News & Press

'Thank you for your service': Innovative local access to VA Medical Center is coming to Ionia

'Thank you for your service': Innovative local access to VA Medical Center is coming to Ionia

November 14, 2014

By Robert Lathers
Ionia County Community Mental Health

Posted Nov. 14, 2014 @ 3:31 pm

IONIA COUNTY, Mich.

Through an arrangement with the Battle Creek Veteran Affairs Medical Center, a new service will soon be available to area veterans at Ionia County Community Mental Health.
The service, called the Clinical Video Telehealth Program, will allow area veterans to access VA counseling and psychiatric services via real time interactive video with a VA staff person.
State-of-the-art, two-way video is currently being installed at Ionia CMH on Apple Tree Drive in Ionia by the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. Veterans requiring the use of a Telehealth video program will be required to make an appointment in advance with a designated time and date. Veterans will be required to be enrolled in the Battle Creek VHA for care. Those who are not currently enrolled will be assisted in the process on a case-by-case basis.
The primary use of the Clinical Video Telehealth Program will be for the purpose of providing mental and behavioral health support to veterans. The Battle Creek VA has agreed to provide psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, psychologists and licensed masters social workers to staff this project. Ionia County CMH has agreed to provide a confidential office at its Apple Tree Lane site as well as the necessary Internet connectivity.
Veterans using the Clinical Video Telehealth Program are not required or expected to become clients of Ionia County Community Mental Health. No confidential information about participants will be provided to Ionia County CMH by the Battle Creek VA. This is entirely confidential.
This program will be an excellent asset to area veterans. It is not restricted to Ionia County residents, but participants must be Battle Creek VA clients or apply to become a Battle Creek VA client.
The Clinical Video Telehealth Program was initiated by Casey Thayer of the Battle Creek VA, Judge Ray Voet and veterans court coordinator Ron Morseau of the Ionia County 64-A District Court, and Jay Vandenbrink of Ionia County CMH. For more information about this program, call Mr. Vandenbrink at 616-527-1790616-527-1790.
Robert Lathers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the CEO of Ionia County Community Mental Health.



Read more: http://www.sentinel-standard.com/article/20141114/News/141119334#ixzz3JdNvJKYC