RI Veterans: Did you know? (Health Records, events, a 99th Bday…) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer on veterans issues

Sharing and Accessing Your VA Healthcare Records 

Questions from one of our readers:

I am having problems signing up for VA MyHealtheVet, who do I call at the Providence VA? Bill, Exeter

The Providence VA My HealtheVet Coordinator is Katherine Murphy, (401) 952-2655. She can answer your questions or provide assistance with the registration process.

Anyone who registers on My HealtheVet starts with a Basic account. A Basic account provides limited access to features in My HealtheVet that you self-enter. You may use the journals and other tools to track your health measures. However, you cannot view your personal information located in VA or DoD systems.

With a Basic account you may use My HealtheVet to:

§  Add information to a personal health journal about over-the-counter medications, allergies, military health history, medical events, tests, and allergies

§  Record and track personal information such as contact information, emergency contacts, health care doctors and providers, and health insurance information

§  Record and track personal health measurements (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, heart rate, body temperature, weight, pain level, etc.) in Vitals and Readings

§  Print a health insurance wallet ID card with the personal information entered into the personal health record

§  Set personal goals. My Goals makes it easy for you to set goals, identify your strengths and tasks, to overcome obstacles, and track your progress. My Goals can be used to help your VA health care team understand what is important to you.

VETTIP – Having a basic account allows you to create a journal to track your weight, blood pressure, and pertinent information. Moreover, with a basic account, you can access this information anytime or place.

Benefits registering for My HealtheVet:

·      Registering is free

·      You manage your profile, including your password and personal details.

·      Your registered account gives you access to a vast set of information and tools that are only available to those who register. These tools can help you track your health measures such as blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, pain and so on.

·      You can keep personal health journals

·      You can self-enter your over-the-counter medications. This includes your vitamins, supplements, and herbals. 

·      You can self-enter medications prescribed from non-VA providers.

·      If you get medications through the VA, you can refill your prescriptions online.

After you register, you can upgrade your MyHealtheVet account with an upgraded account you can view:

·      Parts of your official VA health record as it becomes available.

·      Your DOD Military Service Information.

Q How do I share my VA medical information with my private doctor(s)? Bill, Exeter

A. Step 1 is to register with MyHealtheVA and setting up a basic account.

If you have problems signing up, call the contact listed above, she can assist you signing up telephonically. 

Now, after you registered and upgraded, you can select the Blue Button, which allows easy access to your personal health care information. You can view, print, download, or save your personal health information already in MyHealtheVet, and share this information with your health care team, caregivers, or others.

Simply put, you, decide what VA medical information you want to share who you allow access to Blue Button.

To get a My HealtheVet Premium account, you will need to complete the identity verification process. This is done before allowing access to your VA health record. Visit My HealtheVet Account Types to learn more about the different account types and what each gives you access to.

To sign in or register:

https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/blue-button-availability

More information from VA website on Blue Button:

Learn more about the My HealtheVet VA Blue Button

The My HealtheVet VA Blue Button is a feature that gives you a detailed view of your personal health information stored in your My HealtheVet account. Members registered in My HealtheVet can manage their health by using My HealtheVet’s Blue Button feature to customize a report or access their VA Health Summary. When you use the VA Blue Button, your My HealtheVet information is available for you to view, print, download or save. You can also download your information to a computer or other device (such as a CD or thumb drive. This lets you take your information with you. You can share it whenever you need.

VA is open and transparent in making your health information available to you. The VA Blue Button gives you easy access to your My HealtheVet information. You can get your information anytime and anywhere you can reach the Internet. This gives you choices about how you use your information.

If you upgrade your account to Premium*, you may be able to view parts of your VA health record. For some Veterans, service information from the Department of Defense (DoD) is also available. You will see this in the VA Blue Button as DoD Military Service Information.

*To get a My HealtheVet Premium account, you will need to complete the identity verification process. This is done before allowing access to your VA health record. Visit My HealtheVet Account Types to learn more about the different account types and what each gives you access to.

In the VA Blue Button, information you self-enter will be displayed as Self-Reported. Information that has VA in front of it comes from your VA health record. If it has DoD in front, it comes from the Department of Defense.

Some information in VA Blue Button that comes from your VA health record has its own section in My HealtheVet, such as:

§  VA Wellness Reminders (Wellness Reminders are no longer updated)

§  VA Appointments

§  VA Allergies and Adverse Reactions

§  VA Chemistry/Hematology

§  VA Medication History

§  VA Prescriptions

Other information that comes from your VA health record* or Department of Defense (DoD)* can only be viewed by going to the VA Blue Button and selecting the information from the Download My Selected Data page, such as:

§  VA Admissions and Discharges

§  VA Demographics

§  VA Electrocardiogram (EKG)

(Note: EKG dates are no longer updated. You may continue to view your historical EKG dates.)

§  VA Immunizations

§  VA Pathology Reports: Surgical Pathology/Cytology/Electron Microscopy

§  VA Problem List

§  VA Notes (VA Notes written on or after January 1, 2013, forward will be available 36 hours after completion except C&P Notes)

§  VA Radiology

§  VA Vitals and Readings

§  Department of Defense (DoD) Military Service Information

You may also download your VA Health Summary, formerly called the VA Continuity of Care Document (VA CCD). This is a summary of essential health and medical care information from your VA health record. The VA Health Summary uses recognized standards to support the effective exchange of information between health care systems and/or providers. To learn more about this feature, visit the VA Health Summary Frequently Asked Questions.

