Bedfordtimesregister.com - Veterans Beat: Government looks to 'step up' safety at facilities

by Ron Seman

Safety training for those dedicated men and women who serve our veterans at hospital facilities around the nation, as well as suicide prevention among the veteran population, are two timely topics I will cover in today's column.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is calling for a special training campaign on safety, called a "Step-Up," from March 8 to 14 at all medical centers and outpatient clinics to ensure VA staff follow the highest standards for patient safety. The VA made the announcement in a Feb. 9 news release.

"I am ordering all of our centers and clinics to re-examine their procedures and safeguards so we know that veterans will not be put at risk by the people they have come to trust," said Dr. Michael J. Kussman, VA's under secretary for health.

The Step-Up was triggered by VA inspections that found reprocessing of endoscopic equipment did not follow the manufacturer's exact instructions at a VA medical centers in Tennessee and Georgia, which have both taken corrective action.

VA officials said they are not aware that any patients were harmed, but are notifying patients who might have been treated by the affected equipment.

Patient appointments should not be affected during the Step-Up, officials said.

WORKING TO PREVENT SUICIDE: The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Ohio, sent an e-mail to veterans like me Feb. 13 that stated, "We are losing too many service members to suicide. We all need to be prepared and ready to assist if given the opportunity."

The VA Veterans Health Administration has founded a national suicide prevention hotline to ensure veterans in emotional crisis have free 24/7 access to trained counselors. To operate the Veterans Hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Veterans can call the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press "1" to be routed to the Veterans Hotline.

This corner thanks Jim Watkins, commander of Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 473 in Twinsburg, for making this information available.

VFW POST 6868 LENTEN FISH: Ash Wednesday signals the start of the Lenten season, which starts Feb. 25. And members of the Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 6768 in Northfield Center will prepare fish for the enjoyment of members and the community-at-large every Friday during Lent starting Feb. 28. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. at the post, 8584 Olde Eight Road. A variety of fish will be available, including cod, shrimp and various specials each week. For take-out orders, call 330-467-9722. Questions? Call Renell Noack at 330-650-7761.

I know that a number of posts and auxiliaries in our circulation area will be serving fish during the Lenten season. I would be delighted to spread the word about your programs. Simply drop me a line at 5811 Renwood Drive, Parma, OH 44129, or e-mail SemanRJ@aol.com.

BINGO!: Acker-Moore Memorial Post in Stow needs bingo help, which is the biggest fundraiser for the post. Help is needed on each Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 6:30 p.m. or 5 to 9 p.m. as often as possible or even just once a month. If you can help, call 330-673-1608.

BREAKFASTS: Cmmdr. Jim Maurer of Hudson American Legion Post 464 says the post is serving Saturday breakfasts from 8 to 11 a.m. The price of the "All U- Can-Eat" meal is $6 for adults and $3 for children younger than 12. The menu includes eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausage links, burritos, hash browns, pancakes, toast, juice and coffee. The post is at 5780 Hudson Drive, and the phone is 330-650-9429.

REMEMBER our men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Keep them in your daily prayers. God Bless them and our magnificent country. Fly Old Glory daily!