Director's Message June 10, 2022
VAPIHCS Veterans, If you have prescriptions that need to be disposed of, remember that you can ask your doctor to order you a Medication Disposal Envelope. Staff are able to order these envelopes through the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), and these envelopes are pre-paid for return.
They even come with instructions. The disposal envelopes are sent directly to a pharmaceutical waste company for destruction.
Talk Story: Episode Four
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) has started a new podcast to help get information to the veterans who need it. Our fourth episode features a discussion about the upcoming Women Veteran Summit. Make sure to follow us so you always get the latest news on VA happenings. Listen here.
National PTSD Month
At VA, we know all too well how devastating trauma can be for Veterans returning from deployments and for survivors healing from an assault or accident. Unfortunately, it is often the invisible wounds of the mind rather than the visible scars of the body that take the longest to heal. The comforting news is that effective treatments are available to help improve the quality of life.
June is National PTSD Awareness Month, and our renowned National Center for PTSD is helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma by promoting a daily activity for the entire month. The campaign began June 1 with an awareness pledge and includes twenty-nine other thoughtful activities for individuals and organizations to get involved. Additionally, the Center is sponsoring “PTSD Screening Day” on June 27 to promote its private and secure online self-screening tool. The screen includes five questions about feelings and behaviors related to PTSD. No matter the score, trauma survivors are encouraged to talk to a health care provider if they are having a hard time after a traumatic experience.
If you, a friend, colleague, or family member are experiencing mental health challenges, please connect with a health care provider. VA’s Employee Assistance Program provides counseling and referrals for all employees and their immediate family members. Also, Veterans receiving VA care may access VA Mental Health Services and/or engage with a mental health specialist at their local VA facility. Additionally, VA Chaplain Services offer care and resources for trauma survivors. Appointments with a local chaplain can be scheduled through your VA provider or directly by contacting your local facility Chaplain Service.
Now more than ever, we need to compassionately look out for one another and consciously take time for self-care.
Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles
When one thinks of greatness, the idea of humility is seldom viewed as a helpful quality. But I think humility can still define greatness today for at least three reasons:
Humility keeps one grounded in truth. Humility is often thought of as being self-deprecating, and in the minds of many, means that one must become a “doormat.” But the opposite is true. The word “humble” is derived from the Latin word humus, meaning “earth” or “ground.” Thus, to be humble is to be grounded – to have one’s feet planted on reality. Humility therefore allows one to be honest about both one’s strengths and limitations. Humility enables a person to be in-tuned with what’s true, despite how difficult it might be to accept reality. Humility is thus a great asset, because only when one can honestly accept reality can one be best prepared to make effective choices. Humility can admit mistakes and address errors when they are brought to notice.
Humility is critical for self-development and growth. Humility is willing to learn and grow, even when growth involves rethinking cherished thoughts and ideas on a subject. Humility predisposes one to be a life-long learner. Humility also allows one to tap into the wisdom of others, because humility understands that it does not possess all the answers. Thus, one can make the best quality decisions, as humility will incorporate the expertise of others and take advantage of available knowledge.
Lastly, humility expands one scope of thought. Humility allows one to not merely narrowly think of what’s best for oneself, but what would be the best for the whole. Humility does not view oneself as the center of all matters. Thus, it is the best quality for service. And as Martin Luther King once said, “everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN
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