Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Press Center

FORT HOOD, Texas — Beneficiaries of Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center are now able to communicate online with their primary care provider through secure messaging.

This capability will, for the first time, provide patients the ability to communicate directly with their provider and care teams and allow care teams a two-way flow of communication with individual patients or groups of patients.

The U.S. Army Medical Command is implementing the use of Army Medicine Secure Messaging Service (AMSMS) by offering it to 100 percent of beneficiaries who receive care in the "direct care" system by the end of 2014.

AMSMS is a web-based, secure-messaging application that provides a comprehensive set of services designed to allow patients and their healthcare team to communicate securely and conveniently. The application works like an on-line secure banking web site, so beneficiaries can be assured of the integrity of their personal healthcare information.

Patients of Killeen Medical Home, Harker Heights Medical Home, Copperas Cove Medical Home, Thomas Moore Health Clinic, Russell Collier Health Clinic, Bennett Health Clinic, and the Family Medical Residency Clinic are now able to sign up for the secure messaging service. 

According to Dr. Terry Newton M.D., information technology clinical capability manager, MEDCOM, "AMSMS is an easy-to-use secure communication tool that has the potential to significantly impact care to beneficiaries by engaging them in convenient ways and times to build relationships, improve access to information and reduce the need for so many visits to their primary care clinic."

"Secure messaging is a critical tool in helping Army Medicine achieve the [Military Health System] Quadruple Aim of improving the patient's experience, and improving population health and readiness while reducing per capita costs," Newton said.

With online services from AMSMS, patients can to book appointments, request and review lab/test results, request medication refills, request a referral, email their physician a question and schedule web visits with their provider. Additionally, patients will have access to a fully integrated electronic personal health record and an extensive collection of multi-media educational content through AMSMS. Army Medicine's goal is to provide the secure messaging service to all beneficiaries who receive care in military treatment facilities by the end of 2014.

To register for online services, beneficiaries should visit with their healthcare team administrator or call their primary care clinic for more details.

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FORT HOOD, Texas — Beneficiaries of Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center are now able to communicate online with their primary care provider through secure messaging.

This capability will, for the first time, provide patients the ability to communicate directly with their provider and care teams and allow care teams a two-way flow of communication with individual patients or groups of patients.

The U.S. Army Medical Command is implementing the use of Army Medicine Secure Messaging Service (AMSMS) by offering it to 100 percent of beneficiaries who receive care in the "direct care" system by the end of 2014.

AMSMS is a web-based, secure-messaging application that provides a comprehensive set of services designed to allow patients and their healthcare team to communicate securely and conveniently. The application works like an on-line secure banking web site, so beneficiaries can be assured of the integrity of their personal healthcare information.

Patients of Killeen Medical Home, Harker Heights Medical Home, Copperas Cove Medical Home, Thomas Moore Health Clinic, Russell Collier Health Clinic, Bennett Health Clinic, and the Family Medical Residency Clinic are now able to sign up for the secure messaging service. 

According to Dr. Terry Newton M.D., information technology clinical capability manager, MEDCOM, "AMSMS is an easy-to-use secure communication tool that has the potential to significantly impact care to beneficiaries by engaging them in convenient ways and times to build relationships, improve access to information and reduce the need for so many visits to their primary care clinic."

"Secure messaging is a critical tool in helping Army Medicine achieve the [Military Health System] Quadruple Aim of improving the patient's experience, and improving population health and readiness while reducing per capita costs," Newton said.

With online services from AMSMS, patients can to book appointments, request and review lab/test results, request medication refills, request a referral, email their physician a question and schedule web visits with their provider. Additionally, patients will have access to a fully integrated electronic personal health record and an extensive collection of multi-media educational content through AMSMS. Army Medicine's goal is to provide the secure messaging service to all beneficiaries who receive care in military treatment facilities by the end of 2014.

To register for online services, beneficiaries should visit with their healthcare team administrator or call their primary care clinic for more details.

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By Brandy Gill, CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – This week marks the 150th anniversary of Nurses’ Week and Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center proudly applauds its nurses for their dedication to service and compassionate patient care.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has established this year’s theme as ‘Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care’.

The basis of Nurses Week is to celebrate the accomplishment of nurses throughout the year.  It is based around the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, Maj. Edward Walsh, Army nurse and clinical nurse officer in charge of the CRDAMC medical/surgical ward

“Nightingale was a British Nurse who was called to the duty of her country during the Crimean War in 1854. Upon arrival in the hospital that she was assigned to take care of soldiers who were wounded or sick, she noted that there was a high mortality rate based on what seemed to be simple sanitation issues,” he said.

Based on what Nightingale learned, she established The Nightingale School for Nurses in1860.  For the first time nursing was elevated from a role performed by paupers to a profession that used theory and science to improve the care of patients.

“The trend to improve the care of our soldiers on the battlefield was continued during the Civil War, where much of Florence Nightingale’s work inspired the nurses of the time,” Walsh said.

Nurses like Linda Richards, who according to Walsh, enrolled in training that lead to her being the first trained American nurse in 1873 after suffering the loss of her husband during the war. 

The first nursing school in America was established the same year.

Over the decades the profession of nursing has continued to evolve to what we recognize today as one of the most well respected professions in America Walsh said.

“Our nurses continue the traditions established by the pioneers in nursing,” he said.  “Whether we see it on the battlefield or in a stateside hospital, our nurses continue to deliver quality and innovative patient care.”

One of the ways nurses continue to grow is through professional qualifications in their sub-specialty of choice.

“We have many professional organizations, which recognize our top nurses with post-license certifications.  Here at CRDAMC our nurses have established a standard to seek out these certifications and continue to improve our profession,” Walsh said.

One of CRDAMC’s most recent nurses to receive her medical-surgical certification is 1^st Lt. Amber Johnson. 

“Successfully completing the Medical Surgical Certification has not only increased my confidence but validated my specialized knowledge in the medical surgical field,” Johnson said. “Achieving certification has allowed me to grow professionally and hold more credibility within my practice as a Registered Nurse. It's truly empowering knowing that I hold a professional commitment in such a passionate field and that I can continue to promote quality patient care with a higher knowledge base.”

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1st Lt. Melissa Waterman, a certified registered nurse anesthetist student at CRDAMC, assists a surgeon by adjusting a patient during a surgical procedure. (Photo by Kimberley Zamarripa, CRDAMC Public Affairs.)

By Brandy Gill, CRDRAMC PAO

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Department is now accepting artwork admissions for their third annual Soldier and Family Art Show that will officially debut May 30 at this year’s Behavioral Health Fair.

This year’s art show is open to all Soldiers, Veterans, spouses and dependent children, Stacy Nelson, a CRDAMC licensed clinical social worker and supervisor of the Social Work Care Manager Program, said.

According to Nelson, the show has seen great success in previous years.

“We had approximately 35 entries in last year's show,” she said. “Many of the pieces that were submitted were remarkably thought-provoking, heartbreaking or inspiring.

Art has long been considered therapeutic in nature, and the display of these pieces often helps artists heal and find closure to past events or burdens.

“Individuals who have entered have really appreciated the opportunity to share their talent and their ‘message’ with the community.  Visitors to the exhibit give great feedback, praise and encouragement to the artists using small comment cards we have provided,” Nelson said.

In the past the art show was only opened to Soldiers who submitted photographs, poetry, drawings, painting, or sculptures. The previous interest and success of this event is why CRDAMC has chosen to open the event to a wider group to include more beneficiaries.

“Submissions must accompany an official application, which contains a release that needs to be signed. We also request that applicants write a brief description of their piece which will which will be displayed with their art,” Nelsen said.

Artwork will first be displayed at the CRDAMC Behavioral Health Fair on May 30, and then in the CRDAMC front lobby and the dining facility until June 7.

Entries must be dropped off no later than May 17, (with completed application) at the Apache

Arts and Crafts Center, Bldg 2337 on 62nd and 761st Tank Battalion between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

All submitted artwork will be returned to the contributing artists. Pieces may be picked up after June 11 at Apache Arts & Crafts Center.

For more information, contact Stacy Nelsen at 254-535-1519 or stacy.a.nelsen.civ@mail.mil.

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FORT HOOD, Texas – A Topping Out ceremony to commemorate the completion of the structural framework of the new Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood will be held May 14 at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center construction site at 11 a.m.

The practice of "topping out" a new building can be traced to the ancient Scandinavian religious practice of placing a tree on the top of a new building to appease the tree-dwelling spirits of their ancestors that had been displaced.

Individuals who had input into the project will sign the beam during lunch, a formal VIP signing will be held during the ceremony. Join us as we celebrate this tremendous milestone for the workers who have built this superb structure, and the community of Fort Hood, Texas.

Media interested in attending this event should contact the CRDAMC Public Affairs Office at (254) 288-8005 or 553-1870 by 9 a.m. May 14, for meeting time and location.

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April 16, 2013

***Media Advisory***

Media interested in attending this event should contact the CRDAMC Public Affairs Office at (254) 288-8005 or 553-1870 by 4 p.m. April 17, for meeting time and location.

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the 3^rd Cavalry Regiment Embedded Behavioral Health Team (EBHT) grand opening, Thursday, at 9 a.m.

Embedded Behavioral Health (EBH) is an early intervention and treatment model that promotes Soldier readiness (pre, during, and post-deployment).  It significantly improves access to behavioral health care for active duty Soldiers, better supports the mission readiness of the force and improves the communication between behavioral health professionals and line leaders.

Fort Hood has been dedicated to EBH and providing Soldiers with this proven, superior model of behavioral health care delivery since October 2010, when CRDAMC, in a coordinated effort with 1^st Cavalry Division, fielded the first Embedded Behavioral Health team in the 1Cav. Div. footprint. 

The EBH model provides multidisciplinary behavioral health care to Soldiers close to their unit area and in coordination with unit leaders to maximize diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment outcomes in support of the Army Force Generation cycle and to ultimately, reduce risk.

In the EBH model, an EBH team is integrated within the footprint of the unit it serves and it is dedicated to that unit. This enables Soldiers and their commands to form relationships with their providers and develop trust in their team. 

Because the team is dedicated to a specific unit, it ensures continuity of care, allows for better access to care, and decreases the stigma of behavioral health care.  EBH delivers on the promise of safe and effective medical care through evidence-based treatments for Soldiers and expert consultation for combat leaders to spearhead the Army’s effort to increase resilience and reduce morbidity from psychiatric disease which can impact individual and unit readiness.

The new 3^rd Cav. Reg. EBHT will be located in Bldg. 9414 on the corner of Old Ironsides and 19^th Street.

Media interested in attending this event should contact the CRDAMC Public Affairs Office at (254) 288-8005 or 553-1870 by 9 a.m. April 17th, for meeting time and location.

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FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center will hold a relinquishment of command ceremony at 9 a.m. at the main hospital entrance in front of the flag pole, Wednesday, April 24, for Col. (P) Patrick Sargent (outgoing) and Col. Roger Gallup, CRDAMC deputy chief of clinical services.

Sargent’s next assignment has not yet been announced.

Gallup will act as the interim CRDAMC commander until Col. Patricia Darnauer (incoming CRDAMC commander) arrives in the latter part of June.

Maj. Gen. M. Ted Wong, commander of Southern Regional Medical Command, will be the reviewing officer for the ceremony.

In the case of inclement weather the relinquishment of command ceremony will be held at Starker Gymnasium on 16th Street and Old Ironsides (Bldg. 87010)

Media interested in attending the ceremony should contact CRDAMC Public Affairs at 254-553-1870/254-338-6087/254-288-8005 no later than 3:30 p.m. April 21 for meeting time and location.

 Biographies follow.

PATRICK D. SARGENT

Colonel (Promotable), Medical Service Corps, U.S. Army

Outgoing Medical Center Commander

Colonel Patrick D. Sargent was a Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned as an Adjutant General Corps Officer from The Florida State University ROTC Program in 1985. His first duty assignment was with the 502nd Personnel Services Company, 2nd Armored Division where he served as the Assistant Chief Administrative Services Division, Company Executive Officer and Chief, Soldier Actions Branch. In April 1987, he branch–transferred to the Medical Service Corps and reported to Fort Rucker, Ala. to attend Flight School and the UH–60A (Blackhawk) Transition. In October 1988, he served in Korea as a Flight Platoon Leader and Company Flight Operations Officer with the 377th Medical Company (Air Ambulance). Upon returning to the States in 1989, he joined the 2nd Armored Division for a second tour as the Chief, Division Medical Operations Center.

Colonel Sargent deployed to Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM as an Aeromedical Evacuation Pilot with the 236th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) and later Commander, Charlie Company, 115th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. He changed command in June 1992 to become an Instructor with the Army Medical Department Center and School Officer Basic and Advanced Courses. In June 1994, he returned to Korea to become the S–2/3, 52nd Medical Evacuation Battalion. Upon returning to the States in 1995, he served as a Medical Service Corps Branch Career Manager. He graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Ks. in 1997 and returned to Fort Hood, Texas.

From 1997 to 2000, Colonel Sargent served as the Executive Officer, 36th Medical Evacuation Battalion and later Commander, 507th Medical Company (AA). In April of 2000, he was selected as an Army Congressional Fellow and reassigned to Washington, D.C. serving in the Army Senate Liaison Division on Capitol Hill. In January 2001, he was selected to serve as a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin. At the conclusion of the 106th Congress, he became the Director of Congressional Operations for the Army Surgeon General.

From June 2002 to June 2004, Colonel Sargent was Commander of the 421st Medical Evacuation Battalion, Wiesbaden, Germany deploying in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. In July 2004, he returned to the States to attend the National War College. Upon completion of the National War College, he became the Executive Officer to the Chief of Army Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Army. In June of 2006, Colonel Sargent assumed command of the 62nd Medical Brigade and returned to Iraq as the Commander of the Medical Task Force completing a 15–month tour in October 2008. After changing command in December 2008, Colonel Sargent returned to Washington, D.C. to become the Chief of Staff for the Army's Warrior Transition Command.

Colonel Sargent is a graduate of the Adjutant General Officer Basic Course, Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course, Aviation Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and the National War College. He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University, and a Master of Science Degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from The Florida State University. In 2011 he earned a Certificate in Healthcare Leadership from Cornell University.

His awards include the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and an Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He has earned the Expert Field Medical Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Parachute Qualification Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. Colonel Sargent is board certified in Healthcare Administration and a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit and Order of Saint Michael. In 2003, he was selected by the Tuskegee Airman, Inc. as their Department of Defense recipient of the prestigious General Benjamin O. Davis Jr., National Military Award. Most recently, Colonel Sargent was awarded the Army Surgeon Generals prestigious 9A Proficiency Designator for being eminently qualified as an Aeromedical Evacuation Officer.

ROGER A. GALLUP, M.D.

Colonel, Medical Service Corps, U.S. Army

Interim Medical Center Commander

Colonel Roger A. Gallup joined the US Army Reserve, as a Medic (91A), in 1985. After graduating LeMoyne College, with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1986, he was commissioned as a Medical Service Corps Officer (70B). He then received his medical degree from New York Medical College, in 1991. Following graduation he completed a categorical Internal Medicine residency at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York. During his training he was commissioned as a Medical Corps Officer. In 1999, he completed his Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship, at Broke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX. Colonel Gallup is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Critical Care Medicine. He is a fellow in the American College of Chest Physicians.

During his US Army Reserve service, Colonel Gallup was assigned to the 440th Medical Company (Clearing), the 310th Combat Support Hospital, and the 74th Field Hospital. In 1994, he entered active duty and has served in a variety of assignments. These include, staff internist and Copperas Cove Family Care Clinic Chief, Darnall Army Community Hospital, Ft. Hood; Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellow, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston; staff intensivest on the Trauma/Surgical Critical Care service at the Brooke Army Medical Center; 4th Brigade (Aviation) Surgeon, 1st Cavalry Division, Ft. Hood; III Corps Flight Surgeon, Ft. Hood; Chief, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Darnall Army Community Hospital; 4th Infantry Division Surgeon, Ft. Hood, and served as the Multi–National Division Baghdad Surgeon, while deployed; Deputy Chief, Department of Medicine and Chief, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center; III Corps Surgeon and served as the United States Forces – Iraq Command Surgeon; prior to assuming the position of Deputy Commander of Clinical Services, he was the Chief, Critical Care Medicine. Additionally, he has served as the US Army Aeromedical consultant for pulmonary disease.

Colonel Gallup’s military education includes Command and General Staff College, AMEDD Officer Advance Course, AMEDD Officer Basic Course, Division Surgeon Course, USAF Aerospace Primary Course, US Army Flight Surgeon Course, Tri–Service Tropical Medicine Course, Management of Chemical and Biological Casualties Course, Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation and the Tactical Combat Medical Management Course.

