Improving Veterans Care
“A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart.”
—Hercules
Veterans deserve more than flag pins, promises, and parades. All Americans agree we have a sacred obligation to care for those who bravely served. As policy tides change though, Veterans care has been increasingly privatized. This increasing reliance on private sector care means that even those who never trained nor worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs must not only screen to identify patients who served, but also provide appropriate care. This is true even with regard to veteran-specific conditions that may be related to combat or to unique exposures like to Agent Orange or burn pits.
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This is where On Your Side Health comes in. With years of experience both in the private sector and working at the VA where she taught the next generation of physicians to better care for Veterans, Dr. Kyle is passionate about closing the gaps so Veterans receive appropriate care that meets their unique needs no matter where they choose to seek their care. Whether you are a Veteran, health professional, or just an interested community member—we got your six with solutions for all patriots who are ready to improve Veterans care.
Become a Medical Patriot
Stay tuned for details on our Medical Patriot Program which will include continuing medical education opportunities and a certificate program for those deeply committed to improving Veterans care in the private sector.
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In the meantime, health professionals can better understand service-related toxic exposures and how they may impact your Veteran patient’s health by downloading the VA’s Exposure Education application.
Veteran Suicide Prevention
We cannot lose Veterans stateside when they are supposed to be safe at home. Public awareness of Veterans lost to suicide has improved and yet we are still losing around 20 Veterans a day in the US to suicide. The Department of Veterans Affairs has made many improvements to Veterans mental healthcare, including ensuring same-day access. But when it comes to addressing the invisible wounds facing Veterans, you may not realize that roughly 14 of those Veterans who are tragically lost to suicide any given day are NOT enrolled in VA care, but instead are dependent on the private sector or going without care.
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This is why it’s incumbent on all of us to end the stigma that limits awareness and that keeps Veterans from seeking needed care. We also must create a private sector Veteran safety net with providers who are competent and proficient in their understanding of Vets’ mental health challenges including recognizing moral and spiritual injury.
We are proudly partnered with Save A Vet Now who has worked with Coastal Horizons to enable a safety net mental health program that will cover any expenses from Veterans mental health treatment which are incurred by those who are self-pay or beyond that covered by their insurance.
Coastal Horizons Veterans Outreach Program in partnership with Save a Vet Now is currently covering Veterans in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties.
To all our Veterans, we are On Your Side. We offer a variety of educational, awareness, and advocacy solutions with the goal of improving Veterans care. Our team has experience consulting, presenting on, and advocating around many complex issues facing Veterans. This includes suicide prevention, opiate safety, issues of female Veterans care, and toxic exposures like to Agent Orange, from burn pits, or chemical water contamination. Reach out today to find out how our team can help you as a Veteran or to request a presentation to your VSO or community group.
If you or someone you know is a Veteran in crisis, please call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1; visit www.VeteransCrisisLine.net or send a text message to 838255 today.