In light of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) emphasizes the significance of virtual VA mental health care available to Veterans at home.
"Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, and out of concern for our local Veterans, we are honoring current physical distancing guidelines," said Dr. John Jackson, TVHS chief of mental health. "Through VA's virtual care tools, we are able to leverage available technology to ensure our patients and staff stay as safe as possible."
TVHS offers Veterans a variety of at-home resources, including the following:
Telephone or Video Appointments -To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their health care provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov.
Prescription Refills and Safety - Veterans may request prescription refills using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app, which can be downloaded at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill.
Text Message Reminders - Veterans can use Annie to receive automated text messages with information about COVID-19. Veterans may enroll in the app at mobile.va.gov/annie.
Mental Health Month - This May, VA is observing Mental Health Month. Veterans and their families can visit www.MakeTheConnection.net/MHM to learn more and hear Veteran stories of recovery.
TVHS staff members are reaching out to those at a higher risk and want to encourage those needing assistance to contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1). The Crisis Line staff are available 24 hours, seven days a week.
For more information on ways for Veterans and their loved ones to maintain and enhance their mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus.
TVHS is an integrated tertiary health care system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C. York Campus in Murfreesboro and the Nashville Campus, as well as more than a dozen community-based outpatient clinics located in Tennessee and Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services.