His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (with oak leaf cluster), the Meritorious Services Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with two oak clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (with two oak clusters), the Army Reserve Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal (with Bronze Star Device), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with one service star), the Iraqi Campaign Medal (with 4 service stars), the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Medal, the Overseas Service ribbon (2nd award), NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal, the USAF Flight Surgeon Badge, and the Army Flight Surgeon Badge. Additionally, he is a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit.

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Profiles of Excellence

By Catherine Tharpe, ASBP Blood Donor Recruiter, Fort Hood, Texas

Every day, the Robertson Blood Center collects blood to help save the lives of ill or injured service members and their dependents worldwide.  Every week, units of blood are shipped to Afghanistan to ensure those in combat operations come home to their loved ones.  However, that isn’t the only place donated blood is shipped. Some units are shipped right down the road to Fort Hood’s own hospital, the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.  Some of those products are donated by the very people who work at Fort Hood’s medical treatment facility — two of which were the top donors from last year. 

Meet Staff Sgt. Patience Waycaster —a resident from Cedar Falls, Iowa, and mom of two who makes time every 56 days to donate her pint of O-positive, despite her busy days of being the non-commissioned officer in charge of hospital education at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.  Waycaster, a combat medic since 2006, knows the importance of her blood donation and the impact it makes on the battlefield. 

“Giving is a part of my personality,” Waycaster said.  “It is something simple and easy that I can do.  It’s a part of being selfless.  I know the blood I donate to the Robertson Blood Center goes to soldiers, and I like that.”

Waycaster does more than just donate blood.  She oversees the scheduling of the classrooms in the hospital and works to ensure that just about every 56 days the Robertson Blood Center mobile collection team sets up an opportunity for the staff of the hospital to break away from providing healthcare to saving lives.  Waycaster started donating in high school and continued to donate when she joined the military as a food services specialist in 2002.   She was surprised to hear that she had donated six times last year and was honored to be a guest at the donor recognition ceremony held on Jan. 31. Waycaster said she didn’t count how many times she donated whole blood; instead she made her donations count by giving every time she could.

The top platelet donor from 2012 donated an impressive 20 times. Maj. Thomas Nessler III is originally from South Carolina who served for 5 ½ years in the Army, was discharged honorably, and then went to college.  His blood donations started in college at the United States Military Academy.  He donated there at the annual Armed Services Blood Program West Point drive and has not stopped since.  Nessler completed medical school and schedules his platelet donations around his night shifts as a physician in the emergency department at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. 

He has not always been able to donate blood due to various travel restrictions but now that he is eligible, he makes it a point to come in whenever he can. 

“I am a healthy, young guy.  I have good blood and there are those that need it.” Nessler said.  “I can make it in and tell everyone to try to make it in (to donate).  It’s a good thing to do.”

Platelet donations can take a bit of time, anywhere from one to three hours; but Neesler takes full advantage of his donation time catching up with work and emails or studying.  The extra time he uses to do those things also have come with an added benefit — friendship.  A wonderful friendship that has grown between himself and one of Robertson Blood Center’s platelet technicians, Ruth Hill, due to the time spent together to save lives. 

“I like to check in on Mrs. Ruth.  I like to make sure she is doing ok and having a good day,” said Nessler.

“I will miss Nessler when he leaves.  He always comes to donate, even when he is tired from working.  He donates all the time,”Hill said fondly.

Nessler works the night shift at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center from 10:30 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. in the morning, has breakfast, and is ready to donate at 9:00 a.m. with Hill like clockwork.

Both Waycaster and Nessler will be moving later this year.  Waycaster is headed off to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Major Nessler will find out this May where the Army will take him.  Robertson Blood Center’s staff is appreciative of them both because without dedicated donors like them, lives could not be saved.

To find out more about the Armed Services Blood Program or to make an appointment please visit us online at: www.militaryblood.dod.mil. To interact directly with some of our staff, see more photos or to get the latest news, visit us here:  www.facebook.com/militaryblood, www.flickr.com/militaryblood and www.twitter.com/militaryblood.

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(From left to right) Ruth Hill and Maj. Thomas Nessler III have built quite a friendship because of consistent platelet donation (Photo by Catherine Tharpe, Robertson Blood Bank Public Affairs).

(From left to right) Lt. Col. Claire Joseph, Staff Sgt. Patience Waycaster and Sgt. 1st Class Tiffiney Starnes smile for the camera. They both came to support Waycaster at the 2013 Donor Recognition Ceremony as she received a plaque for being a top whole blood donor (Photo by Catherine Tharpe, Robertson Blood Bank Public Affairs).

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the 3^rd Cavalry Regiment Embedded Behavioral Health Team (EBHT) grand opening, on April 18, at 9 a.m.

Embedded Behavioral Health (EBH) is an early intervention and treatment model that promotes Soldier readiness (pre, during, and post-deployment).  It significantly improves access to behavioral health care for active duty Soldiers, better supports the mission readiness of the force and improves the communication between behavioral health professionals and line leaders.

Fort Hood has been dedicated to EBH and providing Soldiers with this proven, superior model of behavioral health care delivery since October 2010, when CRDAMC, in a coordinated effort with 1^st Cavalry Division, fielded the first Embedded Behavioral Health team in the 1Cav. Div. footprint. 

The EBH model provides multidisciplinary behavioral health care to Soldiers close to their unit area and in coordination with unit leaders to maximize diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment outcomes in support of the Army Force Generation cycle and to ultimately, reduce risk.

In the EBH model, an EBH team is integrated within the footprint of the unit it serves and it is dedicated to that unit. This enables Soldiers and their commands to form relationships with their providers and develop trust in their team. 

Because the team is dedicated to a specific unit, it ensures continuity of care, allows for better access to care, and decreases the stigma of behavioral health care.  EBH delivers on the promise of safe and effective medical care through evidence-based treatments for Soldiers and expert consultation for combat leaders to spearhead the Army’s effort to increase resilience and reduce morbidity from psychiatric disease which can impact individual and unit readiness.

The new 3^rd Cav. Reg. EBHT will be located in Bldg. 9414 on the corner of Old Ironsides and 19^th Street.

Media interested in attending this event should contact the CRDAMC Public Affairs Office at (254) 288-8005 or 553-1870 by 9 a.m. April 17th, for meeting time and location.

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FORT HOOD, Texas –The likelihood of a school-aged American child receiving a diagnosis of autism, Asperger syndrome or a related developmental disorder is on the rise.

In 2006, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimated one in every 110 children was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. That number has risen to 1 in 50, according to an analysis of a phone survey of parents released in March 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Locally, the Fort Hood Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is tracking 404 Active Duty family members (or 4.8% of the total identified cases Army-wide) Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), and ASDs are estimated to affect nearly 8,500 children of Active Duty Service Members throughout the U.S. Army, Maj. (Dr.) Ryan Moore, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center chief of pediatrics, said.

“The spike is being attributed to various causes, including increased awareness of autism spectrum disorders among clinicians and parents and more diagnoses of milder autism disorders,” Moore said.

 According to the CDC, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities characterized by atypical development in socialization, communication, and behavior.

 “The symptoms of ASDs typically are present before age 3 years and often are accompanied by abnormalities in cognitive functioning, learning, attention, and sensory processing,” the CDC website states.

Symptoms of autism can be minimal or severe, and they can vary dramatically from one child to another.

Autistic children may struggle to maintain or completely avoid eye contact, prefer to play alone, avoid cuddling or touching, have poor speech or communication abilities or not develop speech at all. They may rub surfaces repeatedly, have a heightened or lowered response to pain or display intense tantrums.

Other symptoms of autism may appear to indicate other disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Tourettes, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which can make an accurate diagnosis difficult.

This recent study released by the CDC also points out a potential concern that many children are not being diagnosed before age seven.  Autism can be reliably diagnosed by age three and potential interventions exist that can have a significant impact on their growth and development. 

The emphasis on early detection and intervention has grown significantly over the past decade.  At Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, providers who see pediatric patients have adopted a standardized approach to well-child visits, Moore said.

“Adopting the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics, clinics across the installation have instituted routine screening for autism spectrum disorders at 18-month and 24-month well-child visit,” he said.  “The screening occurs at these visits because this is the age range where they symptoms of autism emerge.”

According to Moore, if the results of screening indicate a concern for autism, the primary care provider will typically refer the family to a specialist (developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist or psychologist) who can provide more detailed evaluation and potentially definitive diagnosis. 

Although a diagnosis of autism is difficult to hear, the prognosis today is much better than even a decade ago. 

Early and effective intervention has changed the landscape of treatment for autism.  A wide range of evidence-based treatment options exist to help parents and their affected children improve their overall outcomes.

Assistance through Tricare exists for children diagnosed with autism. 

The road to accessing these available options starts with enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program.  Once successfully enrolled in EFMP, the child can then be registered in the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO).  This program provides additional financial assistance for those families seeking treatments not covered under basic Tricare services.

While understanding has improved as experience with autism grows, a lot of confusion still exists over how to successfully navigate treatment options.  Unfortunately, as national recognition of the disorder has grown, a wide range of treatment options have developed, many of which are not studied or validated. 

Parents of a child diagnosed with autism will need to be their child’s strongest advocate and work closely with their child’s provider to find the right treatment course, Moore said. 

Case management resources are also available through Tricare to assist with these processes.

“Facing an autism diagnosis can be scary, but CRDAMC doctors and support services are here to support and guide Families through the process,” Moore said.

If you think your child may have autism or is showing signs of developmental delays talk to your primary care provider or contact Tricare appointment services at 254-288-8888 and request a well baby check-up.

Active Duty Family Members who have severe physical or moderate-to-severe mental disabilities can receive specialized services through the TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) program. AD beneficiaries within the Southern Regional Medical Command must enroll in the ECHO program via the application process identified at:  http://www.humana-military.com/library/pdf/echo-application.pdf .

Retiree beneficiaries are not eligible for enrollment into the TRICARE ECHO program; a U.S. District Court order mandated that TRICARE will provide ABA therapy as a medical benefit for Retiree Family Members. Retiree beneficiaries with ASD or any other severe physical or moderate-to-severe mental disabilities can receive ABA therapy through a referral from their TRICARE Primary Care Manager.

TRICARE does not cover expenses for respite care, equipment, or case managers for Retiree beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries can obtain additional information regarding services for children with ASD at Humana-Military.com or by calling Customer Service at 1-866-323-7155. A resource for military families that have children with autism can find additional information at   www.operationautismonline.org.

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Stock photos provided by CRDAMC Public Affairs

As of Jan. 30, 2013, at the direction of the U.S. Army Medical Command Chief of Staff, patient medical bills less than $100,000 and more than 90 days past due will be transferred to the U.S. Treasury Department for collection.

To avoid bills being transferred to the US Treasury, patients with a balance due should contact the hospital’s Treasury Office to make payment arrangements. Patients unable to pay the balance in full may request a repayment schedule of not less than $50 per month, and not longer than 36 months. Payments may be made by check, money order, cash or credit card.

Once overdue medical bills are transferred, the MTF will no longer be able to accept payments or negotiate a repayment plan. The patient will be required to contact the US Treasury Department’s FedDebt Division at (888) 826-3127 to settle their debt with the US Government. In addition, the US Treasury Department will apply fees, penalties and interest to debt transferred for collection.

All Military Treatment Facilities must implement the FedDebt program no later than January 30, 2013. This new business practice will expedite the collection process, improve the internal controls for out-of-service debt management, reduce costs, and provide an improved audit trail.

All questions or concerns should be directed to Brigitte Sills, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center accounting technician, at 254-288-8176.

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FORT HOOD, Texas – In support of Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Carl. R. Darnall Army Medical Center TBI Clinic will hold an Open House on Thursday 21 Mar at 11 a.m. 

March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month. A traumatic brain injury, or concussion, is best described as disruptions of the brain that occur following a blow or jolt to the head or penetrating head injury. The severity of TBIs can range from mild to severe.

The Army wants Leaders, Soldiers and Family members to know the signs and symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), and understand the importance of seeking prompt medical care.

The event will be located at the TBI Clinic located at Building 40022, Support Ave., and will feature special guest Branch Warren, professional body builder, and winner of the 2011 and 2012 Arnold Classic. Planned activities include current and previous TBI patients sharing their stories of recovery, support service displays and a fun walk starting at 3 p.m.

Media interested in attending this event should R.S.V.P. with the CRDAMC Public Affairs Office at (254) 288-8005 or 553-1870 by 4 p.m. March 20, for meeting time and location.

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CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – It’s 12:20 p.m., and your stomach is rumbling. You didn’t have time for breakfast after PT, and now you only have 30 minutes before you need to be back to work. What do you do?

The choices you make right now can affect your physical and mental performance not just today, but for the rest of your life.

Poor eating habits can lead to high cholesterol, stroke, and high blood pressure, even without significant weight gain. Fortunately, there are quick solutions available to improve your diet, if you’re limited to grabbing fast food or dropping by the shoppette, 1st Lt. Kimberly Feeney, a Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center dietitian said.

“If you have the time, the first step is to check nutrition information. Most chain restaurants have nutrition facts on their website, so this can be as easy as picking up your phone. Look for items that have less saturated fat, sugar, and sodium and more fiber and protein. For those watching their weight, calories will also be important to check,” she said.

A faster way to find a healthy choice is to look at the way the food is cooked.

“Words such as breaded, crispy, and battered are synonyms for fried, meaning those foods have added fat. In fact, sandwiches or salads with ‘crispy’ chicken or fish can have as much or more calories and fat than a regular hamburger,” Feeney said.

Along with how food is cooked, look at the extras that come with it. Cheese and bacon can increase the unhealthy fats in your sandwich so consider only getting one instead of both, Lt. Col. Janetta Blackmore, chief of the CRDAMC nutrition department, said.

”Skipping the mayonnaise can take over 100 calories off your sandwich and cut the fat content in half. Limit creamy dressings or dipping sauces to limit unhealthy fat or choose a light or reduced fat calorie version,” Blackmore said.

When there isn’t even time for fast food, take advantage of reading the labels in the shoppette. First, check for the number of servings. If there is more than one but you plan on eating the whole container, you will have to factor that into the nutrition content,” Feeney said.

“Aim for foods with less than 10% of your daily saturated fat and sodium and more than 10-20% of your daily fiber. Foods that are high in fiber and protein will fuel your body correctly and help you feel full longer, so consider switching that bag of chips out for some fruit or a piece of string cheese,” she said.

Many large fast food value meals have more than one third of daily recommended fat and sugar and over half the calories and sodium recommended for a young, healthy, active male service member. Frequently, the foods ordered at a sit-down restaurant have a similar content, Blackmore said.

“Switching over to a diet soda and smaller serving of fries with a salad or fruit can almost halve the sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium that lead to heart disease while still offering a fast, convenient meal in a time crunch,” she said.

Over time, food choices have an affect our bodies. The choices you make now can stick with you the rest of your life, so try a new choice next time you’re stuck in the lunchtime crunch.

The dietitians at the Carl R. Darnall Medical Center are available to help you and your family eat healthier –call (254) 288-8860 or visit http://crdamc.amedd.army.mil/ncd/clinic.aspx for more information.

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A Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Soldier enjoys a healthy lunch (Photo by Kim Zamarripa, CRDAMC Public Affairs).

By Brandy Gill, CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Have you ever wondered which Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center providers consistently give world-class compassionate health care? Do you want to know if your provider makes the cut?

In order to help you answer these questions, the CRDAMC Army Provider Level Satisfaction Survey, or ‘APLSS’ tree, will be unveiled March 7 in the main hospital lobby at 10 a.m.

This APLSS tree is actually a canvas painting that will display photos of the top medical center providers. The tree has a two-fold purpose, patient education and provider recognition, Cheryl Turner, acting chief of patient services and patient advocate said.

“This new tool will allow us to communicate the importance of these surveys to our beneficiaries while showing our appreciation for their time and consideration. It also allows us to publicly recognize our providers for excellence in care, while they are providing world-class, healthcare, one patient at a time,” Turner said.

According to Shelia Mayberry, a CRDAMC patient services representative, only providers who meet the required criteria will be displayed on the tree.

“In order for a provider to obtain an apple on the tree they will have received 20 APLSS survey responses within a quarter that reflect an average overall visit satisfaction rating of 95 percent or higher,” she said.

Recognition will be presented quarterly to providers who achieve this goal, Mayberry said.

“Providers will be showcased on the tree one quarter at a time unless they meet the criteria again, and then they will remain. All providers who are recognized on the APLSS tree and those who have only received 10 responses in a quarter that earned a 95 percent or higher score will receive a red apple lapel pin and a certificate of appreciation,” she said.

