Category: Hospital

^{Carol Fetters Email 228-596-5014}

This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans. 

HONORS ESCORT 

The Honors Escort Program is an opportunity to honor each veteran in a respectful and open manner and provides an opportunity for a veteran’s family and friends, other veterans, and medical facility staff to participate in a display of high regard and reverence for the individual at the time of death. 

We had an auxiliary participate in this very solemn service. Members of the hospital, other veterans, and onlookers paid their respect to a deceased veteran.

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS As we continue through the months, our National Hospital Ambassador would still like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but so do all the organizations who support our veterans. Maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these November holidays are:

Plan an event that is different and usual! I am sure there are many ways to celebrate these and other different holidays for our veterans. 

Nov. 1 – National scented candle Day 

Nov. 4 – National Candy Day 

Nov. 6 – Daylight Saving Day 

Nov. 8 – Election Day 

Nov. 10- National Vanilla Cupcake Day 

These holidays are an excellent chance to show your veterans something different to celebrate. Make sure you take care of their caretakers also.

TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

Keep in mind the “TRADITIONAL” holidays are coming up! Thanksgiving and Christmas are near. The veterans look for the extra attention they receive during these months. Try to be with them more than usual.

I have received many reports and pictures from the activities for our veterans! Keep doing all the wonderful things you have been doing! 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and share it with the hospitalized veterans!

Carol Fetters Phone: 228-596-5014 Email

This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program. The volunteer efforts of our members and working together will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.

WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE

Women veterans are the fastest growing group within our veteran population. The VA is working towards meeting their health care needs. If one qualifies for VA health care, they can access these high-quality benefits.

· General services, like disease prevention and nutrition counseling.

· Reproductive health services, such as birth control, preconception counseling and menopausal support, including hormone replacement therapy.

· Screenings including cervical cancer screens (pap smears) and breast cancer screens (mammograms).

· Mental health services for depression, post-traumatic stress (PTS) and substance abuse problems.

· Free, confidential counseling and treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to military sexual trauma (MST).

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

Our National Hospital Ambassador would like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these September holidays are:

Plan an event that is different and usual!

I am sure there are many ways to celebrate these and other different holidays for our veterans.

Oct. 1 – International Coffee Day (Bring different coffees)

Oct. 1 – National Homemade Cookies Day

Oct. 4 – National Taco Day (Make tacos at the hospital, better still, let them make their own)

Oct. 10 – National Angel Food Cake Day (Always delicious)

Oct. 12 – National Gumbo Day (What a great meal)

Oct. 13 – National M & M Day (Bring bags of M&M’s)

Oct. 14 – National Dessert Day

Oct. 23 – National Boston Cream Pie Day

These holidays are an excellent chance to show your veterans a different look on your VA or Nursing Home Visits. Take care of their caretakers also.

AWARDS FOR DEPARTMENTS AND DEPARTMENT CHAIRMEN

1. $25 VFW Store Gift Certificate to one Department Hospital Chairman in each of the 10

Program Divisions for the best promotion that recognizes veterans on non-traditional holidays at any Hospital (VA and non-VA facilities). Winners will be announced and awards presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

2. Outstanding Performance Award in each of the 10 Program Divisions based on criteria

listed on Page XX and for the promotion of Program Goals listed at the top of Page XX. Winners will be announced and awards presented at the 2024 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Carol Fetters 228-596-5014  

The HOSPITAL PROGRAM is one of the first nationally adopted programs for the VFW Auxiliary.  VFW Auxiliary members have been volunteering in hospitals since 1914 at the organization’s inception.

This year’s National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” is the lifeblood of the Hospital Program.The volunteer efforts of our members and working together will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.         

The past few years with covid has made it difficult to take care of our veterans like we wanted.  The volunteer efforts of our members and working together with the hospitals and nursing homes will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.

 Success to the program will be thru good communications of the members and volunteers. It is my job to inform and motivate you to become involved.  All volunteers should be creative when planning hospital activities.

COMMUNITY CARE

Veterans may be eligible for care through a provider in their local community, depending on their health care needs or circumstances, and if they meet specific eligibility criteria.  Veterans can still receive care at a VA Medical facility if they choose.

Veterans must receive approval from the VA before receiving care from a community provider to avoid being billed for the care.  VA staff generally make all eligibility determinations for community care.  The veterans can utilize an in-network physician under the following systems or circumstances:

• General Community Care
• Urgent Care
• Emergency Care
• Foreign Medical Care
• Home Health and Hospice Care
• Indian/Tribal Health Services
• In Vitro Fertilization 
• State Veterans Homes
• COVID and Flu Shots

The VA Community Care Network is a connection for veterans to access community providers that will assist with timely and high-quality care.

