Outreach and Engagement with Veterans
What is Outreach? Getting personnel into the area where people live (streets, parks, alleys,etc)
Outreach Fundamentals • Safety for you and client • Outreach Philosophy • Engagement • Common Presentations • Linkage to VA and community providers
Safety • Know your environment • Know your client • Be comfortable with your level of discomfort – your level of discomfort will affect your engagement with clients • Go out with others • Contingency Planning
Outreach Philosophy • “Get Dirty” • “I may be the only person to have an opportunity to get this person off the street” – Discuss Personal Experiences • “ We are all a few bad breaks away from being (this person).”
Engagement • Meet client at their level – Find common ground – Physical proximity/engagement • Don’t take rejection personally • Give before expecting to connect – Basic necessities • Create an objective no matter how simple • Broker Expectations • Differences between clinical/non clinical – Lived experience, clinical perspective, etc.
Common Presentations General Healthcare • Poor hygiene • Substance use disorders – Meth, EToH, Crack • Odorous • Mental Health Issues • Unkempt – PTSD, Depression, Psychosis, PxDx • Poor self-esteem, self- – No meds desired efficacy • Medical Issues • Poor transportation – Ineligible for VA healthcare • Low frustration tolerance – Lack of treatment • Hope/helplessness • Poor follow up w/ providers
Linkage to VA & Community providers • VA Eligible? – Anthony @ 310-478-3711 ext 47889 • VA locations • Vets’ experiences at the VA – Personal experiences at 402 • GPD program • VALOR • Know your SA Emergency Response Teams
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