The APLSS tree unveiling is a way for CRDAMC to show their appreciation to beneficiaries as well Turner said.

“We’d like to thank our beneficiaries and to let them know that their voices are being heard through their feedback,,” Turner said.

The APLSS tree unveiling is open to all TRICARE beneficiaries. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

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By Kim Zamarripa

FORT HOOD, Texas  –  Sgt. Benjamin Taylor was named Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Noncommissioned Officer of the Year C.R Darnall NCO  and Spc.  Jyvaris Wooden was named the Soldier of Year during a ceremony held Jan 17 in the hospital auditorium.

 “The NCO/Soldier of the Year Competition is designed to incorporate the total soldier concept.  I believe that is the only way to select the right individual to represent us at Regional and MEDCOM level,” CSM Roger Velarde, CRDAMC command sergeant major said. 

Wooden, who is a CRDAMC pharmacy technician from Youngstown, Ohio, also was named Soldier of the Fourth Quarter, which makes him eligible to compete in the Soldier of the Year Competition.

“It’s very exciting, being able to participate in something that tests your capabilities as a soldier,”  he said.

Candidates were pushed to their physical limits by the grueling pace, testing their physical and mental limits Velarde said.

 “The competition is very rigorous,” he said. “I believe that is the only way to select the right individual to represent us at Regional and MEDCOM level.”

The criteria for the Soldier of the Year is difficult because it incorporates all elements of being a soldier to include physical fitness, weapons qualification, warrior and battle tasks, day and night land navigation, an eight- mile road march, a written essay and a board.

The topic for the essay was selected by Velarde, and graded based on content, clarity, grammar and proper format.

“I’m looking for something that is strategic for our unit, our post and the Army.  In answering the essay question, I get to see what their values are, what’s important and what is the standard for the Army.  Their answers confirm if they are paying attention and they are in tune with Army strategy.” Velarde said.

Sgt. Taylor, who already has earned a Bachelor’s degree and is working toward getting a Master’s, said he saw the competition as a stepping stone to his ultimate goal of becoming an officer.

“When I was doing this I was not only looking to be successful, but significant,” he said. “I love leading soldiers, and being an NCO. I’m always willing to provide my knowledge and experience to help others achieve the things that I have. I want them to see that if I can do it, so can they.”

Taylor and Wooden are now training for the Regional Competition and CRDAMC leadership have confidence that these soldiers will continue to help the Army Medical Command remain strong and continue the 2020 mission.

The time and location of the Regional/MEDCOM competitions have not yet been determined, but CRDAMC’s NCO of the Year and Soldier of the Year will be ready. 

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Sgt.  Roydon DeSouza, CRDAMC nutrition care department, simulates transport of soldier to a MEDDAVAC helicopter during the Soldier and NCO of Year competition (Photo by Kim Zamarripa, CRDAMC Public Affairs).

From left: Spc. Jyvaris Wooden and Sgt. Benjamin Taylor stand at attention as they are recognized as the CRDAMC NCO of the Year and Soldier of the Year (photo by Kim Zamarripa, CRDAMC Public Affairs).

FORT HOOD, Texas – The Robertson Blood Center will have the honor of Mr. Al Whitney donating his 718^th platelet donation on Monday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. to help raise awareness for the constant need of platelet donations.

Mr. Whitney started coordinating blood drives in 1965 and converted to a platelet donor in the early 1970’s.  His passion for life saving stemmed further in the fall of 2007, when he said to himself, “I can do more than this,” and decided to travel the U.S. donating platelets in every state.  He aptly named this venture “Platelets Across America.”

Platelets expire every five days and are used for burn injuries, amputees, cancer patients, and other medical reasons.  Robertson Blood Center collects platelets Monday through Friday with the exception of Thursdays.

For more information on “Platelets Across America,” please visit his website http://www.plateletsacrossamerica.com/.  Media interested in attending the event should contact Catherine Tharpe at 254-287-5938 for meeting time and location.

FORT HOOD, Texas –Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and its primary care clinics will modify operating hours in observance of President’s Day, Feb. 18. 

The hospital remains open every day for emergency services, inpatient care, and labor and delivery services.

Monday, Feb. 18 - President’s Day, Federal Holiday Observed: The Weekend Acute Care Clinic (WACC) will be open at the Thomas Moore Health Clinic on 58^th Street and 761^st Battalion Avenue.  The clinic is open for walk-in care from 8-10 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. The clinic is available to all Active Duty Soldiers.  TRICARE Prime beneficiaries assigned to the following clinics are also eligible for care; Copperas Cove Medical Home, Harker Heights Medical Home, Killeen Medical Home, Bennett, Thomas Moore, Monroe, Russell Collier, Family Medicine Residency Center, TMC #12, TMC #14 and the Pediatric Clinic.

Darnall and all outpatient clinics will resume normal operating hours on Tuesday, Feb. 19.

Nurse Advice Line

Darnall’s Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 by calling (254) 553-3695. Individuals living in the Fort Hood area who are entitled to military healthcare, will receive guidance from registered nurses on urgent or non-urgent situations. Beneficiaries may also seek information on self-care for injuries or illnesses.

By: Brandy Gill (CRDAMC Public Affairs)

FORT HOOD, Texas -- The complexity of the Military Health Care System can sometimes be overwhelming to beneficiaries who are new to the military or those who are coming from other military installations.  

The Beneficiary Services Branch of Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) has staff available to assist beneficiaries as they navigate the system in order to ensure they receive the healthcare they deserve. 

Patients arriving at a new duty station with documented special medical needs may experience delays in their treatment program while they are getting enrolled and oriented to new systems. Sometimes this complexity may prohibit patients from receiving coordinated continued care services required for their special medical needs, Stacy Perez, director of CRDAMC beneficiary services said.

“It’s important for beneficiaries to visit their primary care providers at their current duty station before relocating to Fort Hood to ensure patients who are special needs or who require complex medical care have everything they will need while they are in transition from one location to the next,” she said. “Planning ahead can help relieve some of the stressors associated with big changes like a move.”

CRDAMC beneficiary services assistants can provide needed coordination for beneficiaries with the goal of helping them receive special medical care in the Fort Hood area. Beneficiaries with documented complex or complicated medical needs may self-refer by contacting the Beneficiary Services Branch by phone or in person at the TRICARE Service Center, Jessica Etienne, a CRDAMC health care assistant, said.

“We assist all TRICARE eligible beneficiaries from birth until death or disenrollment. Currently, the staff is working with over 1,500 beneficiaries.  We make quarterly phone calls to the beneficiaries who are enrolled to see if we can provide any assistance or answer any questions.  We are available to assist, coordinate, advise, and direct patients to help them navigate CRDAMC’s health care system,” Etienne said.

Etienne said that while staff members are knowledgeable Health Care Assistants within CRDAMC’s health system, they are not case managers, nurses, or Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) staff.

“If you need a Case Manager or need to speak with an EFMP representative, the CRDAMC Health Care Assistants can point you in the right direction,” she said.

“The CRDAMC staff in Beneficiary Services looks forward to assisting you with coordination of medical care in hopes of making your transition to Fort Hood easier,” Perez said.

For more information on this program and to speak with a Health Care Assistant, please call the Beneficiary Services Branch at 254-288-8983/8837 or visit the TRICARE Service Center (Bldg. 36023) located across from Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood. The Beneficiary Services staff is available between the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

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Jessica Etienne, a beneficiary services branch health care assistant who works in the CRDAMC Tricare Services Center talks to a patient about her special medical needs and services that are available to her. Photo by Kimberly Zamarripa, CRDAMC Public Affairs.

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and its primary care clinics will modify operating hours in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr., federal holiday, Monday, Jan. 21. The hospital remains open every day for emergency services, inpatient care, and labor and delivery services.

Monday, Jan. 21 - MLK Jr., federal holiday observed: The Weekend Acute Care Clinic (WACC) will be open at the Thomas Moore Health Clinic on 58^th Street and 761^st Battalion Avenue.  The clinic is open for walk-in care from 8-10 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. The clinic is available to all active duty Soldiers and TRICARE Prime beneficiaries assigned to the following clinics; Copperas Cove Medical Home, Harker Heights Medical Home, Killeen Medical Home, Bennett, Thomas Moore, Monroe, Russell Collier, Family Medicine Residency Center, TMC #12, TMC #14 and the Pediatric Clinic.

Darnall and all outpatient clinics will resume normal opening hours on Tuesday, January 22nd.

Nurse Advice Line

Darnall’s Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 by calling (254) 553-3695. Individuals living in the Fort Hood area and are entitled to military healthcare, will receive guidance from registered nurses on urgent or non-urgent situations. Beneficiaries may also seek information on self-care for injuries or illnesses.

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The Robertson Blood Center will host its annual Donor Recognition Ceremony Thursday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as a final celebration for National Blood Donor Month.

Donors, supporting units, and volunteers will be recognized for their 60 years of donations to the Armed Services Blood Program.

Media interested in attending the event should contact Catherine Tharpe at 254-287-5938 for meeting time and location.

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and its primary care clinics will modify operating hours in observance of the III Corps, Fort Hood and Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center training and federal holidays for Christmas and New Year, Dec 24-25 and Dec 31-Jan 1.  The hospital remains open every day for emergency services, inpatient care, and labor and delivery services. In accordance with the Presidents' Executive Order, the closing of executive departments and agencies of the Federal government on Monday, December 24, 2012, CRDAMC services available have changed.

Monday, December 24^th, Christmas Eve- III Corps, Fort Hood, and CRDAMC Training Holiday: The Weekend Acute Care Clinic (WACC) will be open at the Thomas Moore Health Clinic on 58^th Street and 761^st Battalion Avenue.  The clinic is open for walk-in care from 8-10 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. The clinic is available to all Active Duty Soldiers. The hospital will be open for labor and delivery, emergency services, and inpatient care.

Tuesday, December 25th - Christmas Day, Federal Holiday Observed: All outpatient clinics will be closed.  All outpatient pharmacies will be closed. The hospital remains open every day for labor and delivery, emergency services and inpatient care.

Darnall and all outpatient clinics will resume normal operating hours on Wednesday, December 26th.

Monday, December 31^st, New Year’s Eve - III Corps, Fort Hood, and CRDAMC Training Holiday: Thomas Moore, Bennett, Harker Heights Medical Home, Copperas Cove Medical Home, Killeen Medical Home and Russell Collier will be open. Family Medicine Residency Center, Monroe, TMC #12 and TMC #14 will be closed.

Tuesday January 1^st New Year’s Day, Federal Holiday Observed: The Weekend Acute Care Clinic (WACC) will be open at the Thomas Moore Health Clinic on 58^th Street and 761^st Battalion Avenue.  The clinic is open for walk-in care from 8-10 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. The clinic is available to all Active Duty Soldiers. TRICARE Prime beneficiaries assigned to the following clinics are also eligible for care; Copperas Cove Medical Home, Harker Heights Medical Home, Killeen Medical Home, Bennett, Thomas Moore, Monroe, Russell Collier, Family Medicine Residency Center, TMC #12, TMC #14 and the Pediatric Clinic.

Darnall and all outpatient clinics will resume normal opening hours on Wednesday, January 2nd.

Nurse Advice Line

Darnall’s Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 by calling (254) 553-3695. Individuals living in the Fort Hood area and are entitled to military healthcare, will receive guidance from registered nurses on urgent or non-urgent situations. Beneficiaries may also seek information on self-care for injuries or illnesses.

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By Brandy Gill, CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Recurring threats and acts of violence in schools have become an all-too-common occurrence in the lives of students across the nation recently and children from Fort Hood and surrounding communities are no exception to this trend.

In fact, just days prior to the Sandy Hooks Elementary School tragedy, Copperas Cove Independent School District made the dramatic decision to close the entire district following a string of bomb threats at its secondary and high school campuses.

The decision, which shut down the district for three days, was made in order to ensure student and faculty safety, Olga Peña, the CCISD Public Information Officer said.

“The safety of our students and staff is most important. We have implemented several precautions in order to provide the safe environment they deserve,” she said.

Those precautions include the combined efforts of Fort Hood Military Police and K-9 units and Copperas Cove Fire and Police Departments. Together they are providing a continuous roving guard presence at every campus throughout the district. These increased security measures will last indefinitely Peña said.

Despite the stepped-up security, some children are still concerned about safety which leaves parents wondering how they can help them regain a sense of security.

According to Lt. Col. Sharette Gray, the chief of behavioral health at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, it is important for parents to recognize signs that may indicate their children are concerned.

“Some children may exhibit bedtime or separation anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, fear of going to school or they may just be more tearful, emotional or prone to increased tantrums. Physical symptoms may include nausea or decreased appetite, or stomach or headaches,” she said. “Just be patient, encourage them to talk, but don’t force them if they aren’t ready. Take your cue from your child.”

Parents and caregivers can help children regain their sense of balance and security by keeping normal schedules and modeling appropriate responses, Gray said.

“It’s really important to maintain a routine so kids can be assured that something in their world is normal and consistent,” she said. “Keep them away from the television and news, which can be distorted, inaccurate and spin up their anxieties. Be honest about your own emotions. It lets them know that it’s ok to feel afraid, sad, confused or angry. Acknowledge the emotions that come with these types of situations.”

While it’s important to recognize their concerns Gray warns children should not be kept out of school any longer than necessary.

“In the long run keeping children out of school after incidents like this only serves to reinforce their anxieties. Instead talk to them about the increased security measures that have been put in place to ensure their safety, and again, be consistent. It will help them face their fears in a real way.”

According to The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, a part of the Uniformed Services University’s Department of Psychiatry that is partnered with the Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, symptoms and emotions following these types of events are often only temporary.

“While symptoms are often transient, they should be clinically treated if they persist. If you have questions contact your child’s health care or behavioral health care provider to seek advice or guidance,” the Center states.

According to Peña, CCISD school counselors are working with students to help them understand the precautions put into place so they feel more at ease as they return to their designated campuses and classrooms.

Killeen Independent School District is also offering counseling to students as needed, Leslie Gilmore, Public Information Officer for KISD said.

Additionally the CRDAMC Child and Family Assistance Center, located within the hospital on the 5^th floor, can also help. Walk-ins are welcome Monday-Wednesday, and Friday from 8 -10:30 a.m.

To read more tips on helping children face their fears from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress visit:

 http://www.usuhs.mil/csts/pdf/CSTSRestoringSenseofSafetyAfterShooting.pdf.

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To view and download high resolution images, click on the thumbnail. A new window will pop up. Right-click on the image and choose Save Image to save to your computer.

Stock photo of mother embracing child provided by CRDAMC Public Affairs.

By Brandy Gill, CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Approximately 30 moms, dads, children and Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center staff participated in the Day of Remembrance ceremony Thursday to honor babies who were lost to fetal demise.

Those who attended lit candles and released balloons in honor of those they lost. They also received a poem, refreshments and a chance to visit with others who had endured similar experiences, which, according to Chaplain, (Cpt.) James Russell, CRDAMC chaplain, is the most important part of the event.

"During the balloon release, I saw a son look up at the sky and he said, ‘Mommy, they are not alone. Just like my brother is not alone.’ Through these support groups and gatherings the parents and families know that they don't have to go through this alone,” Russell said.

Maj. Dorene Owen, a CRDAMC maternal child health clinical nurse specialist who hosts a bi-weekly bereavement group, said the ceremony helps many families find closure.

“I believe it was very beneficial to the families and staff who attended. When the balloons were released in honor of the lost child or baby, many were teary-eyed,” she said.

While the ceremony is beneficial Owen said she thinks the connections participants make can sometimes be even more healing than the event itself.

“One of the couples who attended yesterday just lost a full term baby very recently. I had them talk with one of our group regulars who had a similar story because these guys do more for each other than I can do as a healthcare professional,” Owen said. “They can sympathize and relate to what is going on and the uniqueness of losing a child and all that this entails.”

Russell, who with the help of Owen coordinates a quarterly Day of Remembrance ceremony, agreed that the families who participate can help one another by sharing their experiences.

"I know from personal experience that the loss of a child is easily one of the most traumatic events any parent can experience. This is a way for the parents to share their stories and heal from loss,” he said.

The ceremony is just one step in the healing process for parents who have experienced a fetal demise, Owen said.

While the ceremony is very beneficial sometimes these families need longer-lasting support,” she said. “That’s why we encourage all those who have experienced the loss of a baby to participate in the Infant Loss Support Group which meets in the hospital classrooms above the Emergency Department every first and third Thursday of the month at 3:30 p.m.”

All members of the Fort Hood community are invited to participate in the bereavement support group Owen said.

“Our loss group consists of mothers and fathers who have either had infertility issues, a miscarriage, a second trimester fetal loss, a full term demise, or lost an infant. The one thing that they all have in common is the need to share their experiences and connect with others that have been through similar trying times,” she said. “This is extremely healing and our group has formed bonds that are considered tighter and closer knit than one’s own family.  The group is also supported by the hospital’s chaplain service and our social workers here at CRDAMC.”

To learn more about the CRDAMC Infant Loss Group or the Day of Remembrance Ceremony you can contact Chap. Russell at (254) 553-1853 or Maj. Owen at (254) 287-3489, or visit the Fort Hood Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support facebook page.

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To view and download high resolution images, click on the thumbnail. A new window will pop up. Right-click on the image and choose Save Image to save to your computer.

Chap. (Cpt.) James Russell talks to family members prior to the release of balloons at the Day of Remembrance ceremony held at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Dec. 6.  Approximately 30 families and CRDAMC staff members came to honor and remember babies who they have lost to fetal demise. (Photo by CRDAMC PAO). 

Fort Hood families watch the retreat of balloons after they are released in honor of babies they have lost to fetal demise. (Photo by CRDAMC PAO).

A balloon release was a symbolic part of the recent Day of Remembrance ceremony held at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. The ceremony is designed to help families who have lost a baby to fetal demise cope with their loss and introduce them to others who have had similar experiences. (Photo by CRDAMC PAO).

FORT HOOD, Texas – Accepting the reality of a particular situation may seem too difficult to face, but when it comes to health, or more specifically, a potential HIV infection, knowing is better than not knowing.

 Sometimes people ignore personal responsibility through rationalization, denial, avoidance, and making excuses; however, avoiding the truth will only serve to prolong suffering and sometimes leads to tragic consequences.

Despite circulating myths or rumors about this ultimately deadly virus, HIV infection is all too prevalent. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, it claims the lives of 33.4 million people worldwide.  Other facts about HIV infection are:

• Nearly 600,000 men, women, and children in the United States have died from complications of HIV infection, or AIDS.
• An estimated 1.2 million people are currently living with HIV in the United States.
• Approximately 240,000 people in the United States are unaware they are infected.
• Knowing your status will lead to individual empowerment to stay healthy and to quickly obtain medical treatment in the event of HIV infection. 

Our public health agencies at the federal, state, and local levels are committed to safeguard the health of our communities. This is accomplished by educating the public and engaging in health promotion events. Promoting discussion of the realities of HIV/AIDS in our community such as rates of infection, at-risk populations, and the relationship between sexually transmitted infections and HIV transmission encourages individuals to get tested and links them to medical care.  

Since 1988, when the United Nations General Assembly officially declared December 1^st World AIDS Day, organizations around the globe have engaged in efforts to prevent HIV infection and advocate for those who are infected.

Many of us face challenges that may seem too complex to deal with in an already complicated world. In truth however, we need to face facts if we seriously expect to navigate through life as painlessly as possible. You owe it to yourself, your family and your friends to know your status. Remember, testing is the only way to identify the nearly 240,000 people in the United States currently living with HIV who are unaware of their infection. For additional information, please contact Army Public Health Nursing at 254-287-6789 or visit the Center for Disease Control website at: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/index.htm.

FORT HOOD, Texas – The recent recall of Atorvastatin medication does not affect prescriptions filled by any Fort Hood pharmacies or Community Based Medical Homes (CBMH).

 However, beneficiaries who have prescriptions filled for this cholesterol-lowering medication at local commercial pharmacies are urged to contact their pharmacists to ensure the recall does not affect medications they may have received.

 According to the Associated Press, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, one of the manufacturer's of generic Atorvastatin, announced the recall of their product from the market Nov. 23 after it was determined some lots may contain glass particles. 

Beneficiaries who have additional questions can call the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Pharmacy at 254-288-8100. The Fort Hood pharmacy team stands ready to assist you.

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By Brandy Gill, CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas –  Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Department of Ministry and Pastoral Care will host a Day of Remembrance Ceremony Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m. in the CRDAMC chapel as part of an ongoing fetal demise bereavement support group effort.

The loss of a child could easily be described as the most traumatic event any parent can experience, Chaplain (Cpt.) James Russell, a CRDAMC chaplain, said.

“Many times it is associated with long lasting spiritual, psychosocial and emotional effects.  Many parents may have very limited exposure to death especially the death of their child. Typically parents exhibit fear, confusion, and they want answers on what to expect, what services are available and the ultimate question of why,” Russell said.

According to Russell, the ceremony, which will include a candle lighting, poem reading and balloon release, offers parents a safe place to express the thoughts and feelings associated with their loss, as well as provide a sense of comfort.

“It is our hope that we can help these family members get through what is one of the most stressful events a couple could ever go through,” he said.

According to the Center for Disease Control 2006 National Vital Statistics Report, approximately six pregnancies (greater than 20 weeks gestation) in 1000 will result in a fetal demise.

That number doesn’t account for pregnancy losses that occur before 20 weeks gestation.

Those losses can be just as painful, Maj. Dorene Owen, a CRDAMC maternal child health clinical nurse specialist, said.

“CRDAMC has one of the busiest Labor and Delivery units in the Army Medical Department. Since we are privileged to witness so much new life and happiness, we also experience the fact that there are and will be pregnancy and infant losses,” she said. “It is our goal as providers and nurses to give comfort and care to all patients and their family members. We strive to make a sorrowful experience one in which families can find hope and comfort in the midst of sadness and tragedy.”

The ceremony has evolved as part of an ongoing Infant Loss Support Group which meets in the hospital classrooms above the Emergency Department every first and third Thursday of the month at 3:30 p.m., Owen said.

“Our loss group consists of mothers and fathers who have either had infertility issues, a miscarriage, a second trimester fetal loss, a full term demise, or lost an infant. The one thing that they all have in common is the need to share their experiences and connect with others that have been through similar trying times. This is extremely healing and our group has formed bonds that are considered tighter and closer knit than one’s own family.  The group is also supported by the hospital’s chaplain service and our social workers here at CRDAMC,” she said.

All members of the Fort Hood community are invited to attend the ceremony, which will be followed by light refreshments in the CRDAMC Dining Facility.

To learn more about the CRDAMC Infant Loss Group or the Day of Remembrance Ceremony you can contact Chap. Russell at (254) 553-1853 or Maj. Owen at (254) 287-3489, or visit the Fort Hood Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support facebook page.

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Maj. Dorene Owen, CRDAMC maternal child health clinical nurse specialist, displays bereavement items that are given to parents. (Photo by CRDAMC)

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and its primary care clinics will modify operating hours in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 22 - 23.  The hospital remains open every day for emergency services, inpatient care, and labor and delivery services.

 Primary and Urgent Care Services

•  Thursday, Nov. 22

All CRDAMC Department of Family Medicine clinics and pharmacies will be closed. All acute care patients should go directly to the Emergency Department.

• Friday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 25

Care for acute health problems is available at the Weekend Acute Care Clinic at the Thomas Moore Health Clinic on 58th Street and 761st Battalion Avenue. The clinic is open for walk-in urgent care from 8 - 10 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.m. Blood pressure and wound checks will be available from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Thomas Moore Health Clinic pharmacy will be open from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday - Monday.

This clinic is for active-duty Soldiers and TRICARE Prime enrollees assigned to Thomas Moore, Bennett, Collier, Family Medicine Residency Center, Killeen Medical Home, Copperas Cove Medical Home, Harker Heights Medical Home, Pediatrics, and the Troop Medical Clinics.

All other clinics and pharmacies will be closed throughout the holiday weekend, but will resume normal hours of operation Monday, Nov. 26.

Nurse Advice Line

Darnall’s Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 by calling (254) 553-3695. Individuals living in the Fort Hood area entitled to military healthcare may talk to registered nurses about urgent health issues, guidance on non-emergency situations, and information about self-care for injuries or illnesses.

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Nov. 7, 2012

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and its primary care clinics will modify operating hours in observance of the Veterans Day federal holiday Monday, Nov. 12.  The hospital remains open every day for emergency services, inpatient care, and labor and delivery services.

Primary and Urgent Care Services

Friday, Nov. 9, is a Training Holiday.

• Bennett Heath Clinic:
  • Friday, Nov. 9, the clinic will be open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (The last patient seen at 4 p.m.)
  • The clinic will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Nov. 10 – 12).
• Thomas Moore Health Clinic:
  • Friday, Nov. 9, the clinic will be open from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Weekend Acute Care will be available at this clinic Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Nov. 10 – 12) from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Blood pressure and wound checks will be available from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Russell L. Collier Health Clinic
  • Friday, Nov. 9, the clinic is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • This clinic will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Nov. 10 – 12).
• TMC 12 and Monroe Health Clinic are closed. Sick Call will be available at Thomas Moore Health Clinic

On Friday, Nov. 9, appointments for TRICARE Prime enrollees are available at the Thomas Moore, Bennett, and Russell Collier clinics. Active Duty sick call is available at Thomas Moore, Bennett, FMRC and Russell Collier during regular sick call hours. Troop Medical Clinic #12 and Monroe Health Clinic will be closed on Friday, Nov. 9 and Monday, Nov. 12.

From Saturday through Monday, care for acute health problems is available at the Weekend Acute Care Clinic at the Thomas Moore Health Clinic on 58th Street and 761st Battalion Avenue. The clinic is open for walk-in urgent care from 8 - 10 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.m. This clinic is for active-duty Soldiers and TRICARE Prime enrollees assigned to Thomas Moore, Bennett, Collier, Family Medicine Residency Center, Killeen Medical Home, Copperas Cove Medical Home, Harker Heights Medical Home, Pediatrics, and the Troop Medical Clinics.

The Pediatric Clinic, located at the corner of 761st Battalion Ave. and 31st Street, will be open from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday, for acute care appointments and closed on Monday. Please call 288-8888 to make an appointment.

During the holiday period from Nov. 9 – 12, Internal Medicine TRICARE Prime enrollees with urgent care needs should go to the Emergency Department.

The Patient Appointment Service, 288-8888, is open from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and will resume services Tuesday, Nov. 13.

Darnall and its clinics will resume normal opening hours on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

Nurse Advice Line

Darnall’s Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 by calling (254) 553-3695. Individuals living in the Fort Hood area entitled to military healthcare may talk to registered nurses about urgent health issues, guidance on non-emergency situations, and information about self-care for injuries or illnesses.

Pharmacies

CRDAMC’s Main Outpatient Pharmacy will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Nov. 9 – 10. The Main Outpatient Pharmacy will be closed Nov. 11 – 12.

The Thomas Moore Health Clinic pharmacy will be open from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday. It will then be open from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday - Monday.

The Bennett and Collier (West Ford Hood) Health Clinics will be open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday and closed on Monday.

The Monroe Pharmacy will be closed all four days: Nov. 9 – 12.

All pharmacies return to normal operating hours on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

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FORT HOOD, Texas – In celebration of the sharp rise in the number of births over the last few months, the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Women’s Health Clinic staff is hosting its first Baby Expo Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Women’s Health Clinic on post.

More than 45 vendors from Fort Hood and the surrounding communities will be on hand to discuss a wide range of topics like pregnancy, labor and delivery, car seat safety, infant education and what to expect during the first year after birth.

According to Captain Arielle Kalin, an Army nurse who works in CRDAMC’s Labor and Delivery Department, the event will be an excellent opportunity to have some fun and answer those questions that only come to mind when people are expecting or during 3 a.m. feedings.

“This is a perfect chance for new parents and future parents to talk to CRDAMC OB/GYN doctors, midwives and nurses about things they may not have time to discuss during their appointments,” she said. “They can also tour the Labor and Delivery unit too.”

It’s not just for first-time parents either, Kalin said.

“We will have door prizes, free pony rides, inflatables, food trucks, education opportunities and lots of very helpful booths and service information from local vendors,” she said. “Our goal is to be able to answer any question new parents may have and also introduce them to the wide-array of support services available to them in the local community.”

Children’s books, cloth diapers, baby blankets, breastfeeding support, maternity clothes, Doula services and local childcare are just a few of the items and topics at the event which is free and open to anyone with a picture ID, Kalin said.

For more information about this event or other CRDAMC opportunities please visit our website at:  http://www.crdamc.amedd.army.mil/default.asp?page=index.

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FORT HOOD, Texas -- Fort Hood's Carl R. Darnall Medical Center will host the PINK HEALS tour 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Clear Creek Post Exchange.

The Pink Heals Tour consists of firefighters dressed in pink turnout gear driving pink fire trucks in support of women and their battle against all cancer. Each year the "Guardians of the Ribbon" drive across country to deliver a message of hope, love, support and awareness to those battling cancer.

Cancer fighters and survivors are invited out to sign the truck.

Media who wish to cover the event should register here. The gate time is 11 a.m. at the Fort Hood visitor's center south-side parking lot.

CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Thomas Moore Health Clinic at Fort Hood is the location for this year’s Retiree Health Fair sponsored by Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.  The Moore Clinic is on the corner of 58^th Street and 761^st Tank Battalion Ave. on Fort Hood.  

Representatives from various CRDAMC departments will be on hand from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, dispensing information, conducting screenings, and answering questions for Central Texas retired military personnel and their spouses. 

 Due to the health fair, the weekend clinic will not be available on Saturday, October 27. Individuals with a sudden onset of an acute illness or injury on Saturday should go to Darnall’s Emergency Department. The Weekend Acute Care Clinic will resume at Thomas Moore Health Clinic Sunday, October 28, 2012.

 The seasonal flu vaccine, always the biggest draw for retirees, will be available. Retirees are also encouraged to get the Tetanus and Zostavax shots, which will be available at the health fair. For the Zostavax immunization, retirees must bring a note signed by their primary care provider stating there are no contraindications for the individual to receive the vaccine.

 Vaccines will not be available for children of retirees attending the health fair.

 Retirees can also take advantage of screening opportunities covering healthcare concerns such as glucose level, blood pressure, weight and dental.

 Representatives from various Darnall Medical Center clinics and departments will have booths and information on such topics as tobacco cessation; nutrition; complementary and alternative medicines; diabetes program; asthma; Team Up in your health care; women’s health, pharmacy, physical therapy, substance abuse, behavioral health, and dental care.

 DENTAC will provide oral cancer screening services and have an information table set up at the health fair.

 For more information, contact the Health Promotion & Wellness Program, at 288-8488.

FORT HOOD, Texas – An opening ceremony for the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Soldier Art Show titled, Unspoken: Overcoming Struggles of Combat through Art,” will be held from 1:30–3:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Oveta Culp Hobby Center here.

The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, features more than 25 original pieces created by Soldiers from across Fort Hood who have deployed in support of combat operations, Col. Patrick Sargent, CRDAMC commander, said.

“We encourage our friends, neighbors and community members to come and experience the Soldier Art Show,” he said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our Soldiers in a very deep and personal way.”

Art has long been recognized as a way to express emotions or reactions to events that can sometimes be difficult to verbalize because it provides distance from the experience allowing the artist to view it with a certain degree of objectivity.

The collection showcases a wide range of art mediums including photography, poetry, drawings, paintings, ceramics and sculptures. All submissions are anonymous, but pieces will be individually numbered and visitors will be able to respond to the artists by leaving comment cards. 

Guests will also have an opportunity to participate in a sketch table, meet CRDAMC Department of Behavioral Health social work providers and enjoy refreshments.

After the opening on Sept.24, the exhibit will be available for viewing Sept. 25-28 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Oveta Culp Hobby Center. The collection showcases a wide range of art mediums including photography, poetry, drawings, paintings, ceramics and sculptures.

All artwork has been assessed for appropriate content prior to exhibition.

Media organizations desiring to cover the ceremony must register with the CRDAMC Public Affairs Office Press Center no later  than 4 p.m. on Sept. 23 here.

The gate time for media will be at 12:30 p.m. Sept 24. Media should meet at the Southside parking lot of the Fort Hood visitor's center.

FORT HOOD, Texas -- The national POW/MIA Day Ceremony will be observed at 9 a.m. Sept. 21, at the Ex-POW Memorial located in front of Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.

The ceremony will honor former prisoners of war and military personnel who are still classified as "missing in action," with area veterans' organizations  participating in a special wreath-laying ceremony. 

Media organizations desiring to cover the ceremony must register with the III Corps and Fort Hood Public Affairs Office Press Center no later  than 4 p.m. on Sept. 20 here.

The gate time for media will be at 8 a.m. Sept 21. Media should meet at the Southside parking lot of the Fort Hood visitor's center.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2012

* * * * * * * * MEDIA ADVISORY* * * * * * * * *

Media who wish to attend this ceremony should contact

Patricia Deal, 288-8087 by 2:30 p.m. on August 2.

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center will offer Fort Hood Soldiers and family members an opportunity to be a part of the “Big Latch On” event, where hundreds of women around the world will try to break the record for the most women breastfeeding simultaneously.

The event is scheduled for August 3 at 10:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Women’s Health Center adjacent to the main hospital.

The Big Latch On is a global initiative to promote breastfeeding awareness and is held the first week of August as a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week.

The CRDAMC Women’s Health Center provides each patient with compassionate, world-class family-centered care before, during and after childbirth. Darnall continues to be the delivery center of choice for military moms, with an average of seven births a day occurring at the MEDCEN.

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Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center                                             

Public Affairs Office                                                                        

36000 Darnall Loop                                                                          Patricia.Deal@amedd.army.mil

Fort Hood, Texas 76544                                                                  Phone: (254) 288-8087

www.crdamc.amedd.army.mil                                                        Follow us on Facebook

July 16, 2012

* * * * * * * * MEDIA ADVISORY* * * * * * * * *

Media who wish to attend this ceremony should contact

Patricia Deal, 288-8087 by 3:30 p.m. on July 17.

FORT HOOD, Texas – Fort Hood Dental Activity (DENTAC) will hold a change of command ceremony at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 18, for Col. Johnette Shelley (outgoing) and Col. Troy Marburger (incoming) at Club Hood,  24^th Street and Wainwright Drive near the East Gate at Fort Hood.

Shelley’s next assignment is a staff position at the Dental Command HQs (DENCOM ) in San Antonio, Texas.  Marburger comes to Fort Hood DENTAC from the Alaska DENTAC.

Colonel Lemuel Covington, Commander of U.S. Army Southern Regional Dental Command, is the reviewing officer for the ceremony.

Fort Hood Dental Activity (DENTAC) serves the dental needs of Fort Hood Soldiers through its main clinic, Billy Johnson Clinic located near Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, and five other clinics located throughout post.

Biographies follow:

Col. Johnette Shelley

Colonel Shelley was raised in Dallas, Texas and completed her undergraduate studies at Texas Tech and North Texas State University.  She enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in 1976.  She was commissioned in the United States Army Dental Corps upon graduation from dental school in 1981.  She earned her DDS at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston.  Her military education includes:  the AMEDD Officer Basic Course, the Army Educational Program in General Dentistry (1 yr), the AMEDD Officer Advanced Course,  the Combined Armed Staff Services School, Command and General Staff College, the Army Advanced Educational Program in Comprehensive Dentistry (2 yr), the  Army War College and the United States Army Baylor Program in Health Care Administration. 

Colonel Shelley’s past commands include: Commander, 257^th Medical Command (DS), Fort Bragg, NC (1998-1999); Commander, USA DENTAC- Japan  (1999-2001), Chief, Department of Dental Science, AMEDD Center and School (2002-2003), Commander, USA DENTAC- Fort Bragg (2003-2006) and Commander, Southeast Regional Dental Command (2006-2008). Colonel Shelley’s overseas tours include assignments in Korea, Honduras and Japan. She served as the 3^rd MEDCOM Dental Surgeon during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Colonel Shelley most recently completed a Master of Science in Dental Public Health at the University of Iowa.  Colonel Shelley is a diplomat of the Certifying Board of General Dentistry and a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry. Her current memberships include the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

Colonel Shelley’s awards include: the Legion of Merit (1OLC), the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), the Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), the Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), the Joint Service Achievement Medal (1OLC), the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Force Reserve Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.  Colonel Shelley was also awarded the Expert Field Medical Badge and the Army Parachutist Badge.

Colonel Shelley’s next assignment will be a staff position at the Dental Command HQs (DENCOM ) in San Antonio. 

Colonel Troy Marburger

Colonel Troy Marburger is a native of Kerrville, Texas. He attended The University of Texas at Austin, Texas, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1985. He completed his dental training in 1990 at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He was commissioned as a Captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps upon graduation.

Colonel Marburger's military and civilian education includes the AMEDD Officer Basic and Advance Courses as well as the Command and General Staff College by correspondence. He completed the Army's 1-year and 2-year General Dentistry Advanced Residency Training Programs(1991, Fort Jackson; 2002, Fort Hood respectively). He is also a Diplomat of both the Federal Services Board of General Dentistry and American Board of General Dentistry.

Previous assignments include Fort Jackson SC, Baumholder, Germany, Pentagon, Fort Hood, TX, Dexheim, Germany and Wiesbaden Germany. He served as Comprehensive Dentist and OIC of the Dexheim clinic from 2004-2005 and as Clinic Commander of Wiesbaden, Germany Dental Clinic from 2006-2009. Most recently, Colonel Marburger served as Commander of the Alaska DENTAC from 2009-2012. His tours include two deployments. He was attached to 2/6 infantry and deployed to Bosnia for 9 months in 1996 and as Division Dental Surgeon for the 1AD deployed for 15 months to Iraq in 2003-2004.

Colonel Marburger's awards include the Army Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3) in 2009.

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By Vickie Kuk, Soldiers’ Medical Evaluation Board Counsel Office

and

Patricia Deal CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas--The Medical Evaluation Board Outreach Counsel name change to Soldiers’ Medical Evaluation Board Counsel Office (SMEBCO) puts the Soldier first, reinforcing its commitment to help wounded, injured and ill Soldiers navigate the Army’s physical disability system.

Fort Hood has the largest number of Soldiers processing through Army Physical Disability Evaluation System (APDES) and most Soldiers don't know how the system works or what their rights are, according to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s SMEBCO legal staff.

“Our goal for Soldiers is to ensure they understand their rights. We want Soldiers to leave our office with knowledge and understanding about their case and how to maximize their chances for a correct award early in the process,” said Brian Howey, a SMEBCO attorney.

Howey and other attorneys and paralegals in the office have years of experience interpreting the laws and regulations governing APDES and are committed to helping Soldiers make good decisions about their disability cases.

There’s a lot at stake for Soldiers, and it’s important for them to ensure they know their rights and obligations. They need to be sure they have done everything on their end. According to Rodney Gilchrist, a Soldiers’ MEB paralegal, an important part of the process is for Soldiers to establish the true extent of their injuries, illnesses or disabilities by ensuring their diagnoses are correct, by listing all of their current medical conditions on the MEB Proceedings Report, and by resolving discrepancies in their medical records.

“Determining what benefits Soldiers qualify for can be grueling,” said Linda Webster, a Soldiers’ MEB attorney. “SMEBCO is determined to better educate Soldiers in the APDES process, clarify misconceptions, clear up misunderstandings, and dispel common myths and rumors about the Army disability process.”

One misconception the SMEBCO staff hears frequently is that a Soldier who is injured during deployment to a combat zone will receive tax-free disability pay automatically. But there are specific laws that apply to determine if a Soldier’s injuries were the direct result of a combat-related event or injury, Howey stated, and the SMEBCO staff can assist Soldiers in evaluating whether these laws apply to their cases.

Another common misconception is that Soldiers believe they will receive two disability pay checks, one from the Army and the other one from the VA (Veteran’s Administration), for their claimed service-connection disabilities. 

“Only qualifying disabled military retirees who have twenty years of Federal service can get paid both their full military retirement pay and their VA disability compensation. This is known as Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments,” Howey clarified. “Qualified individuals are those who are retired active or reserve members who are currently entitled to retired pay and who also have a combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater.”

As the whole process can be confusing and complicated for Soldiers, the SMEBCO staff urges them to make an appointment to get the most accurate information on what they absolutely need to know in order to make a good decision about their disability case and be better informed.  They provide a variety of resources and excellent fact sheets on general topics to help Soldiers spread the word about SMEBCO services, training opportunities and various issues in APDES. The staff  works closely with other organizations to help ensure Soldiers and their family members get the best support possible.

“We work with Soldiers to maintain a personal connection with them which is important to keeping them engaged.  They know we care and value their participation,” commented Spc. Michael Terrill, a Soldiers’ MEB paralegal. 

For more information on SMEBCO services, call (254) 287-9409, 287-4904, 285-6733 or 285-6713. The office is in Building 4617 at the corner of 72nd Street and Santa Fe Drive.

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CUTLINES

Captain Camilo Kafie, an attorney with the CRDAMC Soldiers MEB Counsel Office, discusses next steps with a Soldier going through the Medical Evaluation Board process. The SMEBCO legal staff helps wounded, injured and ill Soldiers as they navigate the Army’s physical disability system. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Linda Webster, an attorney with the CRDAMC Soldiers MEB Counsel Office, briefs Soldiers on the Medical Evaluation Board process. The SMEBCO legal staff helps wounded, injured and ill Soldiers as they navigate the Army’s physical disability system. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Vickie Kuk, a paralegal with the CRDAMC Soldiers MEB Counsel Office, discusses a case with Edgar Martinez, a physical evaluation board liaison officer with the Darnall Medical Evaluation Board and Integrated Disability Evaluation System (MEB/IDES) clinic. The two offices work closely to ensure the best possible outcome for Soldiers processing through the Army’s physical disability system. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and its primary care clinics will modify operating hours in observance of the July 4^th Independence Day holiday.  The hospital remains open every day for emergency and urgent care services, inpatient care, and labor and delivery services.

On Wednesday, July 4, the Thomas Moore Health Clinic on 58^th Street and 761^st Battalion Avenue will be open for walk-in care from 8 - 10 a.m. and 1 - 3 p.m. This clinic is for Active-Duty Soldiers and TRICARE Prime enrollees assigned to the following CRDAMC Primary Care Clinics: Thomas Moore, Monroe, Bennett, Collier, TMC-12, TMC-14, Family Medicine Residency Center, Killeen, Harker Heights and Copperas Cove Medical Homes and Pediatrics. All clinics will resume normal business hours on Thursday July 5. Appointments for outpatient visits may be made by calling the Patient Appointment Service at 288-8888.  Pharmacy services will be available only at the operating clinics. 

Darnall’s Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 by calling (254) 553-3695. Individuals living in the Fort Hood area who are entitled to military healthcare may talk to registered nurses about urgent health issues, guidance on non-emergency situations, and information about self-care for injuries or illnesses.

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By CRDAMC Public Affairs Office

The key to staying healthy is prevention, not only in medicine but in accident avoidance, too, according to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Safety Office officials.

“Taking even the simplest preventive health care measures can help ensure you stay well and happy,” said Dana Henry, from CRDAMC’s Safety and Occupational Health office. “Taking preventive measures while driving ensures you stay safe and well, too.”

Summer is a heavy travel time, with a lot more cars and motorcycles on the road. While no one can predict an accident, Henry said travelers can prevent and avoid accidents if they stay vigilant in following vehicle safety rules. Some hints to keep in mind while traveling include:

–        Ensure your car or motorcycle is in good operating condition and brakes, brake lights and turn signals are all working properly. Tires should have correct air pressure and adequate tread for good traction on the road. Also, clean windows and mirrors to have a clear view of other traffic.

–        Stay attentive. Scan the road ahead for potential hazards and be alert for any bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians, potholes and animals that may be on the road as well.

–        Avoid distractions such as texting, making phone calls or checking emails. Eating, smoking, applying makeup or reaching for objects inside the car may seem simple and easy to do, but taking your eyes or attention off of the road for just a few moments could be the difference between life and death. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that at least 25 percent of all vehicle accidents result from distracted driving.

–        Everyone in the vehicle should wear a seatbelt at all times. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers and front seat passengers who buckle up are 45 percent more likely to survive motor vehicle crashes and 50 percent more likely to avoid serious injuries.

–        Do not drive impaired. Alcohol is not the only thing that can impair your driving or riding abilities; prescription and illegal drugs can potentially have the same effects. You will be legally charged with a DWI (Driving While Impaired) if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or more in all fifty states.

-        Do not drive if you are tired. Fatigue can cloud your ability to make sound judgments. Get the appropriate amount of rest before driving.  If necessary, use a designated driver.

Motorcycle safety continues to be a major concern at Fort Hood, as accidents have increased in the past year, Henry stated.

“Every unit, brigade or command has designated motorcycle mentors who are very instrumental in helping motorcycle riders stay safe. They organize group rides to help junior riders improve their general riding safety and accident prevention skills, plus promote the importance of proper personal protective equipment,” she said. “The non-commissioned officers in the CRDAMC motorcycle mentorship program also reach out to non-riders to make them aware of their role in preventing motorcycle accidents.”

In addition to safe driving guidance, Henry added that there are many vehicle safety courses and training available to further promote accident prevention and foster an environment of safe driving/riding on and off duty. Some courses offered are:

Intermediate Drivers Course

Required for all newly assigned military personnel under 26 years of age. Register through at - https://apps.imcom.army.mil/airs

Remedial Driver Training Course

For high risk drivers and/or drivers convicted of an on-post moving violation or at fault in a traffic mishap. Note: for any off post citations, drivers must take remedial driver’s training off post. 

Accident Avoidance Course

This is required for all military or civilians who drive Army motor vehicles and/or GSA vehicles, and it must be repeated every four years. Web-based training is available on the Army Learning Management System (ALMS) website – https://www.lms.army.mil.

Motorcycle Safety Training

Mandatory progressive training includes Basic Rider Course for new riders, Experienced Rider Course for all riders, Military Sports Bike Riders for sport bike riders and Refresher Training for redeployed riders.

For more information visit the III Corps and Fort Hood safety website at www.hood.army.mil/safety or the CRDAMC safety website at www.crdamc.amedd.army.mil/newSite/prev-med/summer.aspx.

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Motorcycle safety

Sgt. Rickey Jones, part of CRDAMC’s motorcycle mentorship program, discusses motorcycle safety with Staff Sgt. Kimberly Pearson at his informational display in front of the MEDCEN at CRDAMC’s recent Medical Skills Fair. Jones reached out to non-riders, too, to make them aware of their role in preventing motorcycle accidents. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas--No one leaves home for work saying, “I think I’ll fall today” but every day at the workplace, someone does slip, trip or fall, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center safety professionals warned.

“Slips or falls occur when some unforeseen condition or act gets in your way and you simply don’t have enough reaction time to avoid it. You lose your balance and crash to the ground,” said CRDAMC Safety Specialist Damen Scarborough. “The problem is that we just don’t see the warning signs and blindly enter into a situation where things may be stacked against us.”

Falls do hurt, and injuries can be from mild to severe and everything in between. Workplace injuries lead to lost time which definitely impacts readiness.

What concerns him the most, Scarborough said, is that slips and falls in the workplace are on the rise.

“By the end of fiscal year 2008, CRDAMC staff had reported 28 falls. By the end of fiscal year 2011 that number had grown to 44. From the beginning of fiscal year 2012 (October 2011) until May 1, staff has already reported 30 falls,” he said. “We all need to make a conscious effort to stop this growing trend.”

Accidents are preventable and the Safety Office is stepping up its efforts to promote education and awareness of preventive measures to help avoid accidents.

“We’re constantly putting the word out here,” Scarborough said. “We investigate each reported incident to determine root causes and develop actionable measures to prevent similar situations. Then we share our findings throughout the MEDCEN at regular meetings with leadership, safety coordinator training and awareness sessions and at new employee orientation.”

It’s one thing to attend training and safety briefings, but another thing to use what you learn.

“Take responsibility for your own safety and those around you. Talk to each other about the hazards you encounter. Sharing your knowledge may keep a co-worker from falling,” he advised.

But the Safety office can’t do it alone, he added. Safety is a personal responsibility.

“We need to lose the complacency because, like it or not, we are not always in total control. We must learn to look for the hazards instinctively. We must take it personally when we find something in our area that can hurt us or someone else,” Scarborough concluded. “We’ve got to start taking care of each other. If you see a slip, trip or fall hazard, warn your co-workers and others. Take care of it if you can. If not, mark the hazard so others will see it. Take the time needed to call those who can fix it.”

While the number of accidents are for Darnall Medical Center, safety in the work place is everyone’s responsibility.

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Improperly placed extension cords can easily cause a slip, trip or fall. CRDAMC safety officials caution everyone to watch for hazards like this to help to avoid accidents. (U.S. Army photo by Damen Scarborough, CRDAMC Safety Office)

 
Leaving drawers open can cause falls as others may not see it and trip. CRDAMC safety officials caution everyone to be proactive in helping avoid accidents. (U.S. Army photo by Damen Scarborough, CRDAMC Safety Office)

 
Inappropriate footwear in the workplace is just one of many hazards that can cause slips, trips and falls. CRDAMC safety officials caution everyone to be proactive in helping avoid accidents. (U.S. Army photo by Damen Scarborough, CRDAMC Safety Office)

By Patricia Deal

CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas - Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center honored graduates from its Emergency and Family Medicine Residency, Ultrasound Fellowship and  Hospital Administration programs in a ceremony June 15 at the Killeen Civic and Convention Center.

