Centers of Excellence align under Defense Health AgencyDCoE has provided the MHS with the latest psychological health and traumatic brain injury clinical and educational information since 2007. by: Heather Marsh
The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) began realignment under the Defense Health Agency Oct. 1 as part of the ongoing Military Health System transformation. The change is one example of the progress DHA is making to meet the current health care needs of the military community.
“This is a positive thing,” said Dr. Richard Stoltz, acting DCoE director. “We are consolidating our efforts and nesting our expertise to manage programs, develop resources, and execute research more effectively. This effort is a great benefit to our warfighters.”
This realignment supports the DHA quadruple aim – the agency’s overall effort to provide better health, better care, lower costs, and improved military readiness.
Obvious Changes
DCoE has provided the MHS with the latest psychological health and traumatic brain injury clinical and educational information since 2007. DCoE consists of a headquarters, two congressionally designated centers of excellence: Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) and Deployment Health Clinical Center (DHCC), plus the National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2).
Changes that stakeholders and public audiences can expect include:
The sunset of the DCoE brand. DHA will retire the DCoE brand, but the staff will continue its work on valued programs and initiatives across the agency. DCoE website and social media content will transition to health.mil and MHS social media.
A center name change. Deployment Health Clinical Center has been renamed Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE) and will undergo a branding change.
The sunset of the T2 brand. DHA will retire the T2 brand, but staff will continue their unique mission and will merge with other agency staff elements.
—The mobile health program, telehealth program and training program will comprise the new Connected Health Branch under the DHA Clinical Support Division, Operations Directorate.
—Technology efforts will transition to the Web and Mobile Technology Program Management Office in the DHA Solution Delivery Division, Health Information Technology Directorate.
—PHCoE will take responsibility of the Department of Defense Suicide Event Report program office.
“The work we do to improve beneficiaries’ access to care and improve health outcomes will not falter,” said Tim Hoyt, T2 director. “We aren’t going away – we are moving forward.”
Chris Priest, deputy director of the DHA J-3 (Operations Directorate), said this realignment isn't about the disestablishment of DCoE or T2. The mission of these two organizations will continue. In fact, according to Priest, the work these organizations do will optimize operations at the agency by uniting research assets and nesting DHA centers of excellence in one location.
Customers will find the valuable content from dcoe.mil and t2health.mil on other agency websites. Additionally, social media audiences may see changes to some of the social media channels they follow, but they can expect the same informative content.
Behind the Scenes Changes
Some operational and logistical changes won’t be as apparent to beneficiaries and the public, including:
- PHCoE and DVBIC will join the DHA J-9 (Research and Development Directorate).
- PHCoE will oversee the Department of Defense Suicide Event Report, inTransition program, and the 24/7 Outreach Center.
“Our innovative work will provide the foundation for important functions, such as program evaluation, education and training, and knowledge translation,” said Stoltz. “Stronger opportunities for cross-collaboration throughout the DHA will help improve and sustain operational readiness.”
Impact to Warfighters
"We exist to support the warfighter – and we accomplish that through a system that ensures our men and women in uniform are a ready medical force and a medically ready force,” said Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, DHA director. “We sustain their health through a quality medical team of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals who are better trained and prepared than any in the world.”
According to recent feedback from military leaders, they understand that standardization helps improve efficiencies. A more efficient medical force allows health care providers to focus on patient satisfaction and quality of care.
“The DHA is here to enable and better support the services and our 9.4 million beneficiaries,” said Bono. “We are cultivating a culture of service, quality, and transparency – and we are making progress!”
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Life with LizzyArmy Master Sgt. Leigh Michel gets a kiss from her service dog Lizzy. (U.S. Army photo by Whitney Delbridge Nichels) by: U.S. Army Warrior Care and Transition
ARLINGTON, Va. — The saying goes “all dogs go to heaven,” but for many service dogs, their time on earth is spent helping people who have seen more than the average human being. Such is the case for Army Master Sgt. Leigh Michel and her service dog Lizzy.
After almost 29 years in the Army, Michel’s service has taken her across the world, including combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. Like many of her comrades, during her time overseas, the chaplain’s assistant saw things that left a lasting impact.
“I was in a medical command. Having to see serious injuries and death, that’s when it really started to affect me,” Michel said.
She says those close to her began to notice a change, prompting Michel to begin seeking treatment.
“I just compartmentalized. As caregivers, that’s what we do,” Michel said. “I didn’t trust people, couldn’t be around crowds. I got to a point where I shut everyone out.”
In the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Michel began working to recover from her invisible wounds as well as physical injuries to her neck and back. But just prior to her arrival, she made an unexpected connection that would change her life for the better.
Michel learned of a program called Semper K9, which provides dogs to veterans free of charge. The organization, run by a Marine Corps veteran, takes rescue dogs from shelters and puts them through all of the required training to prepare them for duty as a service dog.
It took her some time to find the right four-legged partner. After working with a few different dogs in training, Michel came across one that stood out from the pack.
“I took Lizzy home one night and it was like instant bonding,” Michel said.
After finishing her training, Lizzy, a two-year-old black Labrador Retriever, came home to live with Michel for good.
“Our bond is ridiculous. She kind of knows what I need before I need it.”
Some of those needs include picking things up around the house and bringing things to Michel to aide her mobility issues.
“She crawls all the way into the dryer to get clothes out. It’s a big help,” Michel said.
But one of the biggest sources of support comes from Lizzy’s companionship and ability to get Michel to step outside her comfort zone.
The duo recently participated in a service dog Olympiad competition put together by Semper K9. The event featured agility courses and competitions to showcase the dogs’ ability to follow commands.
Michel says with no prior preparation, Lizzy gave an impressive performance, taking home three awards; two first place and one second place.
For Lizzy’s handler, the competition provided an opportunity to get out around other people and face her fear of being in crowds.
“She’s made me more open. People see her and want to stop and talk. Normally, I would just walk by, but now I stop and have those conversations,” Michel said.
As she continues to develop her bond with Lizzy, she hopes to see other Veterans continue to benefit from the love and assistance of a service dogs.
“Having her in my life has been incredible and I hope to see that for other people.”
Disclaimer: Re-published content may have been edited for length and clarity. Read original post.
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