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VA ASSISTANCE TO AVOID EVICTION

(1)QUESTION: “I’m being evicted what should I do?”

ANSWER: If you or a Veteran needs immediate assistance to avoid eviction or loss of housing, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID VET. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • VA staff are available to assist Veterans facing housing crises by directing them to the appropriate resources and supportive services offered by VA and other government entities. Below are details on several resources and services available for Veterans who are at an increased risk of eviction due to the ending of temporary renter protections.

(2)QUESTION: “I’m struggling to pay my rent and utilities who can help me?”

ANSWER: Call the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program at 701-232-2452

  • Contact: Holly Papineau at 701-306-0056 or email: hollyp@sendcaa.org
  • Contact: Jenny Gomke at 701-318-4430 or email: jennyg@sendcaa.org
  • Contact: Alesha Petermann at 701-388-6048 or email: aleshap@sendcaa.org
  • Address: 3233 University Drive South Fargo, ND 58104
  • SSVF provides case management and supportive services to prevent homelessness or to rapidly re-house Veterans and their families who are homeless.
  • The SSVF subsidy program may provide a modest subsidy for two years to extremely low-income Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

(3)QUESTION: “I need free legal help. Who can I call?”

ANSWER: Call Rachel Marsolek, LSW and VJO Coordinator at 701-200-2723 or email her at: Rachel.marsolek@va.gov  She will help you find legal aid resources in North Dakota.

(4)QUESTION: “Where do I find local help?”

ANSWER: Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can CALL or VISIT their local VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Fargo, ND and ask to speak with a Homeless Coordinator at 701-461-7330

PACT ACT CLAIMS CLINIC POSTPONED

MEDICAL FOSTER HOMES FOR VETERANS

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QUESTION: WHAT IS A SAFE ALTERNATIVE TO NURSING HOME CARE?

Medical Foster Homes are private homes in which a trained caregiver provides a safe and supportive long-term care for Veterans. This is an alternative to nursing home and assisted living care. It may be appropriate for Veterans who require nursing home care but prefer a non-institutional setting with fewer residents. The VA inspects and approves all Medical Foster Homes.

The Medical Foster Home program partners with people in the community who have caregiving experience and who have room in their homes to take in up to three Veterans and provide their daily care including 24-hour supervision, meals, laundry, med management, and personal care assistance.   VA Home Based Primary Care provides medical oversight via visits from a skilled team of professionals.

The cost for care is determined based on the Veteran’s care needs.   Care is paid via private pay, potential VA Regional Office funding, and/or county waiver funding if the Veteran is eligible for Medical Assistance.  On Thursday December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law H.R. 2617. Part of this bill includes payment for VA Medical Foster Home for Veterans who are eligible for VA paid long term care. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE MEDICAL FOSTER

HOME (MFH) PROGRAM?:

  • Personal care in a private home for eligible Veterans with complex chronic disabling disease or condition(s) who meet nursing home level of care.
  • Veterans are cared for in a safe and therapeutic environment, improving their quality of life.
  • Provides health care in a home setting, including end-of-life care.
  • Is an alternative to living alone by providing quality long-term care and companionship.
  • No more than three residents receive care in the home.
  • Gives Veterans the option to remain in a family setting.
  • Offers personalized care in the community.
  • Meets the increasing demand for long-term care services through care in a non-institutional setting.
  • Offers access to Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Home Care Services.

WHAT IS THE MEDICAL FOSTER HOME ENVIRONMENT LIKE?

  • A furnished, private room
  • 24-hour care and supervision
  • Choice of Medical Foster Home placement and location
  • Stable loving home
  • Safeguards against abuse
  • Signed agreement between MFH caregiver and patient, family
  • Pets are possible
  • Assistance with daily care, transportation to appointments, and medication

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

VA Coordinator Kristin Swenson can help you decide if a Medical Foster Home is a good alternative for you or someone you love.

Contact: Kristin Swenson- Coordinator

Address:

Fargo VA Health Care System

2101 N Elm St

Fargo, ND 58102

Phone:

701-232-3241 ext. 3940

PACT ACT CLAIMS CLINIC

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PACT ACT CLAIMS CLINIC MARCH 1st

The Fargo Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (2101 Elm Street N., Fargo) will host a PACT Act Claims Clinic on March 1st from 4pm to 6pm in the 3rd floor auditorium of the hospital.