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

Our National Hospital Ambassador would like for all volunteers to think outside the box in organizing “fun” for our veterans. Our veterans love celebrating traditional holidays, but maybe they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays. Some of these September holidays are:

Plan an event that is different and usual!

 Sept. 5 – National Cheese Pizza

            Sept. 9 – National Teddy Bear Day

            Sept.12 – National Chocolate Milkshake Day

            Sept. 14 – National Cream-filled Donut Day

I am sure there are many ways to celebrate these and other different holidays for our veterans.

AWARDS FOR AUXILIARIES 

1.  Most outstanding activity and/or event that recognizes veterans on non-traditional holidays.

•      Citation to every Auxiliary that hosts an activity and/or event that recognizes veterans on non-traditional holidays.  Entry form required and available in MALTA Member Resources.  Auxiliaries must send the entry     form to their Department Hospital Chairman by March 31, 2024 for judging. 

The Department Hospital Chairman is to email National Headquarters by April 30, 2024 at a total combined list of every Auxiliary in their Department that completed and submitted an entry form. 

       Citations will be mailed directly to participating Auxiliaries from National Headquarters.

•      Citation and $25 to one Auxiliary in each of the four Conferences that hosts the most  outstanding activity and/or event recognizing veterans on non-traditional holidays.

The Department Hospital Chairman must sign and send a copy of the completed Department-winning entry form to the National Hospital Ambassador by April 30, 2024 for judging. 

Citations will be mailed directly to winning Auxiliaries from National Headquarters and money will be deposited into Auxiliary account after National convention.

Program Divisions. Entry form (required) available at MALTA Member Resources (vfwauxiliary.org/resources). Citations to be mailed directly to winners after National Convention. 

Banding Together for our Veterans

Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans”

 Bulletin No. 2, August, 2023

The HOSPITAL PROGRAM is one of the first nationally adopted programs for the VFW Auxiliary.  VFW Auxiliary members have been volunteering in hospitals since 1914 at the organization’s inception.

This year’s “National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” assures the Hospital Program will be great again. The past few years has made it difficult to take care of our veterans like we wanted.  The volunteer efforts of our members and working together with the hospitals, etc. will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.

Volunteer Recruitment, Recognition and Support

This year, as in the past, one of the main objectives of the Hospital Program is the necessity to recruit new members! Every day the need to recruit new volunteers is crucial to offset millions of dollars in expenses in health care. Volunteers also create a friendly and caring atmosphere wherever they volunteer!

Here are some tips for recruiting:

• Put up a monthly signup sheet at your Auxiliary and your Post for regular Volunteer events.
• If a volunteer opportunity comes up, contact each volunteer by how they prefer to communicate (email, phone call, Facebook or texting).
• Public recognition for current volunteers.
• Be specific about what is expected and the time involved.
• Just because someone says “no” to one event, does not mean they will not volunteer for something else! Please ask again!

Volunteers!

Volunteers can serve in local hospitals, Veterans’ homes, nursing homes, domiciliaries and both VA and non-VA medical clinics and facilities. Anyone can serve; Members, non-members, youth and families. Volunteers can do many things depending on the facility. Some facilities have varying types of opportunities to suit different ages and abilities.  Some facilities have a volunteer program in place with specific jobs, events and needs. Whichever facility is available, make sure you know and follow the guidelines of the facility.

Auxiliary members can earn Hospital Volunteer Service Pins from National Headquarters. Your Auxiliary Hospital Chairman should keep track of all volunteers’ hours (both VA and non-VA) and submit an application for the pins. Non-members can earn a one-time only volunteer pin for 100 hours.

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

Our veterans love celebrating the traditional holidays, but they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays also. Some of these August Holidays are:

National Elvis Week, August 9-17, 2023 – Have a good time celebrating Elvis, songs or movies

National Cherry Popsicle Day – August 26, 2023 – bring a bunch of popsicles to the VA or Nursing Home.  The patients will enjoy something different.

Plan an event that is different and usual!

AWARDS FOR MEMBERS

1.  Citation to the VFW Auxiliary member in each of the 10 Program Divisions who recruits the most Hospital (VA and non-VA facilities) volunteers from July 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Entry form (required) available on MALTA Member Resources. Citations to be mailed directly to winners after National Convention.

