2011-02-17 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 5 February 17, 2011 when it's time to get in the facility, there won't be a delay in getting them verified as veterans. Mr. Babiak also said they did an Annual VA Survey and did pretty well. The actual report should be ready in the next 20 work days, so they should have it at the next meeting. There were (2) findings and they'll address it when the report is complete. Overall it was very well received. Mr. Babiak introduced Mr. John Johnson, Administrator of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Mr. Nishimoto asked how the Adult Day Care is going at the Home and Mr. Johnson responded that it's not moving as quick as they would like, but feels that once they get recognized by the state and are able to get Medicaid, residents they should be fine. Mr. Babiak said we are currently up to (4) patients receiving services under the Adult Day Health Care program. They have on average (1) sometimes (2) patients a day. He also clarified that it is an Adult Day Health Care Program which is different from Adult Day Care. There are Adult Day Care facilities, this is a medical model, and there is a big difference. Patients can get their rehab services done, their meds provided for, they get evaluated for their diathetic needs and there is a social worker available. It's solid. Chairperson Fox asked members to let people know that this is offered in Hilo. Co -Chair Carolle Brulee- Wilson asked if the West Hawaii members are interested, she has information and application forms for the Veterans Home she can send over. Mr. Babiak said they have a power point presentation available and would be happy to attend meetings for different veterans' organizations. Chairperson Fox said you can contact Juan Babiak and schedule him to attend your veterans organization meetings. He will do a presentation and answer any questions people may have about the Veterans Home. He is also willing to do presentations during weekends. He can also help with applications and getting people pre - registered. ANNOUNCEMENTS Department of Defense — Changes in Leadership Mr. Herb Lum reported that Adjutant General Robert Lee has been replaced by General Darryll Wong. Darryll Wong was the Commander of the Air Guard at Hickam Field; he is a flier and has many years of experience. He reported that as of February 17th (today) Greg Jackson has replaced Mark Moses as the Director of the Office of Veterans Services. Greg is a combined Army and Air Force veteran and keeps jumping back and forth in his job as Judge Advocate and goes where he is needed.