Vets Project Informational Conference Call on September 12, 2007
General Topics of Discussion
- Clinic startup inquiries, advice and updates
-
Organizations that can be approached, in addition to the VA
- Age restrictions and parental permissions
- Utilizing teams of volunteers for clinic operations
- 5 needle protocol as an effective, simple, manageable treatment allowing for ease of clinic setup and operations
- What materials are available from AWB for clinic startup and organizing Vets Day Events
- Email and Yahoo groups for organizing teams and keeping in touch
- Insurance - general liability should be covered by sites
- ADS participation in treatment - will depend on state regulations
- Promoting clinics: Advertised as treating PTSD symptoms, sleeping problems, nightmares, flashbacks
- Organizing a Vets Day Fundraising Event - Kit now available*
Individual Comments, Suggestions and Queries
Laura Wolf (Albuquerque, NM)
- Gave outline of setup and operation of the Albuquerque Vets Clinic.
- Noted
that there are state to state differences with VA's, some even have
acupuncturists on staff. Important for volunteers to check in their
state.
Stacey Hachenberg (Baltimore, MD)
- Getting
started - meeting 2 times per month with 8-10 other volunteers in
Baltimore area, making lists of supplies and ways to do outreach.
- Working on donations for supplies, looking for site.
- Shooting to Launch a Clinic on Vets day.
- Group has been using a Yahoo group and 2 email groups to keep connected and updated. People are posting almost daily!
- Have connections to VA and VFW within volunteer group.
John Convey (W. Hollywood, CA)
- Working with council member at City Hall in West Hollywood who has offered a meeting room at City Hall as a clinic site.
- Questions
have come from locations about slip and fall insurance - does
acupuncturist need to have it or does the site cover slip and fall with
their general liability.
Diana
stressed the need to be familiar with your state
acupuncture regulations, regarding consent forms and other acupuncture
documentation required for treatment (e.g. does your state require
individual consent forms, or is a group form acceptable?).
- Has been getting support with advertising and referrals within the community.
- Has 2 other acupuncturists volunteering their time.
Gregory Ross (Oakland, CA)
- As
a Vietnam Vet with a diagnosis of PTSD, feels there is a stigma with
terms like PTSD and Depression. Feels that is is better to avoid these
words in advertising but instead use them in 1 on 1 discussions to
clarify what you are treating.
- Veterans for Peace, Vietnam
Veterans against the war, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans against the
war, are likely to be good outreach places. Go for the Peace groups on
a national level.
- Notes that there is a difference
between VA Hospitals and VA Assistance Centers - latter might be more
independent and receptive to our project .
Joanne Wu (Takoma Park, MD)
- In the DC area, has 3-4 volunteers meeting.
- Joanne's office will be their clinic site.
Diana Fried (Executive Dir., AWB, NM)
- We've
been getting feedback saying "YES, use the term PTSD" because it lets
people know there is something out there to treat PTSD.
- Acupuncturists
should have their own malpractice insurance and check with their
insurer to see what is required of them when treating in a setting
other than your private clinic.
- The site locations should have their own general liability (slip and fall) which covers accidents on the grounds.
- Who
are we treating? - We are treating trauma and stress: insomnia,
anxiety, lack of focus etc., including treating the broadest definition
of "family." Open it up as far and wide as possible.
- We recommend at least two practitioners on site for each clinic.
- Is
there an age restriction? - none yet - practitioners should use their
best judgment about who and how to treat. Ear seeds are great for
treating kids without needles.
- If needling 16 year old or younger - get parental signature on consent form.
- AWB
will focus press efforts in areas with clinics up and running by
Veteran's day and will do a big PR push if many Vets day events are
planned around the country. (be sure to let us know if you plan to do
an event)
*
Remember that Veteran's Day is November 11th and we recommend utilizing
this day as an opportunity to get the word out there about your clinic
and the Veterans Project by holding a Community Acupuncture Fundraising
Event. The Event Kit is now available for download! Email veterans@acuwithoutborders.org with the subject: "Vets Day Event Kit Wanted" to get the link.
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