The PACT Act is perhaps the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.

During the Claims Clinic, participants will be able to meet with VA claims representatives one on one, to submit a claim and complete Toxic Exposure Screening.

The act expands care and benefits to Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide generations of veterans and their survivors with care and benefits they earned and deserve.

For more information, call the Fargo VA Public Affairs Office at (701) 239-3724.

VETERANS HONOR FLIGHT APRIL 30th 2023

The Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN has announced that there will be a spring flight departing Hector International Airport in Fargo on April 30. 

The flight will have approximately 90 veterans on board from World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam conflicts.

The Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN is a 501c3 non-profit, 100 percent volunteer organization that takes veterans to Washington, D.C., free of charge to visit the memorials built in their honor.  

The Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN does not solicit funds through calls or emails.

Veterans who served before May 7, 1975 and would like to apply to take part in the flight can download an application form online at veteranshonorflightofndmn.org.

VA PHONE- QUICK REFERENCE

After Hours Telephone Care: 866-687-7382Medical Foster Home Program: 701-239-3700 extension 3940
Anesthesia Pain Clinic: 701-239-3700 extension 3510Medical Library: 701-239-3755
Appointments: 701-239-3700 ; toll-free: 800-410-9723Mental Health: 701-239-3700 extension 3150
Audioinquiry System – Current listing of appointments: 855-560-1718Military Sexual Trauma: 701-239-3700 extension 4523
Audiology: 701-239-3700 extension 3748Million Veteran Program: 866-441-6075
Bemidji VA Clinic: 218-755-6360Minority Veterans Program: 701-239-3700 extension 3562
Billing and Insurance: 866-347-2352Minot VA Clinic: 701-418-2600
Bismarck VA Clinic: 701-221-9152Minot Vet Center: 701-852-0177
Bismarck Vet Center: 701-224-9751MOVE! Weight Management Program: 701-239-3700 extension 3628 or 4428
Community Resource and Referral Center: 701-461-7330My HealtheVet: 701-239-3700 extension 4420
COVID-19 Vaccines: 800-410-9723Nurse Recruiter: 701-239-3700 extension 4325
Canteen – Veterans Canteen Service (PatriotCafe, PatriotBrew, PatriotStore): 701-239-3700 extension 3710Nursing Integrative Healing Therapies: 701-239-3700 extension 3425
Care in the Community, VA Community Care, MISSION Act: 866-517-9363 ; 701-239-3700 extension 3411Nutrition Education, Walk-In Dietitians: 701-239-3700 extension 3629 or 4437
Caregiver Support Program: 701-239-3700 extension 4399Nutrition and Food Service: 701-239-3745
Chaplain Service: 701-239-3700 extension 2795Oncology: 701-239-3700 extension 3522; infusion room: extension 3126
Chief of Staff: 701-239-3700 extension 3202Office of Integrity and Compliance Officer: 701-239-3700 extension 3214
Community Living Center: 701-239-3700 extension 3477Orthopedics: 701-239-3700 extension 3833
Community Resource and Referral Center: 701-461-7330Patient Advocate: 701-239-3700 extension 3738
Compensation and Pension: 701-239-3700 extension 3410 or 2982 or 3501Patient Location: 701-239-3700 extension 0
DAISY Award: 701-239-3700 extension 3661Pharmacy: 855-846-8154
Dementia Care: 701-239-3700 extension 4080Physician Recruiter: 701-239-3700 extension 2353
Dental Clinic: 701-239-3700 extension 3371Podiatry: 701-239-3700 extension 3833
Dental Eligibility: 701-239-3700 extension 2459Police Services: 701-239-3700 extension 3299
Dermatology: 701-239-3700 extension 2403Post 9/11 Transition and Care Management / Military2VA (M2VA) / Returning Servicemembers: 701-239-3700 Ext. 4310
Devils Lake VA Clinic: 701-662-5801Primary Care: 701-239-3700
Dialysis: 701-239-3700 extension 4500Privacy Office: 701-239-3700 extension 3978
Dickinson VA Clinic: 701-483-1850Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Services: 701-239-3700 Ext. 3039
Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence: 701-239-3700 extension 3810Public Affairs Office / Media: 701-239-3724
Ear, Nose and Throat: 701-239-3700 extension 3833Pulmonary Department: 701-239-3700 extension 3524
Eligibility: 701-239-3700 extension 3428Quality, Safety, & Value: 701-239-3700 extension 3686
Emergency Department: 701-239-3700 ; 800-410-9723Rehabilitation and Extended Care: 701-239-3700 extension 2093
Employee Education: 701-239-3700 extension 3662Release of Information: 701-239-3700 extension 3419 or 3718
Equal Employment Opportunity Program: 701-239-3700 extension 3837Renal Transplant Coordination: 701-239-3700 extension 2555 or 3522
Eye Clinic: 701-239-3700 extension 3748Research: 701-239-3700 extension 3348 or 3557
Fargo Vet Center: 701-237-0942Research Compliance Officer: 701-239-3700 extension 3214
Fergus Falls VA Clinic: 218-739-1400Safe Patient Handling Program: 701-239-3700 extension 2555
Finance Office: 701-239-3700 extension 3301Social Work: 701-239-3700 extension 4311
Former Prisoners of War Advocate: 701-335-4389Special Mode Transportation: 701-239-3700 extension 4506
Gastroenterology/Endoscopy: 701-239-3700 extension 3510Specialty Care: 701-239-3700 extension 2420
Grafton VA Clinic: 701-352-4059Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders: 701-239-3700 extension 9-3765
Grand Forks VA Clinic: 701-335-4380Suicide Prevention Program: 701-239-3700 extension 3556
General Surgery: 701-239-3700 extension 3833Telehealth: 701-239-3700 extension 3993
Gynecology: 701-239-3700 extension 2599Telephone Care: 701-239-3700 ; 800-410-9723
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program: 701-239-3700 extension 4039Therapy Services – Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Recreation: 701-239-3700 extension 3047
Home Based Primary Care: 701-461-7343Tobacco Cessation: 701-239-3700 extension 4406
Homeless Veterans: 701-461-7330Travel Office: 701-239-3700 extension 3429
Honors Escort Program: 701-239-3700 extension 2726Urology: 701-239-3700 extension 2403
Hospice and Palliative Care: 701-239-3700 extension 2726Vascular Surgery: 701-239-3700 extension 3383
Housing Assistance: 701-239-3700 extension 3472Veterans Drop-In Center – Gladys Ray Shelter: 701-364-0116
Human Resources: 701-239-3700 extension 3641Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record: 701-239-3700 extension 2876
Imaging – Radiology – Xray: 701-239-3700 extension 3204 or 3203Visual Impairment Services: 701-239-3700 extension 3047
Inpatient medical-surgical unit: 701-239-3700 extension 3467 or 3414Voluntary Service / Center for Development & Civic Engagement: 701-239-3700 extension 3395
Integrated Ethics Program: 701-239-3700 extension 3214Whole Health: 701-239-3700 extension 3990
Intensive Care Unit: 701-239-3700 extension 3312Williston VA Clinic: 701-572-2470
Jamestown VA Clinic: 701-952-4787Women Veterans Program – Women’s Health: 701-239-3700 extension 3893 or 3503
Lost and Found: 701-239-3700 extension 0Wound Care: 701-239-3700 extension 3833

VALENTINES FOR VETERANS

1)QUESTION: WHO WILL BE YOUR VALENTINE?

ANSWER: Our Mayville Meadowlarks 4-H youth have creatively made special Valentines to show their love and support for our Veterans!

The Mayville Meadowlarks 4-H is comprised of youth ages 5-10 who are committed to expressing who they are and making their lives and communities better by practicing positive youth development (PYD).

Under the amazing tutelage of Courtney Peterson, Mira Allen, and Rose Crawford our local youth are empowered with skills to lead for a lifetime through engaging lessons incorporating the values of the 4-H pledge of Head, Heart, Hands and Health.   The 4-H pledge: “We pledge our Heads to clearer thinking, Our Hearts to greater loyalty, Our Hands to larger service, and our Health to better living, for our club, our community, our country, and our world.”

For more information about our local Mayville Meadowlarks 4-H group please contact the Traill County Extension Office at: 701-636-5665

2)QUESTION: WHAT IS THE VALENTINES FOR VETERANS PROGRAM?

ANSWER: Soldiers’ Angels has created a collection campaign give back to our troops and veterans. Please do not solicit cash or in-kind donations instead send a Valentine to show your love and support for our Veterans!

3)QUESTION: HOW MANY VALENTINES CAN I SEND?

ANSWER: As many as you want! All you need to do is include $1 per Valentine you send! This will help us cover the cost of packing & mailing boxes of Valentine’s Day cards to deployed troops overseas. If you prefer to send a check, please make the check payable to: Soldiers’ Angels. 

4)QUESTION: WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO SEND VALENTINES?

ANSWER: Cards are accepted through Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2023.

5)QUESTION: WHAT SHOULD I WRITE IN THE VALENTINE?

ANSWER:  “Thank you for your service” is a great sentiment to share with service members and veterans no matter what time of year!

6)QUESTION: SHOULD I SEND A STORE-BOUGHT CARD OR MAKE ONE?

ANSWER: You can send store bought cards, but also handmade cards of any skill level. The handmade cards from school children of every age are often the most touching.

7)QUESTION: WHERE DO I SEND MY VALENTINES?

ANSWER: Mail your cards and $1 per card to:
Soldiers’ Angels Valentines for Veterans 
2895 NE Loop 410, Suite 107
San Antonio, Texas 78218

Phone: 210-629-0020

DENTAL RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

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QUESTION: HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY FOR VA DENTAL CARE?

ANSWER: Read the different questions below to find out the dental benefits you may qualify for.

Question #1- I have a current service-connected compensable dental disability. Do I Qualify?                                                                                               

Answer: YES. You Qualify For VA Dental Care.

Question #2- I have a service-connected NON-compensable (not getting paid by the VA) dental disability from combat wounds or service trauma. Do I Qualify?                                                                                       

Answer: YES. You Qualify For VA Dental Care.

 *Please note:  You Qualify for Dental Care Needed To Make Sure You Have and Can Keep A Functioning Working Set Of Teeth. A Dental Trauma Rating (VA Form 10-564-D) or VA Regional Office Rating Decision letter (VA Form 10-7131) will tell you the tooth/teeth/condition(s) that are trauma rated.

Question #3- I have a permanent disability rating of 100%. Do I Qualify?                                                                                                                                                                                         

Answer: YES. You Qualify For VA Dental Care.

Question #4- I only have a temporary 100% rating. Do I Qualify?                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Answer: NO. You Do Not Qualify For VA Dental Care.                                    

*Please note: If you’re being paid at the 100% disabling rate based on a temporary rating (for a reason such as a surgery or a long stay in the hospital or rehab care), you do not qualify for VA dental benefits.

Question #5- I served on active duty for 90 days during the Persian Gulf Era. Do I Qualify?                                                                                                                                                                       

Answer: YES. You Qualify For One-Time VA Dental Care.                                       

*Please note: All of these must be true for you:

  • You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and
  • You apply for dental care within 180 days of discharge or release, and
  • Your DD214 certificate of discharge doesn’t show that you had a complete dental exam and all needed dental treatment before you were discharged*

Question #6- I am a Former Prisoner of War. Do I Qualify?   Answer: YES. You Qualify For VA Dental Care.

Question #7– I am active in a 39 USC Chapter 31 Veterans Readiness Employment Program. Do I Qualify?                                                                                                                                                                            

Answer: YES. You Qualify For VA Dental Care.

*Please note: The dental care must be needed to:

  • Make it possible for you to be in the employment program, or
  • Make it possible for you to reach the goals of your Veteran Readiness and Employment program, or
  • Prevent you from having to stop your employment program, or
  • Help you get back to your employment program faster if you’ve had to stop (and are in “interrupted” or “leave” status), or
  • Help you get back to your employment program faster if you’ve had to stop (and are in “discontinued” status) because of an illness, injury, or dental condition, or
  • Make it possible for you to get and adjust to a job during the period of employment assistance, or
  • Make it possible for you to be fully independent in your daily living

Question #8- I have a dental condition that is making my service-connected health condition worse. Do I Qualify?                                                                                                           –                               

Answer: YES. You Qualify For VA Dental Care.

*Please note: Dental care must be needed to treat the dental issue that a VA dental care provider finds is making the health condition you’re being treated for harder to treat.

Question #9- I’m signed up to receive dental care through the Homeless Veterans Dental Program. Do I Qualify?                                                                                                                                        

Answer: YES. You Qualify For One-Time VA Dental Care.

*Please note: The dental care must be needed to:

  • Relieve your pain, or
  • Help you get a job, or
  • Treat your moderate, severe, or complicated and severe gingival and periodontal conditions (gum infections that can lead to pain, swelling, and bone and tooth loss if not treated)

Question #10- I currently receive inpatient care in a hospital or nursing home or domiciliary setting. Do I Qualify?                                                                                                                                       

Answer: YES. You Qualify For VA Dental Care.

*Please note: The dental care must be needed to: provide Dental services that a VA dental care provider—working with your primary care provider—concludes you need to manage a health condition a doctor is currently treating.

ADDITIONAL  DENTAL RESOURCES

  • Bridging the Dental Gap

1223 S 12th St, Ste 1
Bismarck ND 58504
701-221-0518 
dentalgap@yahoo.com 
http://bridgingthedentalgap.com/

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

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Supportive Services for Veteran Families

  1. What is the SSFV Program?   

 The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program started in North Dakota in 2012. This program provides families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits.  Veteran families may qualify for assistance with time-limited payments to third parties for rent, utilities, moving expenses, and licensed child care. SSVF is funded by the Veterans Administration and works through private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives.                       

  1. What Supportive Services are available for Traill County Veterans?

Supportive Services include:

  • Veteran Outreach
  • Community Outreach
  • Landlord Outreach
  • Individualized case management to increase housing stability
  • Temporary financial assistance to increase housing stability
  • Connections to Healthcare and Daily Living Services
  • Housing Counseling
  • Employment and Vocational Services
  • Income Support
  • Legal Services
  • Transportation
  • Personal Financial Planning and Credit Counseling Services
  • VA Fiduciary and Representative Payee Services.
  1. What can I do if I know a Veteran who needs assistance?

Anyone can call the local Community Action Agency and refer a veteran.

Region 5 Counties:

Steele, Traill, Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent

Southeastern North Dakota Community Action

  • University Drive, Fargo, ND 58104

Phone (701)232-2452 ext 123 -Bonnie Greuel (Case Manager)

Website www.sendcaa.org
Email ssvf@capnd.org  or   
bonnierg@sendcaa.org

  1. How can a Veteran enroll in the SSVF Program?

SSVF serves every county in North Dakota through eight regional Community Action Agencies, listed below. Please contact the agency closest to you and speak with the SSVF Case Manager to enroll.

Williston- (701) 572-8191
Minot- (701) 839-7221
Devils Lake- (701) 622-6500
Grand Forks- (701) 746-5431
Fargo- (701) 232-2452
Jamestown- (701) 252-1821
Bismarck- (701) 258-2240
Dickinson- (701) 227-0131

VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP Women Veteran Dual Diagnosis Treatment Group

The Dual Diagnosis Treatment Group is for Women Veterans who are in recovery from substance use who also have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis and will focus on support, coping skills, and education.

The Support Group is OPEN, meaning that you can join at anytime but requires pre-registration with the leader,

Ashley Middleton Peterson, LMSW.

The VA can assist you with technology to join the group.

E V E R Y W E D N E S D A Y

1 0 A M – 1 1 A M

F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N

O R T O R E G I S T E R

P L E A S E C O N T A C T — AS H L E Y . M I D D L E T O N P E T E R S O N @ V A . G O V

Fargo VA Local Recovery Coordinator,
at 701-239-3700 extension 3577.