2009 Port Townsend After Action:
Total seen 126
Veterans 71 of which 8 were female
Homeless veterans 25 of which 2 were female
Dental Saw 9, 1 required urgent care and a prescription for antibiotics
Most people seen have not had dental care for many years (10-15). Broken teeth are a major problem with many teeth not salvageable. Four people need dentures-OlyCap does not cover dentures. a fund to provide services-especially dentures would be very helpful.
Peninsula Community Mental Health:
Saw 10, one woman was referred to the veteran counseling program and PTSD women’s group. One ex Navy man has been working with a counselor for a year and has never brought up his military service. After telling me about several traumatic experiences he realized his military duty affected him very deeply, and he decided he needed to bring up this with his counselor and talk about it.
Several people took literature on PTSD. One ex Army woman reveled being sexually assaulted while in the military.
I thought the stand down was organized and run very well.
Crisis Clinic of the Peninsulas:
Saw 15, heard one sad story a person who recently lost a friend to suicide and how it affected family and friends.
Olympic Peninsula Community Action (OlyCap):
Saw 40, and took 5 for action. We were able provide payment for prescription (medical); made appointments for in-office visits to apply for subsidized housing and bus passes.
We thought: Wonderful sight for the stand down! Food was plentiful and good-lots of raves from participants. The General Store was awesome. Great Spirit of hospitality and friendliness!
More and advanced publicity. We should start outreach earlier and I can help. It is fantastic to have stand downs in Jefferson County, we are very grateful to the organizers and all those who donated, worked and helped.
Port Townsend Lions Club:
Saw 7, one individual from PA is being referred to the PA Lions Club for assistance with hearing aids. Another individual indicated that his vision is deteriorating. I referred him to the medical unit.
Senior Information:
Saw 18, we gave out a lot of information, brochures, and senior resource directories. We listened to great stories from a Korean War veteran’s experiences.
Perhaps more advertizing and signs. I didn’t see anything in the local paper.
Pro Bono Lawyers of Clallam County:
Saw 14, and took action on all 14. Provided quit claim deed to transfer property; many referrals to CLEAR line for attorney low cost/free referrals; application for Medicade and transfer of assets. Many questions referred to UW Federal Tax Clinic. Herd a sad story of a veteran dad who lost his kids to junkie mom until his 4 year old daughter testified about detailed drug behaviors of mom—then he won custody.
I was glad to have internet Wi-Fi access this time---REALLY helpful to pull up information for the vets. Thanks Elks!
VA Health Care System:
Saw 8, the vast majority of problems were around eligibility for VA health care—all received information about registration. I noticed that the vets didn’t seem to know much about VA resources. It was helpful to have VA staff here the vets were appreciative.
This was a very well run event.
VA Veterans Benefits Administration:
Saw 9, one homeless vet receiving SSI benefits in the amount of $630 per month. Turns out vet will be automatically entitled to non-service connected pension and will receive $980 monthly. Vet was elated, surprised and unaware of his entitlement.
Another great Voices for Veterans event.
Work Source:
Saw 15, action taken on13. One veteran needed a copy of his DD214 and to open a disability claim, a second veteran needed to have his discharge rating changed and he also needed to open a disability claim. In speaking with many of the veterans, especially those living out in the wilderness, I asked out of curiosity why they lived in the wild and their response was that they did not feel comfortable being around a lot of people, another advised that was the only place he can smoke his marijuana and not be hassled by local law enforcement.
Others who came to the work source area commented that they enjoyed the attention given to them and the respect they experienced while being served by the work source individuals at the stand down more than the service they received from individuals in the Bremerton area.
I believe we from the work source can serve the vets more effectively by having a laptop computer available with internet services because some asked about WA jobs that required computer access.
Health Screening:
Total services 20
We had 19 people total which include 1 service provider and 3 V4V people.
Services provided by us/them:
Braces 1
Consults 6
Tetanus shot 1
Foot care 1
Prescription 2 (one to be paid by V4V if picked up)
OlyCap referral 2
Reading glasses/case 2
Hearing test needed 1 referred to Lions Club provider
Vision exam 4 (arranged with Wal-Mart in Port Angeles and Wal-Mart in
Sequim-exam/glasses to be paid by V4V)
Very first patient stopped to say that I had successfully diagnosed his multiple sclerosis, after years of no one listening to his symptoms, years ago in the PAARC (free) clinic that we started.
Clothing Room:
63 total seen
Additional Comments: