Dole News is a quarterly newsletter that provides Veterans and stakeholders critical information on Dole VA, its services, and staff members. Dole News is a product of the Dole VA Office of Communication Services.
ROBERT J. DOLE VAMC • WICHITA, KS • 2nd QUARTER, 2025
US Army Veteran Marcus Johnson
[2] | 2025 - Q2
NEWS UPDATES
DIRECTOR’S Broadcast
How did we get here? The staff at Dole VA recognize those accreditations and accolades can be lost quickly if we become complacent and make errors; they are meaningless if we do not continue analyzing ourselves and our processes as we strive to improve. We have a small team of staff that analyzes data and meets with services routinely to ask questions like, “Do we have barriers to health care access?” Finding answers to such questions can maximize productivity and ensure Veterans receive the care they need, when they need it. We also have teams that use analytics derived from various sources that summarize our hospital’s performance. This data helps us find ways to improve clinical care and services for Veterans while remaining focused on improving the quality of their lives. We have one more critical source of information – YOU! When you receive a survey after an appointment, take a few minutes to fill it out and become part of our continuous process improvement. Visit our web page and fill out a Speak to the Director form. These forms are also available throughout the medical center. We want to hear from you. We need to hear from you. Help us be the best we can as we provide you with the health care you have earned and deserve through your service to our nation.
LICENSE RENEWAL EVENT JULY 29 Avoid the hassle of the DMV and renew your license at Dole VA on July 29. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Bldg. 61, Room 107 Services provided include: • Renew your current Kansas ID or Kansas driver's license • Replace lost or stolen Kansas ID or license • Get issued 'Real ID' indicators • Renew a concealed carry license (if close to expiration and with the attorney general approval letter) • Get information about a suspended or revoked license • Update address or make a legal name change on your credentials • Get new state credentials if you have moved out of state • Register to vote For more information, contact Maegan Carlsten at 316-282-4464. 2025 LEGAL AID CLINIC JULY 29 The event takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Bldg. 61, Room 106A. Veterans are encouraged to make an appointment by signing up via scanning the code below or by calling Autumn Kuehl at 316-207- 2873. Types of assistance offered: • Record expungement • Bankruptcy • Elder law • Child support • Divorce • Guardianship/conservatorship Click button to schedule appointment:
Michael D. Payne, Jr. MSP, CLSSBB, ACHE Medical Center Director
Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center has earned a number of accreditations and accolades during the past few years. We have: • Earned a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in consecutive years • Been accredited in multiple areas by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) • Earned designation as a Pathway to Excellence facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) • Played a critical role in Wichita being recognized by Trajector Medical as the best city for Veteran health care • Earned accreditation by The Joint Commission (TJC) Suffice to say, Dole VA is one of the top VA medical centers in the nation.
Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center 5500 E. Kellogg, Wichita, KS 67218
Dole VA also operates an eye clinic at Parklane, as well as five outpatient clinics in Dodge City, Hays, Hutchinson, Parsons, and Salina.
316-685-2221 or 1-888-878-6881
Dole News | [3]
The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center website serves as a comprehensive digital hub for Veterans in Kansas, offering a wide array of tools and resources to manage their health care and access essential services.
Dole VA Online
Use the buttons below to access the web page or app.
Health Care Services and Appointments Veterans can schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments directly through the website. Dole VA provides primary care and specialty services, including audiology, speech therapy, mental health care, women’s health services, and low vision rehabilitation. Telehealth options are also available, allowing Veterans to consult with health care providers remotely. Pharmacy and Prescription Management The website enables Veterans to refill prescriptions online, by phone, or by mail. It also provides information on safely disposing of medications and accessing pharmacy services. Mental Health and Specialized Care The medical center offers comprehensive mental health services, including same-day psychiatric help for both new and established patients. Specialized programs address issues such as PTSD, substance use disorders, and military sexual trauma, with options for outpatient, inpatient, and residential treatment. Research and Education As a teaching hospital, Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center participates in research initiatives like the All of Us Research Program and the Million Veteran Program. It also offers residency programs in pharmacy and emergency medicine, contributing to the advancement of Veteran health care. Additional Resources The website provides information on beneficiary travel benefits, including transportation services and mileage reimbursement. It also offers a campus map for easy navigation and contact details for various departments. Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center’s website is a vital resource that empowers Veterans to manage their health care needs efficiently, access specialized services, and stay informed about programs and benefits available to them.
Dole VA Website
Top Stories
Health Services
Events
Programs
Policies
Annual Report 2024
Contact Us
Beneficiary Travel
[4] | 2025 - Q2
Be Body Positive Be Body Positive is a nonjudgmental
space for Veterans to explore their persona issues with beauty, health, identity, and chang in how our bodies function. This 10-week virtu workshop explores reasons why you may be unsa with your body and how we make positive chan individually and together. “This is a nonjudgmental space for women and m explore personal issues with health and body ima This dietitian-led class helps to embrace your tr self and explore ways to counter negative feelings many of us share about body image."
Registered Nurse Chandra Bilhimer is the Whole Health (WH) program manager, and she said WH helps Veterans take control of their health and build positive habits for life. “We help identify what’s important to the Veteran – what matters to them, rather than what is the matter with them," she said. "Veterans can choose care that fits their priorities for overall health and well-being. Each of us has the power to make lasting change with our health by setting goals and working through challenges. Whole Health offers a variety of classes that positively impact and support disease management and prevention." A huge part of helping Veterans meet their goals is providing self-care skills they can practice at home. Classes like yoga, tai chi, meditation, spirit and soul, food and drink, and many more are available through in-person and virtual visits. RN Bilhimer shared a selection of her favorite WH groups and classes, and she offered comments about how they can be helpful to Veterans. Click the button on the opposite page to download the complete course catalog.
Dole News | [5]
Tobacco Cessation The Smoking Cessation Group is designed
to help support Veterans who would like to work on quitting smoking. Individual appointments with a health coach can be done virtually, by phone, or in person and can offer one-on-one support and goal setting to help you quit using tobacco. These services do not require Veterans to be smoke-free when they join. Strategies may include medication, identifying motivations for quitting, building support systems, exploring skills for quitting, and developing a plan for a quit day. “A lot of Veterans report they smoke to ease anxiety, mood swings, and depression. It is important to educate on behavior modifications,
Download Whole Health Course Catalog
cravings, and trigger management. We have pharmacists to help with recommendations for medications, like nicotine replacement patches and lozenges.”
Gardening Group The Peace Garden located on VA grounds is open to all Veterans. Activities include watering
al
ges ual atisfied nges
Other classes in the Whole Health Course Catalog include: Tai Chi / Qi Gong, Yoga, Movement Group, Self-Care Group, Mindfulness Group, Walking Group, Creative Arts Therapy, Health Coaching, Healthy Teaching Kitchen, MOVE! - Weight Management Program, Diabetes Education Classes, Recreation Therapy, COPD Patient Education Group, Clinical Hypnosis, and Menopause Education Group. Click the button above to download the WH course catalog. “One of the cool things Veterans can do is plant vegetables in the community garden and then come back to enjoy the harvest. This group is guided by master gardeners who work with Veterans on gardening skills. This is a safe place to heal and enjoy all of the beauty nature provides." plants, flowers, and crops; dead-heading blooming plants; and harvesting crops from raised beds. In addition, Veterans care for the Peace Garden by cleaning and refilling the bird bath, weeding, and sweeping. Veterans and volunteers beautify the garden with attention to the landscaping and decorative art such as painted rocks and a gratitude box. You can enjoy peaceful meditation with the garden benches and library books located in the garden library box. Gardening tools are furnished.
men to age. rue
Hobbies Group Looking for a new hobby or to connect
with other people who share your interests? Hobbies Group offers a mixture of community outings, presentations by community members, and open studio days to show off new projects. This group encourages exploration, creativity, and socialization to improve enjoyment of life. “If someone has a hobby – like knitting or woodworking – the whole group can try it. Our recreation therapist brings in craft projects, musical experiences, and board games, too.”
[6] | 2025 - Q2
BFA actual size is less than 4 mm in total length Battlefield Acupuncture
Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) is an innovative and increasingly popular method of pain management used among Veterans and military personnel. Developed in 2001 by Dr. Richard Niemtzow, a former Air Force colonel and physician, BFA is a form of acupuncture that involves placing small, sterile needles at specific points on the ear. The ear is used as a microsystem reflecting the entire body, and by targeting specific points, practitioners can stimulate the central nervous system and modulate pain signals. Its primary goal is to rapidly reduce acute or chronic pain without the need for traditional pharmaceuticals. One of the most compelling aspects of BFA is its simplicity and effectiveness. The procedure takes only a few minutes, can be administered virtually anywhere — even in combat zones — and typically provides fast-acting relief. For Veterans, BFA offers a critical alternative to opioids, which have been a source of concern due to their high potential for addiction and side effects. Many Veterans suffer from chronic pain conditions due to injuries sustained during service. BFA provides a non-
invasive, drug-free option that can help manage pain while minimizing reliance on prescription medications. Registered Nurse Chandra Bilhimer is the Whole Health Program Manager and a BFA practitioner. She said positive results from acupuncture have been confirmed with evidence-based VA research. “Many of our Veterans come to BFA as a last resort after trying many different ways of managing their pain,” Bilhimer said. “We've gotten them off opioids through acupuncture, so it’s definitely something to add to the toolbox.” Army Veteran Conrad Pierce said he initially was skeptical – jokingly dismissing the procedure as voodoo magic – but when he challenged himself to give the treatment a try for migraines caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), his opinions changed. “Once all the pins were in my ears, I almost immediately could tell a difference,” said the aptly named Pierce. “I was fighting a low-level migraine the first time I tried it, and it got rid of it within a few minutes. It was amazing!”
Pierce felt a slight pinch as each needle was placed into his earlobe, adding that he has had IV lines administered that hurt more. “It was a very small sting, if you can even call it that,” he said. “I found in the next few days that it not only helped with my migraines from my TBIs, but the treatment also lowered all my pain levels.” BFA may help those dealing with post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Many Veterans report a calming effect and improved overall well-being. For more information about BFA, contact Chandra Bilhimer , RN, at 316-685-2221, ext. 58020.
[6] | 2025 - Q2
Dole News | [7]
Sleep is a fundamental biological need, as essential to our health and well-being as food and water. Yet, in today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, many people neglect their sleep, either willingly or due to poor habits. Practicing good sleep hygiene — healthy habits supporting high-quality sleep — is critical for physical, mental, and emotional health.
Mental health is closely tied to sleep quality. Restorative sleep allows the brain to process information, consolidate memories, and manage emotions. Research has shown adequate sleep contributes to better decision-making, enhanced creativity, and sharper cognitive abilities. Chronic sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, slows reaction times, and increases the risk of accidents and errors. Over time, it can contribute to the development of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Physically, inadequate or irregular sleep can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. It also disrupts the balance of hormones that regulate hunger and appetite, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. Poor sleep is linked to increased inflammation in the body, raising the risk of cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory conditions. Good sleep hygiene is a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing overall health. By making sleep a priority and adopting healthy bedtime routines, individuals can improve mental and physical well-being while protecting themselves against the risks associated with poor sleep habits.
Good sleep hygiene includes: • Setting a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule
• Creating a restful sleeping environment • Limiting exposure to screens before bed • Avoiding caffeine late in the day These practices help regulate the body's internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which controls sleep-wake cycles and influences many physiological processes. Quality sleep strengthens the immune system, supports healthy brain function, improves concentration, and promotes emotional resilience. It also plays a vital role in regulating metabolism and reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.
SCREENING TESTS FOR AVERAGE-RISK MALE VETERANS
[8] | 2025 - Q2
Conditions
Age 18-29 Age 30-39 Age 40-49 Age 50-59 Age 60-69 Age 70-79
Colon Cancer
Frequency varies by test chosen*
Recommend Screenings
Recommended every year
Depression
Lung Cancer
Advised for some*
Prostate Cancer
Advised for some*
Click the button for the full list of recommended screenings
Recommended for adults ages 18-79
Hepatitis C
* Discuss with your provider
[8] | 2025 - Q2
Dole News | [9]
Men's Health Men face a unique set of health challenges throughout their lives, many of which are preventable with early action and awareness. Statistically, men are less likely than women to seek medical attention regularly, which can lead to undiagnosed conditions and delayed treatment. Dr. William A. Jorgensen is the director of Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Dodge City, Parsons, Hutchinson, Hays, and Salina. He said preventive care is crucial in combating these issues, and he stressed that regular health screenings – such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol levels, blood sugar tests, and cancer screenings — can catch potential problems early. “Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men worldwide,” Dr. Jorgensen said. “Contributing factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and high stress levels. Prostate cancer is another significant concern, particularly for men over 50. Routine screenings can detect this cancer early, dramatically improving treatment outcomes.” Dr. Jorgensen added that Type 2 diabetes is also prevalent, especially among men who are overweight or lead sedentary lifestyles. Adopting a healthier lifestyle is equally important as regular testing. “This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins; engaging in regular physical activity; avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption; and managing stress through mindfulness or counseling.”
