Claire Dawson
Veterans in Guam have access to a VA clinic, which provides primary care and outpatient services. However, there are concerns about potential cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which could affect the availability of services. The Guam VA Clinic offers a range of services, including geriatric care, support for LGBTQ+ veterans, and assistance for those experiencing homelessness. In addition, the Guam Vet Center provides counselling and support for veterans and their families, addressing issues such as PTSD, depression, and bereavement. While there are no VA hospitals on the island, the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System includes a VA medical centre in Honolulu, which coordinates care for veterans in Guam and other Pacific islands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Guam VA Clinic |
| Type | Outpatient clinic |
| Address | Guam VA Clinic campus |
| Services | Primary care, geriatric care, LGBTQ+ affirmative care, counselling, bereavement counselling, caregiver support, suicide prevention, crisis support, housing support, prescription medication |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Contact | 877-927-8387 |
| Website | https://www.va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care/locations/guam-va-clinic/ |
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What You'll Learn
Guam VA Clinic
The Guam VA Clinic is an outpatient clinic offering primary care and other health services to veterans. The clinic is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and provides wheelchairs for patients who need them. The Guam VA Clinic is part of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, which includes a VA medical centre in Honolulu that coordinates care for veterans in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Guam VA Clinic offers a range of services, including geriatric care, emergency and transitional housing for homeless veterans, LGBTQ+ affirmative care, and support for caregivers of veterans. The clinic also provides referrals to non-VA doctors when needed. However, veterans in Guam sometimes face lengthy delays in receiving prescriptions, which are mailed to the island, and must travel to Honolulu for cardiac care and other specialty services unavailable at the local clinic.
In addition to the Guam VA Clinic, the Guam Vet Center provides confidential, non-medical support for veterans and their families, including counselling for depression, PTSD, bereavement, and other mental health issues. The Vet Center also offers couples and family counselling, as well as assistance with understanding VA benefits and accessing resources such as housing and VA home loans. The Guam Vet Center has a 24/7 crisis line and is located within walking distance from the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) stop at the GOVGUAM RETIREMENT BUILDING in Maite.
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Guam Vet Center
Guam is home to two primary US military bases: Naval Base Guam and Andersen Air Force Base. However, there is only one small Veterans Affairs clinic on the island, with one psychologist. This is the Guam VA Clinic, which offers primary care and outpatient services. The clinic is open Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Guam Vet Center provides additional support for veterans, service members, and their families. The center offers free and confidential help in a non-medical setting. Services include individual, couples, and family counselling for issues like PTSD, depression, grief, anger, trauma, and military sexual trauma (MST). The center also facilitates support groups for caregivers and those struggling with bereavement. Licensed behavioral health professionals are on hand to provide these services. The Guam Vet Center also assists veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, connecting them with resources and emergency housing.
Veterans in Guam can also access services at the Honolulu VA Medical Center, which is 3,800 miles away. This center provides cardiac care and other specialty services not available at the Guam VA Clinic. However, veterans in Guam face significant gaps in VA healthcare. There are lengthy delays in receiving mailed prescriptions, and the VA has been criticised for undercounting the number of veterans living on the island, which has led to concerns about potential cuts to services.
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Veterans' mental health services
Veterans in Guam have access to mental health services through the Guam VA Clinic and the Guam Vet Center. The Guam VA Clinic offers outpatient primary care services and works with organisations like Disabled American Veterans to provide transportation for veterans to their scheduled medical appointments. The clinic also provides geriatric services and support for LGBTQ+ veterans.
The Guam Vet Center has licensed behavioural health professionals who provide individual, couples, and family counselling. The centre also facilitates support groups for family caregivers of veterans and offers bereavement counselling for families who have lost a loved one during active duty. The Vet Center is equipped to handle inpatient treatment if necessary and can connect veterans to ongoing counselling and services in the community.
In addition to these local resources, veterans in Guam can access cardiac care and other specialty medical services at the Honolulu VA Medical Center, which is approximately 3,800 miles away. However, it is important to note that there have been concerns raised about the adequacy of VA health care in Guam and other US territories. Reports indicate that veterans in these areas face significant gaps in VA health care, including lengthy delays in receiving mailed prescriptions and limited access to specialty medical services.