*To view information that comes from your VA health record or DoD record you need a PremiumMy HealtheVet Account. To get a Premium My HealtheVet account, you need to complete the identity proofing and verification process. VA verifies a Veterans’ identity by this one-time process. This is done before allowing access to your VA Health record.

General Information

Be sure to bookmark VA Blue Button so your My HealtheVet information is at your fingertips.

To help you understand more, visit Frequently Asked Questions.

The VA Blue Button User Guide (PDF) shows you step-by-step the different ways you can get your information. It also suggests ways to use this information to partner with your health care team, such as:

§  Share your My HealtheVet Self-Reported and VA health record information with your health care team, caregiver, or others you trust. The care provided by your health care team may be more effective if they know all about your health. The more they know about you, the better they can tailor care to fit your specific needs.

§  Share your DoD Military Service Information when looking for a new job or considering changing careers. Share this information with your employer to show past job skills and experience. Learn more »

You can get your information in two formats. You can download it in a format that is easy to read and print (PDF file) or as a simple text format (.txt file). You may wish to review the information in your account first to be sure it is up to date before you download it.

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Follow-up with World War II Veteran Louie Dolce:

Being in and out of the VA hospital the last month and discharged by the VA less than 48 hours before his 99^thbirthday did not stop the Italian American War Veterans of US from hosting a surprise—99^th—–birthday party for Louis at Perella’s Ristorante in Warren RI on Monday. Happy Birthday Louis Dolce. 

Photos: John A. Cianci –

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Events

May 1, 2023 – Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House, 9-11 am, Roma Ristorante, 310 Atwells Ave, Providence (free parking across the street). Veterans and their guests are invited. Refreshments are available, which include Italian toast, pastries, and calzones. Any questions call Italian American War Veterans of US, (401) 677-9838. 

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May 6, 2023 – 4-7pm – Memorial Day Parade Pasta Dinner at Lincoln Senior Center- 150 Jenckes Hill Rd.  Adults-$15, Children $10, Ages 5 and under free. In addition to entry to the pasta dinner, purchase of one of these tickets will enter you in our raffle, to be eligible to win an awesome prize from local Lincoln businesses! Come enjoy great food, music, and lots of raffle prizes! Tickets are available for purchase at Town Hall, 100 Old River Rd., We Roast Coffee- 276 Front St., Ted’s Paint- 194 Front St., and Lincoln Senior Center- 150 Jenckes Hill Rd. 

Any questions please email [email protected] or call 401-333-8416 / 401-333-8417. All proceeds go towards the Lincoln Memorial Day Parade Celebration!

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Wreaths Across America announces 2023 Youth Service Project 
Wreaths Across America (WAA) announces the 2023 Youth Service Project as part of its year-round TEACH program. The project will tie into the national nonprofit’s 2023 theme, ‘Serve and Succeed.’

The Youth Service Project encourages young people of all ages and grade levels to develop, organize and execute a community service project to improve the lives of veterans or others in their local community. By participating in, and successfully completing the Serve and Succeed project of their choosing, students will receive a certificate of community service award and commemorative bracelet from WAA. 

Each participant will be entered into a random drawing for the opportunity to visit the National Wreaths Across America Museum, Gold Star History and Hospitality House and the tip land monuments where replica dog tags from thousands of service men and women are hung in remembrance. The service project needs to be completed by Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2023.

Throughout the year, the WAA TEACH program provides educational opportunities for people nationwide to engage with veterans in their communities. In 2022 generous supporters made it possible for WAA to launch a K-12 curriculum that is aligned with the National Council on Social Studies and state Common Core standards. The free, downloadable lesson plans ensure stories of service, sacrifice and valor are passed down to future generations while building good character and self-worth through service to others. WAA also launched its first Youth Service Project in 2022, where students participated in an oral history project interviewing veteran. The contest winner, randomly selected from among the participants, was recently selected and will be publicly acknowledged at the organization’s annual Stem to Stone event held in Maine each summer.

“Teaching younger generations, the value of freedom and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed is a core part of our mission, but we want our young people to know you do not have to be in the military to serve,” said Cindy Tatum, WAA TEACH Curriculum Developer and Gold Star Mother. “The WAA 2023 Youth Service Project encourages America’s youth to create, develop, and execute a community service project that will benefit Veterans or others in their local community or the global community. No act of service is too small, and we look forward to the impactful projects students will submit.”

To learn more about the TEACH program and participate in the service project, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/teach. 

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. 

For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. 

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RESOURCES  & ongoing groups 

Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering.  As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time! 

***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS) via email at [email protected]*** 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May) 

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th  Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. 

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Art Expression Group – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m. 

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 

Stress Management – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Low Impact Walking Group – Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Guitar 4 Veterans – Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. 

Monday Mindfulness Group – Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Yoga Group – Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 

Moral Injury Group – Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Modern Warrior Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm. 

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Discounts for Veterans 

Services 

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification. 

Restaurants 

Applebee’s – Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021 

99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID.

Retailers 

Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Bass Pro Shops – Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source). 

BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner, ID.me. 

ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe. 

GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me 

Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer. 

Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type. 

Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations listed below: 

Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI 

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get – 

1.    Create an Account. Log in or create a Michaels Rewards account. 

2.    Get Verified. Provide your military information to get verified instantly. 

3.    Go Shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout. 

O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21. 

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to:[email protected]:  the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered. 

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838) 

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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.