Darnall’s programs have a long-standing reputation for excellence, especially as they help residents progress to board certification eligibility. Residents from Darnall’s Family Medicine Residency Program (FMRP) consistently score well above the national average on in-training exams, with many residents scoring above the 90th percentile and the Emergency Medicine Residency Program (EMRP) is ranked in the top ten in the country.

Guest speaker at the ceremony, Brig. Gen. W. Bryan Gamble, deputy director, TRICARE Management Activity, commended Darnall for its successes. He said Darnall has produced some of the best, and stressed to the graduates the importance of continuing to achieve excellence. “As you start your next phase of learning and development, many lessons await you. Some will be pleasant and easy, while some will be unpleasant and difficult,” he said. “All, however, will be enlightening and enriching.”

Col. Patrick Sargent, hospital commander, also encouraged graduates to continue their pursuit of clinical and administrative excellence. “Always remember there is a sacred trust that exists between Soldiers and the medical community. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day, without question, confident in your skills, knowledge and abilities to help preserve live,” he said. “I’m grateful for your service here, and know you will do your best to uphold that sacred trust.”

Dr. Wayne A. Schirner, director of Graduate Medical Education and Population Health said residency programs benefit physicians and patients as the faculty continuously strives to remain current with the latest evidence-based medical treatments and ensures then, that the new doctors are armed with that knowledge to provide the best possible medical care to their patients, any time, in any environment.

The EMRP, one of three such programs in the U. S. Army Graduate Medical Education System, was established at Darnall in July 1980 to take opportunity of the high volume of critically ill and injured patients who come to the busiest Emergency Room in the Army Medical Command.

 “I thrive on the fast pace and urgency in an emergency room. We see patients at their worst and have to act quickly to find out what’s wrong and determine the best way to treat them. Then we have to be ready for the next case,” Maj. Leah Kernan, EMRP graduate, said. “Darnall’s residency program has the best reputation for ensuring exceptional education and experiences for residents to help them become the best doctors they can be.” 

One of seven Army FMRPs, Darnall accepted its first residency class of second-year residents in June 2000. Another group of second-year residents and an intern class were added in 2011.

Fort Hood and Darnall offer an ideal setting for training Family Medicine residents, according to Schirner, as residents are exposed to a broad spectrum of medical conditions seen in primary care, emphasizing continuous and comprehensive health care.

“I like the idea that family medicine covers the complete gamut of health care. A family medicine physician will see patients from pediatrics to geriatrics, both Soldiers and family members, and will treat everything from simple coughs to major medical conditions,” said Capt.   Jinsong Wu, FMRP graduate. “It’s a tough job as you have to be knowledgeable of everything. This program was a great way to help prepare me. I’m grateful for all the support and encouragement I received.”

The U.S. Army-Baylor University Graduate Program in Health and Business Administration prepares its graduates, officers and civilians, to function adeptly as key staff members in complex health care environments, while providing a foundation to develop into future leaders of the federal healthcare sector. Since its start in 1947, the two-year, multi-disciplinary graduate program has grown into the only fully-accredited, graduate program for Health Care Administration in the federal system. In 2007, U.S. News & World Reports ranked the Army-Baylor Program as 11th out of 350 health administration programs in the country.

Continuing its efforts in medical education excellence, Darnall established a year-long Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Fellowship Program in July 2010 to teach advanced ultrasound techniques needed in both garrison and deployed military environments. From its inception, the fellowship has improved the assessment of patients on the battlefield and has had a positive impact on all aspects of health care.

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Graduates from CRDAMC’s Emergency and Family Medicine Residency, Ultrasound Fellowship and Hospital Administration programs pose with Brig. Gen. W. Bryan Gamble (center), deputy director, TRICARE Management Activity, at their graduation ceremony June 15 at the Killeen Civic and Convention Center.  Pictured are: (front row, left to right) Maj. Lisa Dennis, Hospital Administration; Capt. Shayna Thompson, EMRP; Capt. Charles Ussery, EMRP; Capt. Heather Swanson, EMRP; Capt. Kristen Koening, FMRP; Major Leah Kernan, EMRP; Capt. Samuel Ralston, EMRP; (back row, left to right) Capt. Kevin Schlicksup, EMRP; Maj. Jeremy Johnson, Ultrasound Fellowship; Capt. Cody Mead, FMRP; Gamble; Capt. Nathan Borden, EMRP; Capt. Daniel Marino, EMRP; Capt. Jinsong Wu, FMRP. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

FORT HOOD, TEXAS – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center will hold its annual Sports Physicals and Immunizations Clinic (SPASIC) event July 21 and August 11 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Thomas Moore Health Clinic at Fort Hood.  

Children ages 4-18 years who are enrolled in Tricare are eligible to receive care at this clinic. All participants are required to make an appointment prior to the event.

Only childhood immunizations required by the State of Texas for school attendance will be given at this clinic.

Children with appointments must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and should be dressed in comfortable gym clothing and shoes. Those over the age of 10 must have a DEERS identification card in their name. Parents or guardians of children under the age of 10 will also be required to provide a DEERS identification card. Additionally, participants will need to bring a copy of their school’s sports physical form and their immunization record.

The Killeen Parks and Recreation Department does not require sports physicals for participation. Killeen and Copperas Cove Independent School Districts only require sports physicals for students who are entering 7th, 9th or 11th grade unless there has been a change in the student’s medical condition since their last examination. Fort Hood Child and Youth Services require physicals for children of all ages in order to participate in activities.

To schedule an appointment for the SPASIC event please call the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Appointments line at (254) 288-8888 from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday.

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June 12, 2012

* * * * * * * * MEDIA ADVISORY* * * * * * * * *

Media who wish to attend this ceremony should contact

Jeri Chappelle, 254-288-8005, or Brandy Gill, 254-286-7954 by 3:30 p.m. on June 14.

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center will graduate physicians from its two residency programs and the ultrasound fellowship program at 1 p.m., June 15 at the Killeen Civic and Convention Center, 3601 South W. S. Young Drive, Killeen, Texas.

Brig.  Gen. W. Bryan Gamble, Deputy Director, TRICARE Management Activity, is the guest speaker.

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program was established at Darnall in July 1980 and the first class graduated in 1982. One of three Emergency Medicine Residency Programs in the US Army Director of Medical Education,  the program was established to take the opportunity of the high volume of critically ill and injured patients who come to the busiest Emergency Room in the Army Medical Department.

Doctors enter the EMRP following graduation from medical school .The EMRP training spans 36 months, and trains physicians in a variety of disciplines that are required to provide care to any patient, any time, and in any situation. At the completion of their rigorous and intensive training, these residents are well equipped to skillfully manage and treat any patient that comes through the ER doors.

Residents in the EMRP have a long tradition of academic excellence. The residents consistently score in the highest percentile in the nation and many have been number one on the annual American Board of Emergency Medicine In-Training Examination for many years. This examination is administered to residents in the 158 civilian and military programs throughout the country.

Darnall accepted its first residency class for Family Medicine in June 2000. Family medicine physicians must complete three years of residency training before becoming board-eligible for board certification. Five residents per year are accepted into Darnall’s Family Medicine Program.

The Family Medicine Residency Program is one of seven Army Family Medicine residency programs. Darnall accepted the first residency class of second-year residents in June 2000. Another group of second-year residents and an intern class were added in 2011.

The Family Medicine specialty encompasses the broad spectrum of medical conditions seen in primary care, emphasizing continuous and comprehensive health care.

Fort Hood and Darnall offer an ideal setting for training Family Medicine residents. The residency program offers opportunities in maternity care, sports medicine, the health needs of active-duty service members, and operational/deployment medicine.

Every year the residency program has had staff and residents accepted for research presentation at the Uniform Services Academy of Family Physicians.

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FORT HOOD, Texas – After almost a year of providing healthcare in temporary buildings in a parking lot, the staff and providers at Monroe Health Clinic officially reopened their doors last Thursday to showcase a newly updated and patient-friendly facility.

The clinic, which cost approximately $9 million to renovate, now houses about 40 clinicians and 20 nurses and administrative support staff who provide health care to approximately 17,000 patients from all four 1st Cavalry Division brigades.

Physical renovations aren’t the only change at Monroe though. The new layout and design allowed the staff to implement the Army Medical Command patient centered medical home concept of care, Dr. Joan Ingram, the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center chief of family and community medicine, said.

“The transformation is truly amazing. Before the renovations the clinic had an archaic design that was appropriate to the past and the way we used to provide care, but it didn’t support the Army’s new approach to care,” she said. “The new design will really allow for more patient privacy and promote the team-care model which will ultimately improve our patients’ healthcare experiences.”

Monroe is the latest CRDAMC clinic to implement the patient centered medical home provider team concept that helps improve access to care and standardize clinical operations across the medical center. Each team includes providers, behavioral health professionals, nurses, case managers and pharmacists who work together to develop a comprehensive, personal healthcare plan for each patient.

Soldiers who receive care at Monroe Clinic, like Pfc. Dameika Braswell, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, are pleased with the updated atmosphere and new patient-centered approach to care.

“The care we received in the trailers was good, but the buildings didn’t have a good vibe. This clinic is brighter and more spacious. It looks better, and people are more into what they are doing now. I think it’s because they like their surroundings,” she said.

Three community-based medical homes in Harker Heights, Copperas Cove and Killeen opened off-post in the last year. These clinics, which also follow the medical home concept of care, treat TRICARE Family members who live in those areas.

CRDAMC leaders received very positive reviews for the new care model, and eventually all clinics will transition to the medical home concept in order to better serve the beneficiaries who live in the Fort Hood area, Col. Patrick Sargent, the medical center commander, said.

“CRDAMC is working very hard to enhance our patients’ healthcare experiences by providing superior medical care; thoughtful and sensitive attention during every encounter; and regular and consistent communications before, during and after every visit,” he said. “I am confident that our efforts will help to promote a culture of trust and ultimately improve provider and patient relationships throughout the medical center. The health and welfare of our Soldiers, Families and Retirees are too important to allow anything less than excellence every time they are touched by the CRDAMC system of healthcare.”

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After 10 months and $9 million in renovations, Monroe Health Clinic officially reopened and is prepared to provide care for approximately 17,000 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers (Photo by Brandy Gill, CRDAMC Public Affairs).

Soldiers sit in the main waiting room at Monroe Health Clinic Thursday, May 31, 2012, while waiting for prescriptions or appointments. The newly renovated facility was designed to follow the Patient Centered Medical Home model of care and now provides many services on sight including, behavioral health care, x-rays, labs and pharmacy (Photo by Brandy Gill, CRDAMC Public Affairs).

Colonel Patrick Sargent, CRDAMC commander, talks to Ms. Charlene Smiley, a medical support administrator at Monroe Health Clinic which officially reopened following renovations May 31, 2012 (Photo by Brandy Gill, CRDAMC Public Affairs).

Colonel Patrick Sargent, CRDAMC commander, talks to Pfc. Navarre Mitchell, a 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Soldier, and Ms. Charlene Smiley, a Monroe medical support administrator as Capt. Donald Pitcock looks on. The clinic staff celebrated reopening the clinic May 31, 2012, after 10 months of renovations (Photo by Brandy Gill, CRDAMC Public Affairs).

Capt. Donald Pitcock, the Monroe Health Clinic head nurse, simulates chest compressions on Spc. Donald Mac Clary while Spc. Andrew Kluever simulates assisted breathing during a mock code at the newly remodeled clinic. Mock codes are performed to ensure the staff and facilities are prepared in case of any medical emergencies (Photo by Brandy Gill, CRDAMC Public Affairs).

By Patricia Deal

CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas—Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s recently promoted sergeants passed under crossed swords during an induction ceremony here June 7 signifying their entrance into the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Corps.

The traditional ceremony gives the new NCOs a better understanding of the significance of becoming a sergeant and moving from follower to leader.

“It really is meaningful for the Soldiers. Everything about the ceremony, from the charge to the NCOs to the official welcome to the recitation of the NCO Creed, brings to life the importance of this critical step in their career,” said Command Sgt. Major, Roger Velarde, CRDAMC’s senior-enlisted advisor. “The ceremony also recognizes the hard work the Soldier did to get the promotion and defines the higher expectations required of NCOs.”

While he’s had several milestones in his more than 20-year career, Velarde said he still remembers the pride he felt at his own induction ceremony in 1989, around the time of the start of the rite-of-passage tradition. “I was happy to get my promotion orders, but the ceremony really made it real for me,” he added.

In his remarks to the inductees, Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Reed, 15^th Brigade Support Battalion, 1^st Cavalry Division, emphasized the importance of mentoring junior enlisted Soldiers to help them become better Soldiers and future leaders. He told the new NCOs they were responsible for more than just themselves now and they needed to get to know their Soldiers, not just on a professional basis, but on a personal level as well. They should do whatever is necessary to take care of Soldiers.

For Sgt. Sabrina Mena, the ceremony sent chills down her spine. “It was one thing to say, ‘okay, now I’m a sergeant,’ but stepping though the sabers made it a reality for me,” said the preventative medicine NCO. “I am a leader now, and committed to mentoring and taking care of my Soldiers.”

Mena said she is motivated to begin her leadership role. “I’ve had good and not so good NCOs throughout my career. Both experiences have influenced me, helping me to develop my own leadership style. I’m ready to help my Soldiers take it to the next level,” she said.

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Recently promoted sergeants display their chevrons after being inducted to the NCO Corps in a ceremony June 7. Pictured are: (from back, left to right) Sergeants Joseph Cameron, Cornelieus Davenport, Sean Grafton, Matthew Drake, Jessica Vinziant, Heather Fisher, Esther Bennett, Samuel Teague, Paul Mendez, Sabrina Mena, Brandon Salinas, Dustin Wittman, Brandon Reid, Joshua Smith, John Visneski. (Photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

By CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas--Look around any office or worksite and there will be lots of workers with hunched shoulders, angled necks and wrists and twisted hands. Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s Safety Office is promoting worksite safety and occupational health programs to help reduce the risk of injury to workers.

“Our goal is to help maintain a safe and healthful work environment. Work-related staff injuries have a direct impact on mission readiness,” said Steven Smith, safety engineer at CRDAMC. “Many, if not all, of work-related injuries are preventable. Many times solutions to common hazards can be as simple as rearranging a work space or moving the work area higher or lower or closer.”

More than 38 percent of all reported staff incidents last year at CRDAMC such as lost time, first aid or near miss were the direct result of ergonomic risk factors, according to Smith. 

“Essentially, ergonomics is about fitting the workplace to the worker. Primary ergonomic risk factors that increase risk of injury are awkward postures, repetition, and force (typically lifting),” he said. “Be aware that your risk multiplies when any of these are combined or you are exposed to them over long periods of time.”

Ideally when performing tasks, your posture should be balanced and aligned to put minimal pressure on your joints and muscles, Smith stated.  The three curves of your spine (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) should be relaxed and in alignment, your shoulders in a resting position, your head level and balanced (not tilting or twisting), your wrists in-line with your forearms and your feet shoulder width apart for stability. 

To avoid awkward posture and reduce risk of injury, make some adjustments to your work area, Smith suggested.  Place most frequently used items so they are within easy reach, rearrange your work space so it is closer and directly in front of your body and move the work area higher or lower  to avoid excessive reach.

The more repetitive your job tasks, the more you are at risk, he added.

“Rotate your tasks often. Get up and get moving: get a drink of water, make a phone call, take a walk to the copy machine or walk down the hall to discuss an item with a co-worker rather than using email,” he said.

Despite efforts to educate everyone on the proper lifting techniques, Smith said he wants to keep repeating them as the Safety Office continues to receive reports of staff members – from every part of the organization – who are injured in lifting incidents. Use hand trucks and carts to transport items.  Size up the load; ensure access to the item and that the path of travel is clear. Know your limits and ask for help.

“We all want to go home at the end of each day and enjoy our family, our events, and our activities. Application of basic ergonomics to work tasks is an important step to not only ensuring mission readiness, but also allows you to enjoy a quality lifestyle outside of work,” he concluded.

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Steven Smith (left), safety engineer at CRDAMC, measures the floor-to-arm height of Dr. James Pryor, dermatologist, before adjusting the armrests of his chair.  Proper adjustments to individuals’ work stations based on their height help avoid awkward posture and reduce risk of injury. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

 
Steven Smith (left), safety engineer at CRDAMC, measures the monitor-to-eye distance for Dr. James Pryor, dermatologist, to ensure his monitor is correctly placed approximately two feet away.  Proper adjustments to individuals’ work station based on their height help avoid awkward posture and reduce risk of injury. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

By Patricia Deal

CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas--While the war and continuous deployments have started to dwindle down, the Army Medical Command is ramping up its efforts to take care of the thousands of wounded, ill or injured Warriors and their families.

