Oklahoma City VA Medical Center OEF/OIF Program Office Oklahoma City VA Medical Center OEF/OIF Program Office 921 NE 13 th Street Oklahoma City, OK (405)

Serving our “New” Veterans Michele Diesselhorst-Reese – OEF/OIF Program Manager (MSW/LCSW/CCM) Tanya Gutierrez – Case Manager (MSW/LCSW) Kelly White – Case Manager (MSW/LCSW) Sandra Nikkel – Caregiver Support Coordinator (MSW/LCSW) Waco Blakley – OEF/OIF Transition Patient Advocate

OEF/OIF Program Office In the Spring of 2007 the Department of Veterans Affairs created the OEF/OIF Program Office to expand services to veterans as they transitioned from the military into the VA Healthcare System. It is the goal & responsibility for our office to ensure that each combat veteran is provided with the full spectrum of healthcare needed and deserved.

Services Provided Assist with Enrollment & Eligibility Provide Orientation & Assignment of a Primary Care Physician Conduct a TBI, PTSD, Depression, MST, Rabies, OEF/OIF, Drug, and Alcohol Screen for each combat veteran Make referrals to Specialty Clinics as needed Work with OEF/OIF Counseling Program and Vet Center Assist with Benefits Claims Provide Employment Guidance & Referrals Assist with Emergency Financial Resources

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD can happen to anyone who has been exposed to traumatic experiences. Any OEF/OIF Veteran experiencing some of the following symptoms can give us a call at (405) and we can refer them to one of several programs to assist them as they transition home.

PTSD Symptoms Startle reactions to noise or movement Reliving of traumatic memories Guilt and/or depression Concentration & memory problems Sleep problems, dreams & nightmares Alcohol and/or substance abuse Authority problems Anger Management

Veterans May Experience Marriage or relationship problems Irritability or outbursts of anger Difficultly Concentrating Exaggerated startle response Dependence on alcohol or other substance Hyper vigilance or intrusive thoughts Feelings of isolation Problems falling asleep or staying asleep Lack of motivation

TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic Brain Injury is the signature wound of the war in Iraq & Afghanistan. If you as an OEF/OIF veteran were exposed to IED blasts, mortars, RPG’s, accidents, or other injury where you were dazed, confused, or lost consciousness and are experiencing any of the following symptoms please call us or walk-in to our offices. We can screen you for further evaluation & referrals.

Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms Frequent or continuous headaches Ringing in the ears Dizziness or balance problems Irritability Memory Problems Sleep Problems Sensitivity to light or noise

Expanded Healthcare On 28 January 2008 the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 was signed into law by President Bush. OEF/OIF Combat Veterans now have free deployment related healthcare extended for 5 years (from the date of discharge) at all VA Medical Centers. OEF/OIF Veterans have 180 days to register for free dental care from the date of discharge on their DD-214

CONFIDENTIALITY The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center prides itself on confidentiality and the important fact that many of it’s employees are veterans or combat veterans themselves. NO Information will be released without your written permission!

Oklahoma City VA Medical Center

Thank you for your time, attention, and love of country!