One-stop shop for war veterans at Salt Lake City VA clinic
Douglas Karr, Petty Officer Second Class, United States Navy Veteran
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A hot topic that has been reoccurring throughout the veteran community for years now is the issue of adequate and sufficient support. Support in all areas: medical, physiological, emotional and so on. Recently VA hospitals across the country have been digging into this topic and making significant headway in recognizing veteran’s needs.
Providing service to more than 4,000 veterans throughout Utah, Colorado, Nevada and Idaho, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System is on the forefront of offering ample services to veterans. This clinic is establishing new programs and protocol in hopes that no vet will slip through the cracks.
Here, a standout clinical substance abuse counselor, Dan Murchie, spends his time helping the nation’s latest generation of veterans transition into civilian life. Known for persuading, prodding and pleading to get veterans into the door, he figures after they’re in the VA will sell itself.
For Tyson Mortenson, who had received medical care for his broken back and crushed hand (both injured during a roadside attack in Iraq’s Anbar Province in 2005), wasn’t keen on coming in to talk with Murchie. "I didn't want the help. I didn't need the help, and I didn't want to talk to anyone," Mortensen recalled. "But he kept pressuring me, so finally I said, 'Fine, I'll come in and talk.”
Feelings like Mortenson’s are extremely common many veterans; they don’t want to admit to any underlying issues that could have been caused during their time in combat. Murchie also understands the stereotypes about the bureaucratic VA and the resentment that veterans, especially of the Vietnam War have, regarding the head-of-the-line treatment to the recent vets of Iraq and Afghanistan. “It creates a lot of heartburn with those who weren’t given the same level of service and respect,” says Murchie.
"Here's the new philosophy at the VA: If these guys need anything, and they're not getting it, it's my job to get it for them. Not just tell them where to get it, but take them by the hand and take them there and make sure they don't hear the word 'no,'”
Efforts like Murchie’s play a key role in the well being of vets across the board. The variety of cases that come through the door of this and every other VA clinic are unique and each case is just as fragile as the next. For victims suffering from psychological illnesses to those with acquired physical injuries and serious disease, this new system will work to help reduce long-term issues and push for ample care from the very start.
Ailments requiring serious attention and medical treatment like the asbestos-caused cancer mesothelioma, have found their place in many VA clinics because of the high case rate among the veteran community. It is extremely important that the support is there for those suffering from this fast-attacking cancer.
Mental health case Manager Jeff Hunter has been able to witness the system first hand, “I’d say it’s pretty comprehensive.” Creating a one-stop shop for veterans, Iraq vet Andy Figorski explains the ease and relief he feels in being able to access a spectrum of VA services and he knows he’s not alone, “You can see the necessity on their faces,” when speaking of how the other vets are benefiting.