“It’s been a long 10 ½ years, and a decade of combat has certainly taken its toll on our Soldiers,” said Maj. Gen. Richard Stone, deputy surgeon general, U.S. Army Medical Command, during his recent visit to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood. “A vast majority of Soldiers come back healthy, but a small percentage doesn’t. We are committed to doing absolutely everything we can to help wounded, ill or injured Soldiers recover. If not, we are going to do everything we can to ensure their transition to civilian life goes smoothly and they are properly compensated for any disabilities.”

Stone and his team are visiting major medical treatment facilities (MTF) throughout the Army to review their Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) processes, the current processing system for determining disability services and benefits for injured or ill Soldiers. 

Introduced in 2007, IDES is a joint initiative between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs, partnering the disability rating systems of both departments to produce a single system resulting in benefits that begin after Soldiers separate from military service. Under the previous legacy system, Soldiers first went through the Army’s medical evaluation process and then would go to the VA to enter its disability evaluation system, sometimes waiting more than a year before receiving VA benefits.

On average, Soldiers evaluated through IDES receive their VA disability benefits more than 50 percent faster than those evaluated through the legacy system. In its early stages, the average wait time for benefits was 297 days, close to the IDES goal. Now with the increased surge of Soldiers needing medical evaluations, the wait time has increased to an average of 394 days, according to the Government Accountability Office.

“It is a long process and we recognize that the unknown and uncertainty during that period causes anxiety and stress for Soldiers and their families,” Stone said. “IDES is already faster than the legacy system, as there is no gap from when Soldiers get out of the Army to when they start receiving their disability benefits. We are taking steps such as consolidating services and adding more MEB/IDES providers to further improve the process and tackle the wait times.”

During his tour of MTFs, Stone and his team will identify best practices and share the findings with all the facilities to help improve the process. Fort Hood, one of the largest deployment posts, was Stone’s first stop and he said he was pleased with CRDAMC’s successes in streamlining the IDES process and increasing brigade interaction.

“There is a very high quality of service at Hood and it’s evident everyone is committed to helping the Soldier. The case load has grown rapidly, yet morale of Soldiers and staff is high,” Stone said, adding that he will highlight Fort Hood in his monthly video-teleconference “Grand Rounds” meetings with other MTF leadership in June.

Some of the significant accomplishments at CRDAMC include creating templates for providers to complete 8 to 12 narrative summaries (NARSUMS) per week, aligning physical evaluation board liaison officers (PEBLO) to units, establishing PEBLO core competency training, formulating PEBLO performance metrics and transparent reporting of provider productivity.

Col. Patrick Sargent, CRDAMC commander, said he is happy with the MEB/IDES department’s efforts to enhance the process and confident they will continue to make improvements.

“IDES is not an administrative process—it is a human process. Decisions can’t be made lightly. It takes time to fully assess the needs and desires of each Soldier,” he stated. “For us, it’s not about making the numbers. It’s ensuring we’re doing all we can to provide world-class healthcare, one patient at a time.”

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Maj. Gen. Richard Stone, deputy surgeon general, U.S. Army Medical Command, met with Col. Patrick D. Sargent, commander of Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, during a recent visit to Fort Hood, Texas. Stone and his team are visiting major medical treatment facilities (MTF) throughout the Army to review their Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) processes, the current processing system for determining disability services and benefits for injured or ill Soldiers.  (Photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

By Patricia Deal

CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas—Volunteers from the Home Depot in Killeen created a serenity garden in front of the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s Fisher House here June 1 as the final phase of an almost $15,000 home improvement project donated by Home Depot.

“Our goal is to give back to the community, especially to help Soldiers and their families. The Fisher House could certainly benefit from our services and we’re happy to help,” said Pam Mashburn, Team Depot captain. “The store donated supplies, and all the labor was done by volunteers—employees who come to help on their day off. We have no shortage of volunteers, as the majority of our employees are active-duty Soldiers or veterans. The core values of Home Depot are pretty much the same as the Army’s. We are all about helping others in need.”

Over the last six months, Team Depot stretched their budget so they could do as much as possible for the Fisher House, inside and out. Volunteers painted all the rooms, laid carpet and tile and added finishing touches such as new blinds. Two years ago volunteers built  a pergola over the patio. This year they put a shed up for more storage space. Other improvements included landscaping the property and building a serenity garden and birdbath complete with colorful flowers and plants.

“I have no problem giving up my days off to help on these projects. Any time you can spend helping others is time well-spent, I think. This is my way of saying thanks for all that you do,” said Debie Parsons, an Army veteran who has been in this area for seven years. She has volunteered often for community outreach programs throughout her tenure with Home Depot.

Isaac Howard, manager of the Fisher House, said he is appreciative of everything the Home Depot does for the Fisher House.

“We rely heavily on donations so we deeply value the contribution and the hard work done by the Home Depot team. Families staying at the Fisher House are going through a sensitive and emotional time, so anything we can do to make their environment more pleasing and inviting helps improve their spirit,” Howard said. “I’m proud to know that we have such good friends at the Home Depot who want to help support the Fisher House families.”

The 57 Fisher Houses in the United States and Germany offer shelter and support for military members and their families during a medical crisis. Since 1990, Fisher Houses have saved families more than $192 million in lodging and transportations costs.

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Landscaping improvements to the CRDAMC Fisher House included the addition of a scenic birdbath. Landscaping was one of many home improvement tasks completed as part of an almost $15,000 home improvement project donated by Home Depot. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Pam Mashburn, Team Depot captain discusses plans with Melvin Fair, Jr., Fisher House associate, for the serenity garden she and other volunteers built as part of an almost $15,000 home improvement project donated by Home Depot. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Visitors to the CRDAMC Fisher House can enjoy the patio with its new pergola, thanks to an almost $15,000 home improvement project donated by Home Depot. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Rooms at the CRDAMC Fisher House got a fresh look as part of an almost $15,000 home improvement project donated by Home Depot. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

The new serenity garden in the front of the CRDAMC Fisher House offers visitors a peaceful and inviting spot to relax. The serenity garden was part of an almost $15,000 home improvement project donated by Home Depot. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

By Patricia Deal

CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas--For the woman who just found out she’s pregnant, her head is usually spinning with thoughts of everything she needs to do over the next several months. Carl R. Darnall Women’s Health Center has guided tens of thousands of women on their journey, from prenatal care to delivery.

“We know that pregnancy, while exciting and joyous, can be daunting for many women. They will have many appointments and lots of questions,” said Sharon Moton, Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Clinic reception head nurse. “We help them every step of the way, and beyond. We offer so many different treatment services and such a variety of information and educational classes that we can honestly say we have you covered no matter what you need.”

It all starts with a positive pregnancy result documented by a healthcare provider or lab. Then all pregnant patients register with the Women’s Health Center where everything’s mapped out for them as to appointments, tests and services.

Patients are assigned to a color-coded team of providers who will care for the patient throughout the pregnancy. “The team approach to care gives patients continuity of care and quicker access,” Moton said. “Our patients like the idea of having the same team-member provider take care of them. It instills a greater sense of confidence in the quality of care they receive.”

A patient considered to have a low-risk pregnancy has about 10-12 prenatal visits, including her ultrasound. Throughout the pregnancy, patients will typically see certified nurse midwives (CNM) and nurse practitioners, with nursing assistants and or other support staff assisting. Obstetricians or residents (supervised) see high-risk or complicated pregnancy patients for prenatal care and delivery.

Lieutenant Col. Brenda Houston, CNM, said she likes the team concept and continuity of care. “Since I see my patients so regularly, I really do develop a bond; so much so that I have a twinge of sadness when they deliver. I know I will miss them,” said Houston, who has spent the last 16 years of her 25-year Army medical career as a CNM. “Midwifery is about empowerment, and it is rewarding for me as I do more than just attend to their medical needs. I am attuned to my patients, and help in whatever way I can to help them become the parents they were meant to be.”

In addition to normal prenatal care, the Women’s Health Center also sees pregnant patients for any acute health care needs. Moton said patients should call in the morning for same or next-day appointments, but that the WHC would try to work in patients without an appointment.

While the WHC staff takes care of the pregnant patients’ medical needs, they address the educational side, too. The center offers many classes such as Pregnancy PT (weekly class mandatory for active-duty Soldiers), Breastfeeding, Prepared Childbirth, Anesthesia, and Siblings. The center’s website at www.crdamc.amedd.army.mil/default.asp?page=whc provides even more information and helpful links.

The WHC’s Centering Program expands prenatal care and support for all pregnant patients. Expecting women attend 10 Centering sessions, which include individual prenatal care and small group interaction for pregnant patients with similar delivery due dates.

Sargent Jessica Barker, a 1st Cavalry Division Soldier, took time to reflect on her prenatal care while she began her labor May 22. “I thought everything was great. This is my first child, and I had a lot of questions. The Pregnancy PT class covered every topic and answered so many of my questions. Everyone helped me, from my midwife to other staff,” she said. “Now I’m just so ready to have this baby.”

Barker and all other pregnant patients do look forward to the next and final stop on the journey—delivery.

The WHC, with its new year-old facility, has every aspect of that covered, too.

The Labor/Delivery/Recovery (LDR) rooms in are spacious, comfortable and more family-friendly environment. Patients stay in the same room for labor and delivery, and the rooms are equipped with everything needed for mom and newborn.

Patients with no complications deliver in their room by a CNM. Complicated patients (including all cesarean sections) are delivered by obstetricians or supervised residents.

“The majority of births at Darnall are delivered natural (vaginally) by our CNMs. Although not the preferred, some deliveries do require Cesarean sections. Fortunately for our patients, Darnall’s average C-section rate is 29 percent, which is lower than the national average of 32 percent,” explained Maj. (Dr.) Nader Rabie, chief of Obstetrics.

The surgical aspect of delivery makes the obstetrician a full-rounded provider, which appealed to Capt. (Dr.) Paul Hendrix when choosing his specialty. “I see high risk patients in the clinic environment for their prenatal care, and operate when necessary. Nothing about my job is boring or routine. Not even the patients, as each one is as important as the next,” he said. “Obstetricians have to be compassionate throughout all aspects of their job.”

Obstetricians and midwives at Darnall don’t always deliver the same patients they have been seeing prenatally, Hendrix added, so there has to be high level of trust amongst themselves.

“All of us treat each patient as if they are our own. Midwife or doctor, we all share that same commitment to our patients. It’s all about making sure that we do whatever we can to take care of the patients,” he said, adding that he knew his wife was in good hands when his son was delivered at Darnall in February. 

While pregnancy lasts for months and labor can last for hours, the actual birth only takes minutes. Once the baby is delivered and mom and newborn have received required post-delivery care, both will stay in the hospital for two to four days, depending on individual circumstances.

“This is really a happy time for moms and dads and babies as they spend their first moments together as a family. I find this part of my job so rewarding,” said Brenda Vazquez, nurse at CRDAMC’s Mother Baby Unit.

Vazquez has 24 years of experience as a maternal care nurse, plus she’s had experience as a patient, having delivered her two babies at Darnall in 2000 and 2001.

“There have been a lot of changes over the years, and I think mothers today have the best of it,” she said. “But the one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the look of appreciation I get from the moms and dads as I help them with these last few things before they go home and start on a whole new journey.”

SIDE BAR

Darnall’s Centering Program adds an educational and emotional focus to typical prenatal care

By Patricia Deal

CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s Pregnancy Centering Program adds an educational and emotional focus to typical prenatal care for its pregnant patients.

Pregnancy Centering programs, established by the Centering Health Institute in collaboration with the March of Dimes Foundation, are offered at civilian and military hospitals across the country to encourage pregnant women to adopt healthy behaviors during pregnancy. Centering sessions include individual prenatal care and small group interaction.

Centering groups at Darnall usually have 10-12 moms-to-be with similar due-dates. Beginning at the 16th week of pregnancy, groups meet for 10 two-hour sessions during their pregnancy. Each session starts with an individual, routine prenatal checkup and private consultation with a provider. The rest of the session time includes open group discussions and instruction on a variety of medical and lifestyle topics concerning pregnancy and childbirth. Spouses are encouraged to attend.

“I learned so much more from my Centering group than I could have ever gotten from a book or 15 minute sessions with a doctor at the clinic,” said Sgt. Christina Pressley, from the 504^th BFSB at West Fort Hood. She added she is happy she opted to attend the voluntary Centering program in addition to the hospital’s Pregnancy PT program, which is mandatory for all pregnant active-duty Soldiers. “This is my first child and my family is in Mississippi, but now with everything I’ve learned and the support I’ve received from this group, the whole idea of having a baby feels less frightening and overwhelming.”

Centering sessions cover a wide-range of topics such as dealing with back pain, getting better sleep, breastfeeding, options for childbirth and exercising. Often classes will have guest speakers for additional expert advice.

“Each Centering class is structured differently to better meet the needs and goals of the group,” explained Kristyn Leftridge, Centering program coordinator. “There’s no such thing as a dumb question, and frankly, no topic is taboo. We get a mixture of experienced moms along with the first time moms and information is shared both ways.  I’ve yet to have a patient tell me she didn’t learn anything from her Centering group.”

The main advantage to the Centering program is the bonds that are forged between women in the groups and even across different groups.

Esperanza Carter, due to deliver her first baby in July, is one of the youngest members of her group and said she appreciates the support of all of her group members. “They’ve all been so wonderful to me. It’s like having a whole bunch of new sisters,” she added.

Many of the Centering “alumni” still stay in touch with their class coordinators and each other, forming weekly playgroups for their children and sharing photos on Facebook. Co-coordinator Sharon Shaw said she can attest to the strong bonding experience of the Centering program, as she has remained close friends with one of her earlier patients who has since moved away but is coming back next month with her child to visit Shaw.

“There are so many good stories that come out of Centering. In one of my groups, a patient was in a terrible car accident just weeks before she was due to deliver. She was in a lot of pain and couldn’t walk. Her husband was deployed and so the other group members rallied around her, taking complete care of her until her husband could get home. And this was around Christmas when everyone is busy with their own families,” Leftridge shared. “You can’t receive that type of care and support from any traditional class. That’s what sets Centering apart.”

For more information about the Centering Program session at Darnall, call the Women’s Health Center at (254) 288-8109. For general information on Centering Pregnancy, visit www.enteringhealthcare.org.

To view and download high resolution images, click on the thumbnail. A new window will pop up. Right-click on the image and choose Save Image to save to your computer. 

Captain (Dr.) Paul Hendrix, CRDAMC obstetrician, does an ultrasound on five-months pregnant Kristy Castillo during her prenatal visit. Obstetricians or residents (supervised) see high-risk or complicated pregnancy patients for prenatal care and delivery at Darnall. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

 
Lieutenant Col. Brenda Houston, certified nurse midwife (CNM) at Darnall, listens to the heartbeat of LaTisha Cones’ baby during what Cones hopes will be her last prenatal visit. In addition to providing prenatal care, CRDAMC CNMs deliver all the babies from moms with no complications, which accounts for the majority of births at Darnall. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

 
Bethany Webster, nurse practitioner at CRDAMC, prepares an iron infusion treatment for  patient Rachel Gebhardt, who is almost eight-months pregnant with her first child. Iron fusion treatments are done at CRDAMC’s Women’s Health Center on an out-patient basis for pregnant women as prescribed by their provider. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Major (Dr.) Adriena Beatty, CRDAMC obstetrician, monitors labor contractions of 1^st Cavalry Division Soldier, Sgt. Jessica Barker, who is ready to deliver her first baby with soon-to-be father Sgt. Paul Barker, also from  1^st Cavalry Division, at her side. Beatty had just induced Barker’s labor and anticipates a natural birth. Pregnant patients with no complications stay in the same room for labor and delivery at the new CRDAMC Women’s Health Center. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

 
Brenda Vazquez, nurse at CRDAMC’s Mother Baby Unit, watches as new dad, Capt. Tom Piernicky from 1^st Cavalry Division, uses a bulb syringe to clear baby Alannah’s mouth after a small spitup. After delivery, mom and newborn will stay in the hospital for two to four days  and Vazquez said she enjoys that time, helping new moms and dads as they experience their first parenting moments with their baby. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Members of a CRDAMC Pregnancy Centering Program exchange gifts at the group’s baby shower May 29. Kristyn Leftridge (back, left), Centering program coordinator, said a baby shower is one of many activities offered by the program that help moms-to-be bond and gain support from one another. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

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By Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas--The 2,534 babies born at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s new Women’s Health Center since its official opening last year will not remember their experience.

