Veterans' Healthy Living, Spring 2014
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Dear Veterans
A Message from the Network Director
Michael F. Mayo-Smith, M.D., M.P.H.
Network Director
We are finally seeing signs of spring after what seemed like a very long, cold winter season! With that in mind, we are excited to bring you a fresh line-up of informative articles that we hope will keep you safe—both in VA facilities and at home.
The article on page 3 explains how patient safety played a major role in the design and functionality of White River Junction VA Medical Center’s newly renovated mental health unit.
Page 4 addresses the use, storage, and disposal of your medications and includes three simple steps to help keep you safe when it comes to over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
Patient safety is a top priority among our staff. As explained on page 5, the VA Patient Safety Medical Resident Program was created for medical residents and medical students, giving them a new awareness of ways to keep Veterans safe while in our care.
Page 6 presents a startling fact about falls: they are the second leading cause of accidental death for Americans after traffic collisions! We hope that after you read the article, you will evaluate your surroundings with fresh insight.
Finally, page 7 explains a new electronic Incident Reporting System at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction that was designed to speed up reporting and resolving unsafe situations in our facilities.
We hope this issue helps you enjoy a safe transition into spring.
Thank you for your service. Now let us serve you!
Michael F. Mayo-Smith, M.D., M.P.H.
Network Director