doctor and other VA staff on your treatment team know your decisions about end-of-life issues, generally called advance directives and living wills. Things like whether you want to be on life support equipment, whether you are an organ donor, and which family member or other person you have chosen to make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to make those decisions yourself
• Arranging for respite care for your caregiver so she or he can have a break or go on vacation without worrying about who will be caring for you
• If you would like help with moving to an assisted living facility, a board and care home or a nursing home.
• If you are a parent who feels overwhelmed with child care
• If your parent or spouse is in failing health
• If you really aren’t sure what you need, but things just don’t feel right

How Can Social Workers Help Veterans with Problems and Concerns?

Assessment

The first step is generally for the social worker to meet with you, and often with your family. The social worker will ask you questions about your health, your living situation, your family and other support systems, your military experience and the things you think you need help with.  The social worker will then write an assessment that will help you and your VA health care team make treatment plans.

Crisis Intervention

In a crisis situation, social workers can provide counseling services to help you get through the crisis. The social worker will then help you with more long-term needs.

The social worker can help you apply for services and programs in your community and through the VA to meet emergent needs.

High-Risk Screening

Social workers work particularly closely with those veterans who are at high risk, such as those who are homeless, those who have been admitted to the hospital several times, and those who cannot care for themselves any longer.

Discharge Planning

When you are admitted to a VA hospital, the social worker will help you make plans for your discharge back home or to the community. If you need services in your home or if you can no longer live at home by yourself, the social worker can help you make arrangements for the help you need.

Case Management

Social workers often provide long-term case management services to veterans who are at high risk of being admitted to a hospital, those who have very complex medical problems, and those who need additional help and support. They are available when needed to provide and coordinate a variety of services you may need, including counseling or support services or just helping you figure out what you need and how to get it.

Advocacy

Sometimes it can be hard for a veteran to speak up for himself or herself.  And sometimes veterans are confused by such a big, bureaucratic agency like the VA. Social workers can advocate for you and go to bat for you when you have a hard time doing it by yourself.

Education

Social workers can help educate you and your family about your health care condition, what services and programs are available to you, how you can live a more healthy life, how you can deal with stress and loss, and how you can find support groups and other self-help programs in your community. Social workers also educate other staff in the medical center and in the community about VA programs and services and about how problems veterans may be having in their personal lives can impact their health.

Psychotherapy

Clinical social workers provide individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy to address emotional, behavioral and mental health needs.

All Social Workers at the Durham VAMC have a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW). Most of the social workers are licensed as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Social workers are available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm except on holidays. Referrals to Social Work Service may be made by physician, nurse, patient representative, self-referral, family member significant other, or community agency.

VA social workers can help you with all of these types of services, plus many, many more.  If you have a problem or a question, you can ask a social worker. We’re here to help you!

 

VA Social Workers Program Involvement

• Primary Care and Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC)
• Geriatrics and Extended Care Programs
  • Medical Foster Home
  • Caring for Older Adults and their Caregivers at Home (COACH)
  • Community Living Center
  • Geriatric Clinic
  • Contract Nursing Home
  • Home Maker Home Health Aide Program
• Inpatient Medical/Surgical
• Mental and Behavioral Health Services
  • General Mental Health Clinics
  • Psychiatric Acute Recovery Center (PARC)
  • Psychiatric Emergency Clinic
  • General and Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Clinics
  • PTSD Clinic
  • Mental Health Intensive Case Management Program (MHICM)
• Homeless Programs (view the list of VA Programs for Homeless Veterans)
• Transitions Care Management (OEF/OIF/OND) Program
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Women Veterans Program
• Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program
• Military Sexual Trauma
• Employee Assistance Program

 Master Social Work (MSW) Trainee Recruitment

Contacts

Social Work Service - Primary Point of Contact

Contact: Lindsey Jordan Arledge

Title: Chief, SWS

Phone:

Geriatric Social Work Programs

Contact: Judith Davagnino

Title: Supervisor, Geriatric Programs

Phone:

Home and Community Services

Contact: Ivey Chavis

Title: Supervisor, Home and Community Services

Phone:

Homeless Veteran

Contact: Ellecia Thompson

Title: Homeless Programs Manager

Phone: or ext. 175087

Medical Social Work Services

Contact: Marsha Alishahi

Title: Supervisor, Medicine Section

Phone:

Mental Health Services

Contact: Larry Rhodes

Title: Supervisor, Mental Health Section

Phone:

Transitions Care Management Program (OEF/OIF/OND)

Contact: Susan Watkins

Title: Program Manager 

Phone:

 The Durham VA Medical Center also has Social Workers in:

• Greenville, North Carolina
• Hillandale Rd., Durham, North Carolina
• Morehead City, North Carolina
• Raleigh, North Carolina
• Raleigh II, North Carolina

Care we provide at VA Durham health care

We help homeless Veterans, or those at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail. Contact one of our care coordinators to get help with:

• Immediate food and shelter needs, including both transitional and permanent housing
• Job training, life skills development, and education
• Justice system navigation and community reentry from jail
• Financial support to prevent homelessness
• Addiction and depression treatment
• Health and dental care

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

We promote the health, welfare, and dignity of Veterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) or a related identity. We focus on ensuring a safe, welcoming, and affirmative environment when providing you with sensitive and high-quality health care services like:

• Hormone therapy
• Substance use and alcohol treatment
• Testing and treatment for HIV and STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
• Mental health care
• Psychosocial assessments for gender-confirming surgeries and hormone therapy

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

If you’re a minority Veteran, we can help you get the services and benefits you need. Our Minority Veterans Program serves all Veterans who are Black American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American (including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Island Americans). We work to:

• Help the medical center address minority Veterans’ needs
• Meet minority Veterans’ needs in the local community
• Identify barriers and create a more accessible environment for minority Veterans
• Inform minority Veterans of VA benefits, services, and programs

Learn more and connect with a care coordinator

Our patient advocates work hard to make sure you receive the best possible care at our health care facilities. They can:

• Help you get answers or address concerns with your care team
• Advocate for patient and family rights
• Serve as advocates for minority Veterans, women Veterans, and Veterans with disabilities
• Offer specialized help to former prisoners of war and Veterans transitioning from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND)

Learn more and connect with a patient advocate

We offer a wide range of activities (arts and crafts, games, sports, exercise) that we can adapt to your needs.

