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ECHCS Director Kilmer's Message to Veterans



VA Video Connect during a Pandemic

Learn about VA Video Connect with Dr. Cole Zanetti

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Most coronaviruses infect animals, but not people. However, seven different
coronaviruses, that scientists know of, can infect people and make them sick.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an
outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified
in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

The respiratory virus PCR test available in our laboratory detects the common
human coronaviruses. It does not detect the 2019-nCoV. Currently, testing for the
2019-nCoV is only available from the Centers for Disease Control.

Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak had some link to a large seafood
and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing
number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating
person-to-person spread is occurring. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or
sustainably this virus is spreading between people. 

The first infection with 2019-nCoV in the United States was reported on January 21,
2020. The current count of cases of infection with 2019-nCoV in the United States is
available on CDC’s webpage: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html

For confirmed 2019-nCoV infections, reported illnesses have ranged from infected
people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms
can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as
few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to
prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, general preventive
actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses is always recommended,
such as:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.

Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System

VA MISSION ACT: Get information here about the legislation and initiatives set forth to better take care of our Veterans! CLICK HERE
For the latest press releases, click here  For the latest VA headlines, click here   The Fourteener, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care Systems' digital quarterly newsletter
	February 2020 - The 7th edition of The Fourteener highlights Pueblo's PFC Dunn VA Clinic, the FY19 Annual Report, progress on your new Fisher House and stories on our Women Veterans Health Care Program, the Adaptive Sports Program and rTMS--a new treatment option for depression.
	October 2019 - In this sixth edition, we will introduce you to our new Director and tell you more about ECHCS, an overview of services offered at Jewell Clinic, a Regional Amputation Center and how one Veteran shed 200 pounds using the MOVE! program!
	July 2019 - The fifth edition of The Fourteener highlights our Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder Clinic, MISSION Act details, a Colorado National Guard Veteran's recovery journey, Colorado Springs' Butterfly Brigade and more!
	April 2019 - The fourth edition of The Fourteener features an in depth look at the Golden Clinic and the services it provides to our Veterans! Also, a look at ECHCS and its Recreational Therapy Program and more!
	January 2019 - The third edition of The Fourteener opens the new year with features on the Alamosa Outpatient Clinic, the VA Healthcare Provider of the Year, one of your ECHCS Providers and more!
	October 2018 - The second edition of your newsletter features the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Outpatient Clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
	July 2018 - The inagural edition of VA Eastern Colorado Health Care Sytem's digital quarterly newlsetter features the opening of the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado.
The ECHCS Office of Public Affairs serves as the initial contact for reporters, producers, and other media representatives seeking information about the Eastern Colorado Health Care System or wishing to interview faculty/staff experts. This office functions as ECHCS' news bureau, serving as the primary source of information about the institution, patient care, staff and staff collaboration, awards, reviews, accreditations, medical and research advances, environmental safety, and technological advances.  In the event of an emergency or other ongoing event, you will find the most recent updates on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DenverVAMC or our Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VADenver. Brandy Morrison ECHCS Public Affairs Officer 1700 N Wheeling St Aurora, CO 80045 Office: (720)723-6532 Cell: (720)245-1550 E-mail: Brandy.Morrison2@va.gov

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The following guidelines can assist you in arranging interviews, video sessions, or photo opportunities with ECHCS newsmakers

• Call the Public Affairs Office to arrange all interviews with any VA staff member. We will respond as quickly as we can. (Patients seeking medical advice should contact their health care provider or dial 911 for medical emergencies.)
• Advance notice of on-site interviews is necessary so staff can arrange locations for media interviews or photo shoots and line up appropriate sources for your story.
• All film crews and photographers must be accompanied while on campus. Our main priority is patient privacy and adherence to HIPPA regulations. We also want to make sure you get the information you are looking for and to coordinate shoot locations and ensure interviews go smoothly.
• If you are a student working on a research paper and looking to interview a veteran about his military experience, we encourage you to contact a Veterans Service Organization for assistance.  You can find a comprehensive list at http://www1.va.gov/VSO/.  Alternatively, contact the United Veterans committee of Colorado at www.unitedveteranscommittee.com.