• “Hospital Volunteer Recruiter of the Year” plaque awarded to one Auxiliary member in the nation who recruits the most Hospital volunteers (VA and non-VA facilities) from July 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Entry form (required) available in MALTA Member Resources. Plaque to be mailed directly to winner after National Convention.

• Citation to the Outstanding Hospital Volunteer of the Year in each of the 10

Program Divisions. Entry form (required) available at MALTA Member Resources

(vfwauxiliary.org/resources). Citations to be mailed directly to winners after National Convention.

Please bring items for the Hospital Table to Gulfport, MS for the August Council of Administration/School of Instruction.

 Banding Together for our Veterans

Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans

The HOSPITAL PROGRAM is one of the first nationally adopted programs for the VFW Auxiliary.  VFW Auxiliary members have been volunteering in hospitals since 1914 at the organization’s inception.

This year’s “National theme “Banding Together for our Veterans”, and the Department of Mississippi’s theme, “Soaring Above and Beyond for Veterans” assures the Hospital Program will to be great again. The past few years has made it difficult to take care of our veterans like we wanted.  The volunteer efforts of our members and working together with the hospitals, etc. will make a huge difference in the lives of our hospitalized veterans.

The Hospital program offers hope and encouragement with compassionate care.  There are four (4) particular areas to focus on this year.

VALENTINES FOR VETERANS

Share the love we have for our veterans and service members this Valentine’s Day by sending a valentine, hosting a party, recognition event or dinner in their honor.

WOMEN VETERANS HEALTH CARE

Women have served our nation for generations and are the fastest growing group within the veteran population.  Comprehensive health services are available and tailored to the unique needs of women veterans. 

HONORS ESCORT

The Honors Escort Program is an opportunity to honor each veteran in a respectful and open manner and provides an opportunity for a veteran’s family and friends, other veterans and medical facility staff to participate in a display of high regard and reverence for the individual at the time of death.

NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERAN PATIENTS

The week of February 14 is your opportunity to thank a special group of men and women who are cared for throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, outpatient clinics and nursing homes. The purpose of the National Salute to Veteran Patients program is to pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center and encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and become more involved as volunteers.  Our hospital volunteers contribute to VA personnel and patients.  It is because of volunteers like you who bring a touch of happiness to those veterans’ faces.

Success of the hospital program will be thru good communications of the members and volunteers. It is my job to inform and motivate you to become involved.  All volunteers should be creative when planning hospital activities. The Hospital program offers hope and encouragement with compassionate care.

Volunteer Recruitment, Recognition and Support

This year, as in the past, one of the main objectives of the Hospital Program is the necessity to recruit new members! Every day the need to recruit new volunteers is crucial to offset millions of dollars in expenses in health care. Volunteers also create a friendly and caring atmosphere wherever they volunteer!

Here are some tips for recruiting:

• Put up a monthly signup sheet at your Auxiliary and your Post for regular Volunteer events.
• If a volunteer opportunity comes up, contact each volunteer by how they prefer to communicate (email, phone call, Facebook or texting).
• Public recognition for current volunteers.
• Be specific about what is expected and the time involved.
• Just because someone says “no” to one event, does not mean they will not volunteer for something else! Please ask again!

Volunteers!

Volunteers can serve in local hospitals, Veterans’ homes, nursing homes, domiciliaries and both VA and non-VA medical clinics and facilities. Anyone can serve; Members, non-members, youth and families. Volunteers can do many things depending on the facility. Some facilities have varying types of opportunities to suit different ages and abilities.  Some facilities have a volunteer program in place with specific jobs, events and needs. Whichever facility is available, make sure you know and follow the guidelines of the facility.

Auxiliary members can earn Hospital Volunteer Service Pins from National Headquarters. Your Auxiliary Hospital Chairman should keep track of all volunteers’ hours (both VA and non-VA) and submit an application for the pins. Non-members can earn a one-time only volunteer pin for 100 hours.

I have already started getting reports from auxiliaries who have been going to see veterans, giving them parties and having fun.  Please continue to do this and report all activities to me.

CELEBRATING NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAYS

Our veterans love celebrating the traditional holidays, but they would also enjoy celebrating some non-traditional holidays also. Some of these July Holidays are:

National Fried Chicken Day, July 6

National World Chocolate Day, July 7

National Kitten Day, July 10

National Ice Cream Day, July 16

National Hot Dog Day, July19

Plan an event that is different and usual!