To address these challenges, the VA has implemented measures such as allowing the Guam VA outpatient clinic to receive medications by mail and providing reimbursement for veterans who require treatment for service-connected disabilities. Additionally, legislation has been enacted to offset travel expenses for veterans travelling between VA facilities for specialised care. These efforts aim to improve the accessibility and quality of VA health care for veterans in Guam and other US territories.
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Veterans' housing support
While I could not find specific information about a VA hospital in Guam, there is a Guam VA Clinic that offers outpatient primary care. The Guam VA Clinic also provides transportation services for veterans and their caregivers to attend scheduled medical appointments. The Guam Vet Center, meanwhile, offers confidential help for veterans, service members, and their families, including counseling for depression, PTSD, and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). The center also has licensed behavioral health professionals who can provide individual and group counseling.
Veterans in Guam who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless can contact the Guam VA Clinic and Guam Vet Center for assistance. The Guam VA Clinic offers emergency, transitional, and permanent housing options, while the Guam Vet Center can help connect veterans with resources in their community.
In addition to local resources, there are several national organizations that provide housing support for veterans. U.S.VETS, for example, offers transitional housing programs as a stepping stone to permanent supportive housing or independent living. Their residential sites offer housing in a supportive, therapeutic community with wrap-around care, including career, mental health, and wellness services. Locations offering transitional housing include Long Beach, Barber's Point, Wai'anae, Inglewood, Inland Empire, Phoenix, Prescott, Houston, Las Vegas, and Washington, DC. Veterans can also lease housing on U.S.VETS campuses, with supports and amenities such as rental assistance, sobriety support, counseling, peer support, and job assistance. Permanent housing is available in Phoenix, Houston, Inland Empire, Las Vegas, Barber's Point, Long Beach, Inglewood, Prescott, and Washington, DC.
The VA (Veterans Affairs) also offers various programs to assist veterans and their families in obtaining permanent and sustainable housing. These include Supportive Housing, Homeless Provider Grants, Enhanced-Used Leases, and Acquired Property Sales for Homeless Providers. Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless can call or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide information about local VA homeless programs, healthcare, and other services.
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Veterans' healthcare gaps
There is a VA facility in Guam, known as the Guam VA Clinic. This outpatient clinic offers primary care and other health services to veterans. The Guam VA Clinic also provides transportation services for veterans and their caregivers to help them get to their scheduled medical appointments.
Veterans often face multiple barriers to receiving healthcare, especially mental healthcare. These barriers can be due to provider shortcomings, access problems, and personal and social attitudes. For example, a shortage of mental health professionals can make it difficult for veterans to schedule timely appointments. In addition, some providers may not be adequately trained in evidence-based practices, leading to a decreased likelihood of veterans receiving the highest-quality care.
Personal anxieties and cultural concerns can also discourage veterans from seeking treatment. Some veterans are skeptical about the effectiveness of treatment and worry about potential side effects of medication. Furthermore, attitudes ingrained within the military, such as the perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness, can prevent veterans from seeking mental healthcare.
Logistical issues, such as scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation, and long drive times, can also create barriers to care. Veterans may also struggle with a lack of information about eligibility, treatments, and benefits. This knowledge gap can make it challenging for veterans to navigate the healthcare system effectively.
To address these gaps in veterans' healthcare, dramatic steps have been taken by the DoD and VA. The VA has hired more mental health providers and established outreach programs, while the DoD has implemented various programs addressing psychological health. Privately funded centers and programs have also emerged to fill gaps in treatment and expand community capacity. Initiatives like Welcome Back Veterans (WBV) provide funding to organizations offering programs and services to support veterans and their families. These collaborative efforts aim to improve access to mental healthcare and address emerging challenges.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is only one small VA clinic on the island.
The clinic offers primary care and outpatient geriatric services. It also provides support for LGBTQ+ veterans, caregivers, and those experiencing homelessness.
The Guam Vet Center provides confidential, non-medical support for veterans, service members, and their families. This includes counseling services, support groups, and recreational activities.
You can contact the Guam VA Clinic to schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment. If a referral is required, you must first contact your primary care provider.
Yes, veterans in Guam can seek referrals for care from non-VA doctors in their community if they cannot access VA facilities in a timely manner. Additionally, the Honolulu VA Medical Center provides cardiac care and other specialty services unavailable at the Guam VA Clinic.
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