Veterans Health Care, July 29: VA reduces benzodiazepines prescriptions, new screening improves memory loss detection, resources for infertility and fertility treatments, and volunteer gives 35,000 service hours

Reducing BZD prescriptions, improving memory loss, resources for infertility and fertility treatments, and honoring Vets through service

View as a webpage / Share Veterans Health Care  July 29, 2021 Providing health care to America's Veterans The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is home to America's largest integrated health care system, serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. Join your fellow Veterans. Here are some of their stories. VA works to reduce benzodiazepines prescriptions  VA is working to reduce the number of benzodiazepines (BZDs) prescribed to Veterans in the community, especially seniors aged 65 and older. BZDs are a class of drugs used to treat certain conditions, such as anxiety, with medications like Xanax and Ativan. The risk of these medications for older adults includes falls, confusion, or contributing to lethal overdoses. This reduction is part of the Psychotropic Drug Safety Initiative, which began in 2013. Read More New screening improves early detection of memory loss North Florida/South Georgia VA has made improvements to its cognitive screening for Veterans with symptoms of memory loss. These new improvements are not only quicker and easier to administer, but patients can also obtain early access to resources, medication, and treatment. The screening has also resulted in a cost-saving approach for those diagnosed with cognitive decline. "The new screening has shown to improve patient outcomes without significantly increasing workload," said nurse Jocelyn Almazan. "It has resulted in the decrease in treatment cost for patients." Read More VA provides fertility and infertility care VA is here to support you as you build your family. From infertility and fertility treatment to mental health counseling, we provide resources and support that can address your family planning needs. If you or someone you know is experiencing fertility issues, know that it is more common than you may think. Talk to your provider about the range of services that are available in VA, particularly if you have been trying to conceive for 12 or more months. Read More Volunteer gives 35,000 hours in honor of Veteran brother Rose Solak has volunteered to serve Veterans in the Detroit area for four decades—over 35,000 hours. She began volunteering in 1981 to honor her Marine Corps brother who passed away. As a testament to her pride and passion, she's won the National VA Voluntary Service leadership award twice for her immense efforts. "I just wanted to do something that makes me feel good," Solak said. "They served our country and now it's our time to serve them." Read More Read more stories here

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