Our therapies promote your independence and enhance your health and well-being if you’re a Veteran with an injury, chronic (long-lasting) illness, or disabling condition. After your primary health care provider gives you a referral, a recreation therapist will develop treatment goals for you.

• Recreation and creative arts therapy provides services and activities that include:
• Animal interaction
• Music, art, and crafts
• Community outings
• Exercise, sports, and games
• Gardening and leisure education

If you’re returning from military service, we can help you readjust to civilian life and get started with VA health care. We can also help connect you with programs like mental health services and education and career counseling.

At VA Durham health care, we can help you readjust to civilian life if you’re returning from military service, on active duty, or an activated National Guard or Reserve member. Talk to one of our care coordinators about how to best use your health care benefits.

• Polytrauma care (if you have multiple traumatic injuries)
• Counseling and rehabilitation
• Mental and behavioral health services
• Family benefits counseling and assistance
• Referral assistance

Learn more and connect with a coordinator

Social work is integral to health care. We can help you and your family manage stress-related problems due to injury or illness, and find VA community resources to meet your needs like:

• Home health services
• Legal services
• Transportation
• Community living

MyHealtheVet (MHV) is a web-based portal.

Prescription refills are the most requested feature by our Veteran MHV Users and with the In-Person Authentication (IPA) process now guaranteeing secure user access to more medication information will be provided. Instead of the prescription number only for refills, IPA will release the actual names of the medications in a secure environment that will make reordering safer and simpler. Seeing the names of medications requires release of information, with the patient signing a Release of Information (ROI) consent form after security/privacy training.  Later in 2007, MHV users will be able to view portions of their electronic medical record, like labs; view appointments and co-pay balances; and give access to all or portions of their medical record to family members or other designee.

IPA is the latest enhancement to MHV.  The first step in the IPA process is to register for MHV access and be identified as a MHV user. You can do this by going to www.myhealth.va.gov. You will set up your own individual account, with a User ID and Password.  You will have access to “Quick Links” that will allow Veterans to log Emergency contacts, refill medications on-line, seek medication information and a lot more. Once you have completed the IPA process, your MHV account will look a little different.

Patients can receive the on-line training through the MHV web-site at home or at MHV computer stations located in the Durham VA Medical Center. The privacy and security training consist of viewing a video, agreeing to a privacy statement, and completing a MHV Special Consent and Participation Form. The form can be downloaded from a computer or a copy is made available at the ROI office.

There is a one-time validation process required: The MHV user must go to a local VA facility’s ROI office, read and sign the consent form, acknowledge the viewing the video, and present government identification, like a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) Card or valid driver’s license and the user must appear in person for this process.

Once the MHV user is authenticated, the names of the medications are immediately released for viewing.

The Durham VA Medical Center provides technical support and assistance to veterans with the IPA process. As of February 21, 2007, the In-Person Authentication process that requires Release of Information support cannot be completed in the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC’s). However, the patient education component is available in all four CBOCs with administrative approval to place computers for training. ROI capability is under review. We will keep you posted on when the entire IPA process can be accomplished in the CBOCs.

If you have any questions, please call Lori Evanochick, MHV Point of contact at or ension 176813.

Care we provide at VA Durham health care

My HealtheVet is a web-based tool you can use to manage your care and improve your health from your computer or mobile device. You can access your personal health records and use tools to manage your care through our My HealtheVet online system. You can also use My HealtheVet to refill your prescriptions, track appointments, and read informative health articles. If you need help using My HealtheVet, you can contact our coordinator by phone or in person. With My HealtheVet, you can:

• Ask questions and exchange secure online messages with your VA health care team
• Check your lab and test results
• Refill your prescriptions, track delivery, and view a list of your medications
• Keep track of your VA medical appointments and get email reminders
• View, download, or print a copy of your VA medical records
• Enter or update your personal information

Learn more and register for My HealtheVet

We use the latest in secure digital technology to set up remote visits with our health care providers. We offer video conferencing, home telehealth services, and store-and-forward telehealth that lets you securely send your health information to experts at VA facilities. We offer telehealth visits with providers in:

• Mental health
• Retinal care (eye)
• Bariatric surgery (visit remotely with your weight-loss surgery team before and after your operation)
• Dermatology
• Rehabilitation
• Primary care

Learn more about telehealth

If you’re traveling for VA-approved care, we can repay you for the cost of using regular transportation that includes cars, planes, trains, buses, taxis, rideshare, or light rail. You may also be eligible for repayment when using ambulances, wheelchair vans, or ambulettes (non-emergency medical transportation).

• Round-trip transportation services between your home and our hospital and clinics (beneficiary travel)
• Mileage reimbursement debit cards

Learn more about VA travel pay reimbursement

Our whole health approach empowers and equips you to take charge of your health, well-being, and quality of life. Whole health goes beyond your illnesses, injuries, or disabilities, and focuses instead on your values, goals, and overall health. It includes self-care and complementary therapies along with conventional medical care. 

Visit our whole health page for further information

Whole Health | VA Durham Health Care | Veterans Affairs