Port Angeles Stand Down 2011
2011 Port Angeles After Action:
Total seen 203
159 Veterans of which 31 were female
46 Homeless Veterans of which 7 were female
18 non-veterans 13 of which were homeless
AARP Driver Training
Total Seen 30
Action Taken 12
Excellent opportunity to help veterans and network
Peninsula Community Mental Health:
Total seen 19
Action taken 3
I provided Three Veterans with supportive information about their mental health options with direct referrals made. I'm always pleased with how well planned out and conducted the Stand Down's are.
Jefferson County Veterans Assistant:
Total seen 5
Action taken 3
Made 2 applications for DD-214’. Made referrals to Clallam County Veterans Assistant and Sarge’s Place. “This was really a good event”.
Disabled American Veterans:
Total seen 25
Action taken 15
We were able to find a home for a veterans cat when he moved into housing that didn’t allow pets, he was so grateful that he cried”. “We think it went well with a nice turnout”.
Olympic Peninsula Community Action (OlyCap):
Total seen 50+
Action taken Lost Count
“We answered a lot of questions. Gave away about 30 bags.”
Pro Bono Lawyers of Clallam County:
Total seen 20
Action taken 13
“Mostly referrals to Pro Bono and Senior Information And Assistance free will program”. A Marine Corps OIF veteran shared stories of Iraq with me. Found out we both liked to haggle with the Iraqis and that he fished in both the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers”. Thanks for the Wi-Fi.
New Leash on Life:
Total seen 19
Action taken to be determined
Was able to clarify the difference between service dog and a therapy dog.
“My service dog Turf almost climbed into Big Mama’s (Venay) lap”.
“My first event – great job to everyone”.
Red Cross:
Total seen 110
Action taken 98
“Great event”.
Sarge’s Place:
Total seen 17
Action taken 12
“Were able to fill our last vacant apartment”. “It has been a wonderful opportunity to network with the vets and other service providers”. “Keep it fabulous”.
Senior Information and Assistance:
Total seen 40
Action taken 20
“Lots of info given – Vet raising grandchildren—so gave her family caregiver support program information”. “Thank you so much for all you do and your sacrifice for out country”.
Serenity House:
People Seen 19
Action taken 8 screenings
Social Security:
People seen 43
Action Taken 31
-Gave instruction on how to file online for disability
-Explained TWP and Disability
-Explained Retirement and Medicare
-Comments:
Medicare coverage is great
“Amazing event! I am honored to attend your event”
“You are providing a fantastic service to our vets”.
West End Outreach:
Total seen 6
Action taken 2
Referrals for both people
VA Homeless Veteran Outreach:
Total seen 12
Action taken 6
VA myhealthevet.va.gov:
Total Seen 25
Action Taken 25
-Signed up 22 accounts
-Reset 3 passwords
-Saved vets a trip to VA for in-person authentication
-Showed vets how to refill meds online
-Great event
Housing Resource Center:
Total seen 14
Action Taken 9
“I have been getting nor applications out for housing at these events, thanks”
Barber:
Hair cuts given 45
Peninsula College:
Total seen 11
Action taken 4
-Self defense interest for veterans club
-Music program
-Online education for those who are disabled
-GED Adult Diploma
VFW:
Total seen 21
Action Taken 7
“This was the best ever, thanks to all for all”.
Work Source:
Total seen 34
Action taken 17
One vet came to my table stating he couldn’t keep a steady job for the last eight years. He doesn't understand why eight years ago he started experiencing sudden and extreme anger followed by contrition and deep depression. I referred him to Robert Perry at Peninsula community Mental Health.
Health Screening:
Total seen 39
Services 71
Consults 8 some complex problems and referrals to enroll in the VA Health System
Non Rx Glasses 9
Supplies 5 (Stress ball, Ibuprofen, dressings, glasses cases)
Flu shots 30
Pneumovax 1
Tdap 1
Bl. Pressure 10
Bl. Sugar 7
A patient in an acute stage of alcoholism and on the verge of recurrent DT’s. Started on an alcohol withdrawal program and patient plans to restart proceedings to enter an inpatient program.
One interesting follow up form Forks Stand Down. I saw a patient there with a thyroid mass and told him to get it checked out ASAP. He finally did after a month’s delay. Was sent for a biopsy after his work up then finally had surgery 3 weeks ago. He had (and still has) a rare tumor – a Hurtle cell tumor, frequently malignant – and was told to return for further surgery. He asked if he should and I told him it was important (a good chance of more tumor/malignancy in his remaining thyroid tissue). Anyway, he thanked me for picking it up and guiding him towards treatment.
Acupuncture by Heather Spencer
Total seen 5
Action taken 4
It’s hard to treat/cure chronic problems with just one treatment but the folks I saw got some pain relief
Dental by Dr. John Paul, Hygienist Jan Paul
Total seen 21
Action taken 21
Follow up appointments were made for 10/17/2011 at the OlyCap clinic. There were 4 no-shows. But for those who showed it was a complete success, we also had assistance from Dr. Amy Moon, Maxine Hoffman, and Billie Nettlebeck.
Outdoor Equipment:
Saw 7, 1 female, and 1 husband and wife.
Clothing Room
154 people
109 Veterans
19 Dependents
26 Non-Veterans
24 veterans indicated they were homeless:
Woods 3
Tent 6
Garage 1
Trailer 2
Truck, car, van 5
Couch surfing 4
Serenity house 2
Streets 1
Meals Served: 400
Comments:
From a Vietnam Vet “Have attended several stand downs – this is the best-organized one that I have attended”.
From another Vietnam Vet “the atmosphere was very welcoming, the food was exceptionally good”.
Another veteran said “a real pleasure”.
Many veterans, on leaving saluted and said “thank you”.
My general impression – “a smoother less harassed crowd but obviously friendly and appreciative – both vets and volunteers expressed thanks for the experience particularly several who had never attended a stand down before”.
“The new requirement where you “pre-screen” the clients worked very well and contributed significantly to the overall smoothness at the sign in table”.
James Q Graham