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By Chuck N Baker

(Reno & North Las Vegas) — One thing that veterans and their families know is that when it comes to volunteering, they are on top of the list. Most of the time they are too humble to admit it, but the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) across the nation would suffer tremendously if it were not for all of the volunteer hours that are accounted for. But when the current pandemic hit and the VA had to greatly curtail personal contact, volunteers for the most part were nonetheless asked to stay away in order to avoid contracting and/or spreading COIVD-19.

As things have begin to slowly partially improve health-wise around the nation including in Nevada, the VA has begun to develop plans to allow volunteers to return. At the same time, the agency has set rules for donations of face masks and related supplies. On the national level, a VA internet post states, “VA is grateful for the continued response to help America’s heroes during this global pandemic. Please be aware that VA continues to engage volunteers in essential assignments and accept donations under new protocols that will ensure only safe, compliant materials enter our supply chain.” The statement goes on to say, “VA Voluntary Services is following revised protocols in accepting volunteers and donations during the ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic. All donations of personal protective equipment (PPE, for example masks, gloves, gowns and face shields) must be evaluated and approved by a medical center director-appointed infection committee designee or group, before entering the facility supply chain.”

In North Las Vegas, VA Public Affairs Officer Charles Ramey said its Voluntary Service department has a specific plan to bring back volunteers, but has yet to implement it as it is still observing the latest pandemic developments. “We don’t have a timeline on when we will start bringing them back at this point,” he said. “We are continuing to monitor the situation.” The VA in Washington reports that as part of its aggressive public health response to protect and care for veterans, families, health care providers and staff, it is working directly with the Center for Disease Control and other federal agencies in monitoring the outbreak. Volunteers aside, veterans in Southern Nevada with symptoms such as fever, cough and/or shortness of breath are urged to immediately contact their local VA facility. Contact should be made before visiting the VA by checking the internet, by signing into My HealtheVet and through telehealth options in order to explain their conditions and seek a diagnosis. If asked to visit the VA, patients will be screened for flu-like symptoms before entering.

In Reno, the Chief of Community Affairs Service at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, Stephanie Torian, was proactive in her facility’s approach to volunteerism. “Our Transportation Volunteers remained on duty throughout the pandemic in support of Access to Care, ensuring veterans still had transportation to and from their appointments,” she explained. In June 2020 the department began planning its phased volunteer re-entry approach. “Our first consideration was limiting onsite volunteers to only the most essential assignments. With leadership approval, we brought back to our facility our Volunteer Ambassadors. They support hospital services by providing veterans, family members and visitors entering the hospital way-finding, escort, and transport to the appropriate office or service within the facility.” Torian said volunteers oftentimes create the first impression of VA facilities and represent a culture of care to veterans, families, and visitors. As the facility continued to increase services, it increased on-site volunteer assignments.

“We have missed the physical presence of our volunteers and are anxiously awaiting the time when we can be together again safely. In the meantime, we continue operational adjustments and preparation plans for the return of our volunteers. I never thought in my ten years with Voluntary Service that there would come a day where volunteers were not here. We value their contributions and are grateful for their commitment in providing world class care and service to America’s heroes.”

In Fiscal Year 2019, the VA reports that more than 61,000 volunteers served more than 9.2 million hours. Sabrina Clark, the national director of VA Voluntary Service speaking about VA volunteers, said, “Now more than ever we are grateful for [veterans’] advocacy and legacy of service.” In another public statement, an organization spokesperson noted that the “VA is grateful for the continued response to help America’s heroes during this global pandemic. Please be aware VA continues to engage volunteers in essential assignments and accept donations under new protocols that will endure only safe, compliant materials enter our supply chain.”

 

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