But the mothers (and fathers) will remember every minute from before the birth to day of discharge.

Ensuring that Soldiers and their new babies have a pleasant and memorable experience is exactly what the new WHC is designed to do, per the MEDCEN Commander, Col. Patrick Sargent.

“The birth of your child is a celebrated moment in your life. Our goal is to enhance patients’ experience so they are comfortable, happy and appreciative of the care they receive here,” he said. “From the latest technology and equipment to the caring staff, each and every mother is treated with compassion and the highest quality medical care.”

The 44,000 sq. ft. facility built adjacent to the main hospital features officially opened May 6, 2011. It features many desirable amenities such as more space for patients and staff and the latest state-of-the-art equipment.

The nine Labor/Delivery/Recovery (LDR) rooms are approximately 400 sq. ft. each offering a spacious, comfortable and more family-friendly environment. Patients stay in the same room for labor and delivery, and there’s more than enough room for guests and visitors. Each room has a window, large bathroom, personal storage area, and a large sleep area for expectant mothers and their guest. Babies stay with moms and special equipment like warmers in the rooms enhance newborn care.

“The new rooms are wonderful. There’s so much more space. The old rooms were so small it was often difficult to accommodate the entire birthing team and family members all at the same time,” said Maj. (Dr.) Adriena Beatty, obstetrician at the WHC. Not only can Beatty legitimately make the comparison as a provider, having worked in both old and new centers, she also delivered her son in the old section. “Everyone loves the new rooms. They definitely make patients and their families much more comfortable and at ease.”

One mother who delivered one of her babies in the old WHC is excited to deliver her next baby in the new room. “They are great. Everything’s new and has all modern equipment. They’re very roomy. You might not think so, but it does make a difference,” said Kristy Castillo, who is five months pregnant with her third child. “I’m happy with all the services I’ve received. I absolutely love my doctor. No doubt everyone here cares about me and my baby.”

For one first-time mom, the new rooms have helped ease her anxiety about delivering. “They are homey and roomy, plus they have everything I’ll need. It helps, too, that the staff here has been so helpful to me,” said Sarah Marceron, who is expected to deliver May 26. “The wireless internet in the room is an added perk. My family is unable to be here for the birth so we will Skype with them so they can see the new grandbaby right away.”

In addition to providing more room for labor and deliveries, the expanded space helps improve patient services and access to care.

“Everything about the new facility helps promote a friendly and caring atmosphere. The atrium in the waiting room makes it bright and sunny. The play area is a godsend as it occupies kids while mom waits,” said Sharon Moton, OB/GYN Clinic reception head nurse. Moton has worked in women’s health services at Darnall since 1993 and has nothing but praise for the recent changes. “I’ve heard so many positive comments over the last year. Even small things like the addition of a men’s restroom in the reception area is a nicety that is appreciated by our dads who accompany moms on their appointments. We have four check-in stations with electronic numbering and pager system now so the pregnant ladies don’t have to stand in line for so long.”

With the expansion and consolidation of services, some of the wait times for routine visits have lessened, per Moton.

“We can work with patients to get them seen for acute care even without an appointment and we work around their schedules by saving end of day appointments for teachers and other working women,” she said.

Another benefit of the center is the addition of an Omni-cell machine which allows providers to dispense common medications for pregnant women such as pre-natal vitamins, iron pills or insulin. The on-the-spot dispensing at the end of their visit eliminates a trip to the pharmacy for moms.

In addition to obstetric care, the clinic provides gynecological care to patients. Clinics provide basic services and the WHC handles all referrals.

The new facility has one treatment room and two procedure rooms which allows for increased out-patient care. In the old center with limited room availability, there were long wait times for appointments for treatments and procedures such as a tubal ligation.

The WHC is still doing all the same services they’ve always provided, but the new facility has given them more room to better manage their workflow and scheduling, and to offer a bit more patient care services, Beatty explained.

“We do whatever is necessary to help our patients. If we need to stay longer with one patient, we just apologize to our next patient. No one is just another number to us, nor is one delivery like the thousands before it,” she concluded. “Unlike civilian hospitals, we aren’t driven by monetary rewards. Our satisfaction comes in making our patients comfortable and confident and ensuring they are well-taken care of. Every patient matters and we strive to make their experience a pleasurable one.”

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Lorraine Shannon, nurse practitioner at CRDAMC’s Women’s Health Center, visits her patient Nikkaguin Piernicky who had just delivered baby Alannah and new dad Capt. Tom Piernicky, 1st Cavalry Division. Since its official opening last year, thousands of moms have enjoyed the comfort of the WHC’s spacious Labor/Delivery/Recovery rooms which provide a comfortable and more family-friendly environment for families. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

 
Sergeant Matthew Mays, 1st Cavalry Division, plays with his son, Liam Mays, eight months old, while they wait with mom Lindsey at the CRDAMC’s Women’s Health Center. The play area is one of many family-friendly features of the WHC, which officially opened last year. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

 
Debbie Black, nurse practitioner at the CRDAMC’s Women’s Health Center, pulls a blood glucose monitoring device from the center’s Omni-cell for a patient, saving her a trip to the pharmacy. The Omni-cell with its on-the-spot dispensing of common medications for pregnant women is one of many enhancements in the WHC which officially opened last year. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

 
Certified Nursing Assistants Shekeya McCallister (left) and Christine Binsfeld prepare a procedure room at the CRDAMC’s Women’s Health Center  which officially opened last year. The addition of one treatment room and two procedure rooms allows for increased out-patient care with less wait times for appointments.  (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and its primary care clinics will modify its operating hours in observance of the Memorial Day holiday, May 25-28.  The hospital will be open for emergency services, inpatient care, and labor and delivery services.

Primary and Urgent Care Services

On Friday, May 25, appointments for TRICARE Prime enrollees are available at the Thomas Moore, Bennett, and Russell Collier clinics.  Active Duty sick call is available at Thomas Moore, Bennett, FMRC and Russell Collier during regular sick call hours.  Troop Medical Clinic #12 and Monroe Health Clinic will be closed on Friday May 25 and Monday, May 28. 

From Saturday through Monday (May 26-28), care for acute health problems is available at the Weekend Acute Care Clinic at the Thomas Moore Health Clinic on 58^th Street and 761^st Battalion Avenue.  The clinic is open for walk-in urgent care from 8 – 10 a.m. and from 1 – 3 p.m. This clinic is for active-duty Soldiers and TRICARE Prime enrollees assigned to CRDAMC’s Family Medicine Clinics, Medical Homes, Troop Medical Clinics, and the Pediatric Clinic.  

The Pediatric Clinic, located at the corner of 761st Battalion Ave. and 31st Street, will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, May 25, for acute care appointments and closed on Monday, May 28.  Please call 288-8888 to make an appointment.

During the holiday period from May 25-28, Internal Medicine TRICARE Prime enrollees with urgent care needs should go to the Emergency Department.

The Patient Appointment Service, 288-8888, is open from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, May 25, closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and will resume services Tuesday, May 29.

Darnall and its clinics will resume normal opening hours on Tuesday, May 29.

Nurse Advice Line

Darnall’s Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 by calling (254) 553-3695. Individuals living in the Fort Hood area entitled to military healthcare may talk to registered nurses about urgent health issues, guidance on non-emergency situations, and information about self-care for injuries or illnesses.   

Pharmacies

CRDAMC’s Main Outpatient Pharmacy will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 25 -26.  The Main Outpatient Pharmacy will be closed May 27 - 28.

The Thomas Moore Health Clinic pharmacy will be open from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, May 25.  It will then be open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, May 26 to Monday, May 28.

The Bennett and Collier (West Ford Hood) Health Clinics will be open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, May 25 and closed on Monday, May 28

The Monroe Pharmacy will be closed all four days:  May 25, 26, 27 and 28.

 All pharmacies return to normal operating hours on Tuesday, May 29.

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By Patricia Deal

CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD — More than thirty different services and organizations from on- and off-post came together at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Behavioral Health Fair to put out a unified message that help and support are available to Soldiers and their families.

 “One in four American adults suffers from one or more behavioral health issues. We put on the fair to raise awareness that help is readily available for whatever may be causing Soldiers or family members stress. Additionally, we wanted a variety of services at the fair to support the idea that well-being means achieving a balance of mental, physical and spiritual health,” said Public Health Service Lt. Cmdr. Allah Sharrieff, executive officer for Darnall's Behavioral Health Department. The one-day fair and informational classes are part of Mental Health Month activities CRDAMC sponsored for May.

“Behavioral health treatment today is so much more than just seeing a counselor,” Sharrieff added. “There are traditional treatments, but also holistic methods and exercises that help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.”

The 200 visitors who came to the fair at Abrams Gym May 10 gathered information from mental health resources such as Family Advocacy Program, Suicide Prevention and Marriage and Family Counseling Services. Visitors also tried some of the holistic treatments for behavioral health and reducing stress such as Acudetox, Reiki and massages. Visitors observed or participated in fitness classes such as Zumba, Spin, Firm Fit and Tai Chi.

 “People just don’t realize the many services available for them to get help,” he added. “We’re pleased with the variety of groups and services that came out. We had a diverse mix with something for everyone--Soldiers, family members, civilian employees.”

Darnall’s behavioral health staff showcased some of its newer services, including an intensive outpatient program for concurrent post-traumatic stress and substance abuse that opened last year.

In addition to the typical behavioral health and social work services and groups, other participators included representatives from Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and ACS Financial Readiness Branch who provided information and on-the-spot advice.

“A Special Forces group also participated, helping to convey the message that even the most ‘hooah’ Soldiers need to build their resiliency with a balance of mental and fitness well-being. Chaplains were there to talk about the spiritual aspect as well,” Sharrieff said. “It was heartening that we had so many services from the community participate. We had no way of knowing how many people would come, but they felt their time was well spent, as they, too, are committed to helping Soldiers and their families.”

Afterwards, many asked to be sure to include them in next year’s fair, Sharrieff added.

One off-post provider, Linda Chupik, from Chupik Counseling and Consulting in Temple, Texas, was among those. She said she felt it was essential she participate, despite the time commitment.

“This type of event is absolutely important to let the Soldiers and their families know there is help available for them,” said. “There is a great need for mental health providers in this area and we’ve added another office in Killeen to help meet the demand. All of us providers, whether on or off post, support each other in one common goal—to help the Soldiers and their families.”

The coordinators of the Soldier Art Show were pleased that the fair allowed them to spread the word about their upcoming show. The Art Show features artwork created by Soldiers as a positive means of expressing their inner emotions. “We’ve opened the show up to spouses of Soldiers this year, and events like this helps us reach out to the family members,” said Mildred Ladouceur, care manager from the Department of Social Work. “We’re really excited as we had 20 people sign up at the fair.”

The fair was an ideal event for one 61st Multi-function Medical Battalion and two of his Soldiers. Garrett said he is slated to take over as company commander and he wants to be sure his Soldiers returning from deployment are taken care of.

“I gathered information and handouts on all the different types of services, plus POCs (contacts) and phone numbers. I need to be able to tell my Soldiers, ‘hey, all these services are available to help you, whatever issues you may have,’” said Capt. Dan Garrett.

Master Sgt. Erano Bumanglag, medical operations non-commissioned officer, will join Garrett as company leadership when the 61st MMB Soldiers return. He agreed that events like the fair are helpful for everyone, especially leaders.

“I am familiar with most of the services, but there were some new things here. I’m glad I came because I have to be up on all this if I’m going to care of my Soldiers,” Bumanglag said. He added that the information he gathered at the fair will supplement his efforts as a certified Master Resiliency Trainer to help his Soldiers build resiliency.

For some, the fair was an unexpected treat.

“I originally came to the gym for volleyball, which was cancelled because of the rain. So I thought I’d see what was going on inside. I’m glad I did. I got a lot of good information. It’s all things I think about checking out, but can’t find the time to call around. Now I got many of my questions answered in one swoop,” said Pfc. Constance Alford-Hughes, from the 263rd Maintenance Company, 4th Sustainment Brigade.

Reaching those Soldiers like Alford-Hughes and family members is a high priority for Sharrieff and other behavioral health professionals.

“We look at every possible way to get the message out. Yes, there are mandatory briefings and information, and I was glad to see many of the first sergeants and company commanders come out here. But does the information get passed down to the lowest level—that young Soldier, or his spouse?” Sharrieff said. “Events like this fair are a convenient and fun way for everyone to find out what’s out there. The behavioral health information fair is being planned as an annual event.  Our hope is that next year during mental health month, we can reach even more Soldiers, families, and the Fort Hood community.”

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 To view and download high resolution images, click on the thumbnail. A new window will pop up. Right-click on the image and choose Save Image to save to your computer.

Zumba instructors Toni Kornegay (right) and Sabrina Vimoto work up a sweat demonstrating some dance/exercise moves at the CRDAMC Behavioral Health Fair at Abrams Gym May 10. The fair featured a variety of on- and off-post services that are available to Soldiers and their families to help them with behavioral health issues and to improve their overall well-being. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Pfc. Constance Alford-Hughes, from the 263rd Maintenance Company, 4th Sustainment Brigade, picks up information from the Fort Hood Family Advocacy Program representative, Leonora Magallanes, at the CRDAMC Behavioral Health Fair at Abrams Gym May 10. The fair featured a variety of on- and off-post services that are available to Soldiers and their families to help them with behavioral health issues and to improve their overall well-being. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Sgt. Rebecha Rich, from CRDAMC’s Pychiatric Services, receives Acudetox treatment at the CRDAMC Behavioral Health Fair at Abrams Gym May 10. The fair featured a variety of on- and off-post services that are available to Soldiers and their families to help them with behavioral health issues and to improve their overall well-being.  (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Master Sgt. Erano Bumanglag, medical operations non-commissioned officer for the 61st Multi-function Medical Battalion, relaxes with a Reiki treatment provided by Ann Richardson, Triapolis Wellness, at the CRDAMC Behavioral Health Fair at Abrams Gym May 10. The fair featured a variety of on- and off-post services that are available to Soldiers and their families to help them with behavioral health issues and to improve their overall well-being.  (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

Sgt. 1^st Class Adele Warner, 61st Multi-function Medical Battalion, receives a demonstration of biofeedback techniques from Kelly McCabe, Scott and White Homefront Project, at the CRDAMC Behavioral Health Fair at Abrams Gym May 10. The fair featured a variety of on- and off-post services that are available to Soldiers and their families to help them with behavioral health issues and to improve their overall well-being. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)

SIDE BAR:

Darnall behavioral health professionals share information on various issues at free classes

by Patricia Deal

CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD — As part of Behavioral Health Awareness month, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Department is sponsoring a series of classes every Thursday in May on various behavioral health issues and concerns.

“We chose topics that would help people with some of the most serious issues such as suicide, depression and trauma. Our first sessions centered on children’s behavioral health issues such as ADHD and anxiety,” said Corey Harvey, care coordinator for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Evaluation Service clinic at CRDAMC. “Perhaps the best aspect of the classes, is the available interaction between presenter and attendees. Presenters shortened their speeches a bit so they could field individual questions. We also have other behavioral health staff members available to provide additional information and guidance.”

Attendees at the earlier classes include a mix of the general public and medical staff, according to Harvey. Some of the classes offer continuing education credits to staff.

“But it’s also a great opportunity for the Soldier or spouse to get some vital information from the subject matter experts,” Harvey said. “I think people are coming forth more and more seeking knowledge on behavioral health issues that directly impact them.”

There is still a bit of stigma attached within the military community to seeking help for behavioral health issues, which could hinder attendance somewhat.

“But we’re chipping away at it.  This is our second year of offering these classes and attendance is up,” Harvey said. “One way I try to help people overcome their hesitancy is to approach them with the idea, that maybe they know someone who is suffering from depression or PTSD, so they should come and get as much information as possible to help them. People always seem to want to help others, and this way, they also learn something themselves.”

Classes are held Thursdays at the Oveta Culp Hobby building next to the Copeland Service Center and are free to the public. Each class will include a presentation by local mental health care professionals, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Upcoming classes include:

May 17

1-2 p.m: "Overcoming grief/dealing with loss of a loved one"
Dr. Courtney Lynch, Ph.D, LCSW & Mr. Michael Sparks, LCSW

May 24

1-3 p.m: “PTSD/Trauma”

Dr. Ross, Psychiatrist of Timberlawn Mental Health Systems

May 31
1-3 p.m: "Impact of parents' issues on children and family coping skills"

Ms. Maxine Trent, LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist)

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