2008 Port Angeles After Action

Total seen 187

Veterans 150 of which 10 were female

Homeless Veterans 43 of which 5 were homeless

Break Down by service providers

WorkSource saw 37 took action on 18

Pro Bono Lawyers of Clallam County saw 15 took action on 10

                Assisted a veteran with 2007 tax return

Answered questions about the legality of searches, how to get a criminal record expunged, and military retirement vs. VA disability concerning alimony.

VA Health Care Enrollment saw 22 took action on 17

Discovered a Vietnam Vet who was exposed to Agent Orange and had diabetes and thought he wasn’t eligible for benefits

“Keep doing what you are doing, thanks for inviting me”.

Sequim Community Help Center saw 11 took action on 2

                Handed out laundry and shower coupons

“It was great to discover a tax advocate”.

Neptune Society saw 10 took action on 2

DAV saw 5 and filed 1 new claim

                Did maintenance on existing claims and filed a new claim

The Barber cut 26 head of hair

                Several female and children

Dental Screening saw 45 and referred 16 for urgent care.

“Most veterans were not eligible for VA Dental – there a lot (16 out of the 44 screened) who need either a upper or a lower denture or both. Many have been enduring long agonizing dental pain and infection”.

Senior Information and Assistance saw 20 and helped 20

Economic Stimulus Program saw 30 and took action on 8

Prepared $2,400 in ESP refunds. “An ESP success story: a lady explained how her ESP refund helped her pay for a much needed medical appointment, and helped her get her car repaired”.

                Obtained a new account for resolution back in the Seattle Office

Peninsula Community Mental Health saw 20 and helped many. “Just try to keep growing the event.

This year was another successful event for us. Thank you for the invitation”.

Health and Human Services saw 70 and took action on 40

Referred several people to the WA State quit line for tobacco cessation. “It was impressive to see people who actually are dedicated to being smoke free”. “The stand down was great! Thank you.

Sarge’s Place saw 18 and took applications for 5

“Re-met a man who went to treatment after the Port Townsend stand down and is now housed and his dog back. He’s stable and housed at this time”.

Clallam County Veterans Assistant saw 10 and took action on 4

West End Outreach saw 14 and took action on 3

                “Sent 2 veterans to the Vet’s homeless to fill out applications for benefits”.

Housing saw 28 and took applications on 21

Placed 6 in housing on the spot

“People still don’t know we (SHCC & NACC) help with move in costs. I told three people that are on SSI and SSDI that they could afford housing with move in assistance that will give him enough to sustain housing once it is acquired”. “I saw a vet from last year’s stand down…..he just got SSDI and he is now working. He is coming in to see me. I know I’ll be able to accommodate him soon with a fair priced apartment (un-subsidized)”. “Two veterans living at the single adult shelter who happened to be on the same ship. What are the odds?”

Olympic Peninsula Community Action saw 12 and took action on 6

“Successfully directed people to helpful resources”. “It was great to hear the stories and helping them out”

Healthy Families saw 39 and took action on 10

“A lady came in and thanked Healthy Families of Clallam County for the services we provided for her, especially support group. All the folks that came by expressed appreciation for the stand down”. “Great job and thank you so much”.

VFW saw 33 and took action on 9

Health Screening saw 68  

Number of people with action taken 66

                Evaluated and explained a denied disability claim but noted another issue that is somewhat disabling and worth while pursuing.  Directed patient to appropriate agency.  Patient mid 40’s and not a service connected disability.

Explained steps needed to evaluate and treat a rotator cuff injury.

Counseled several other vets about medical concerns.

Lengthy discussion with vet whose wife is planning bariatric surgery

Referred 3 for eye exams and glasses at Wal-Mart

Toe nails cut after Mary had done a foot massage

Evaluated patient with abnormal response to massage

Supplies given out included cough syrup, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, foot fungus crème, antacids, reading glasses and 1 wrist brace.

7 of the people receiving flu shots also received them last year

Turned away approx 12 persons for flu shots after the first batch was gone and before the second batch arrived

Clothing Room saw 136, 44 of which were homeless

200+ meals served