MINUTES for 2022-02-23 FINAL - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Veterans Advisory Committee Minutes February 23, 2022 Page 4 Chair Doolittle asked for nominations of officer for Chair and Vice -Chair. Debra Lewis nominates Michael Doolittle for Chair and Marcia Brinkley for Vice -Chair. Sheridan seconded the nominations. Chair Doolittle asked for any other nominations. There were none. Seven ayes, nominations confirmed as: Chair: Michael Doolittle Vice -Chair: Marcia Brinkley Chair Dolittle thanked the committee for their vote of confidence and expressed gratitude and pride in the efforts of the committee. Discussion ensued about the complete membership of the committee and a motion was made by Lewis to put on the next agenda, the "Removal of DAV from the Veterans Advisory Committee Membership". Vice Chair Brinkley seconded the motion. Nine ayes. Motion passed to add this item to the next agenda. West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery AED w/Guest Speaker Stephen Fredette Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and deferred to Antonio Gaspar. Antonio Gaspar explained that his guest was not able to attend the meeting due to a work obligation. He went on to explain that the AED (portable defibrillator) is missing and has been missing for a while and we need to get a new one. Iyo explained that we were made aware it was missing and Parks & Recreation is in the process of ordering a new one and will be installed once it is received. Discussion closed. Mental Health w/Guest Speaker Wendy Schwartz Chair Doolittle introduced the topic and the guest speaker. Wendy Schwartz works for the VA in suicide prevention as a Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator and the goal of the program is to integrate the VA's full public health approach to suicide prevention. Suicide is public health issue throughout the United States and veterans are at increased risk for suicide. Studies show that suicide rates among veterans are 52% higher than non -veteran adults. There are about 130,000 living in the Pacific Islands and only about 55,000 of those veterans registered for care at the VA. They provide resources before the crisis occurs with three priority areas: 1)