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Ed Wilkinson

American Northwest Realty is sponsoring a free lunch for veterans and their families from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 11, Veterans Day, at 105 E. Victory Way. I will issue another reminder later in month.

VA identifies med management as key issue

The Department of Veterans Affairs has identified a need for safe, independent management of prescriptive medicine by individuals who comprehend better by hearing than by seeing as a long-standing issue.

It is known that the ability to understand and manage personal prescriptive medication is a key factor in helping individuals maintain an independent lifestyle.

The audible prescription reading device enhances the medication of safety of patients who have difficulty reading or understanding the instructions and warnings that appear on their medication bottle labels. When prescriptions are not taken as prescribed, serious and sometimes life-threatening consequences can follow.

The veterans' primary health team can facilitate the issuance of an audible prescription reading device.

Two diseases identified for additional "Agent Orange" benefits

Veterans Affairs also has extended "Agent Orange" benefits to more veterans.

The VA has recognized Parkinson's disease and two other illnesses as being associated with "Agent Orange." I have updated information in my office if anyone needs to find out if they qualify.

Historical veteran/national dates:

• Oct. 12,1492 - Columbus sighted Bahamian island believing he has reached East Asia and claimed the island for Queen Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain.

• Oct. 13, 1943 - Italy declared war on Nazi Germany.

• Oct. 14,1939 - Battleship HMS Royal Oak torpedoed and sunk in "impregnable harbor" causing loss of 833 lives.

Craig Telehealth Clinic reminder

The Craig Community Telehealth Clinic offers U.S. veterans state-of-the-art technology as well as on-site nursing support and remote practitioner availability. The goal is to provide an extensive array of health care services to veterans in a setting that is accessible and professional. To appropriately plan and coordinate your visit, access to the clinic is by appointment only. The clinic cannot handle emergency needs. Flu shot walk-ins still are ongoing for veterans currently enrolled in the VAMC Healthcare system. If you have questions, call 824-6721.

Tele-psych services now available

Veterans can now get tele-pysch services at the Craig VA Telehealth clinic. All they need to do is call 970-263-2824 to set up a follow-up appointment for their mental health visit to be done there. If there are any questions, contact Jayne Scribner at VAMC Grand Junction via phone or e-mail Jayne.Scribner@va.gov.

For information on these programs and/or other veterans' benefits, call or stop in the Moffat County VSO office at 480 Barclay St. (west of the Bank of Colorado parking lot). Call 970-824-3246 or use the fax 970-824-7108. Our e-mail address is veterans@moffatcounty.net. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. Other times can be arranged by appointment only. Bring a copy of your separation papers (DD-214) for application for VA programs and for filing at our office.