Focus on check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and your emotional well-being. Mental health, often overlooked in men, plays a critical role in overall well-being. One of the most underestimated threats to men’s health is loneliness and social isolation. Research has shown that chronic loneliness can be as harmful as smoking or obesity. Dr. Jorgensen said men (especially Veterans) often are conditioned to suppress emotions and avoid vulnerability, making them less likely to seek help or talk about their struggles. This can lead to increased rates of depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. “Combating loneliness involves building and maintaining social connections,” he said. “Encouraging men to engage in community activities, reach out to friends and family, or join support groups at their VA can foster a sense of belonging. Mental health should be given the same attention as physical health, and seeking help should be normalized and encouraged.” Improving men’s health outcomes requires a proactive approach that combines regular checkups, healthy lifestyle choices, and emotional well-being, Dr. Jorgensen said. Reducing stigma around mental health and promoting social connectedness are vital steps toward ensuring men lead longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. “I enjoy talking to the Veterans I see and working to help them to live longer, better, more healthy lives,” he said. “I think the VA does really well with prevention, but I think Veterans sometimes can be a little hesitant about that. They are the captains of their ship. If they tell us where they want to go, we can help them get there, but they need to be the ones who take the wheel.”
Dole News | [9]
[10] | 2025 - Q2
The Benefits of Volunteering
Many Veterans, their families, friends, and supportive community members donate time and effort at Dole VA, from senior citizens to high school students. A rotating crew comprising 190 volunteers worked nearly 20,000 hours at no charge last fiscal year. They provided services such as driving Veterans to appointments, pushing wheelchairs, helping with wayfinding, answering phones, making calls, and greeting visitors. Voluntary Service Specialist Thomas Britton works in Dole VA’s Center for Development and Community Engagement. He said volunteers not only give of themselves through their service, but they also receive a wealth of benefits as well. “These are very patriotic people,” he said. “Volunteers have deep satisfaction in giving back to former soldiers, sailors, and airmen, and they also relish the camaraderie and friendships they find.” Many of the most loyal volunteers are seniors and volunteering gives them a sense of purpose, but Britton said not all of his crew have gray hair. “Our young people really bring a bright and enthusiastic energy to our facility,” he said. “They are so eager to help in any way they can, and their genuine interest in hearing the stories of our Veterans enlivens the patients coming here for health care visits, which can sometimes be stressful or worrisome." Britton said high school volunteers provide much-needed interaction between generations, which often delights the older Veterans. Participants in the CDCE Summer Youth Program can gain experience working in a hospital, garner job references, and develop life lessons worthy of sharing in college application essays.
Dole News | [11]
Putting your best foot forward Disruptive behavior is any action by an individual that jeopardizes the health or safety of patients, staff, providers, and other hospital guests. Nicholas Milligan , behavioral health social work therapy supervisor, said disruptive behaviors do not depend upon the disruptive individual’s stated intent or justification for the individual’s behavior. “Even if a Veteran has an impairment, Disruptive behavior can include: • Violence towards others • Verbal abuse or bullying • Direct, indirect, or implied threats • Sexual assault or harassment • Possession of weapons While Dole VA may restrict the time, place, and manner of providing medical care to Veterans who pose a risk of disruptive or violent behavior, patients cannot be banned from medical or mental health care. In most cases of potentially disruptive behavior, the first line of defense is always excellent customer service. Milligan said staff are trained to engage in verbal de-escalation and limit-setting skills.
• Destruction of — or threats to destroy — government property • Abuse of a person in the facility • Unwanted approaches toward or contact with others • Persistent or intense outbursts The DBC is a multidisciplinary facility- level committee operating under the auspices of the chief of staff.
has diminished decision-making capacity, or offers an apology, it's our duty to keep all areas safe,” said Milligan, who chairs the Disruptive Behavior Committee (DBC). “If a Veteran’s behavior affects Dole VA's ability to provide care, it could be disruptive behavior, and we have protocols for situations like that.”
“Although reporting an incident to the Disruptive Behavior Committee is required, we always try to manage disruptive behavior with compassion and respect,” he said. “We are seeing Veterans at what could be a very challenging time, so it helps to be empathetic above all.”
We want to hear from you! The staff at Dole VA takes great pride in serving the Veterans who have served this nation, and we are always open to feedback you might like to share with us. If you would like to share your experience using one of the methods below, simply ask a staff member for a nomination form!
The DAISY Award Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is proud to be a DAISY award partner, recognizing our selected nurses with this special honor each quarter. The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary compassionate and skillful care given by nurses every day. These nurses' clinical skills and compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that patients, their families, and other staff recognize as an outstanding role model.
The BEE Award
Speak to the Director
The goal of our Speak to the Director initiative is twofold.
The BEE (Being Exceptional Everyday) Award was created at Dole VA in 2021 to recognize our exceptional caregivers. These caregivers may be CNA/NAs, health technicians, telehealth care technicians, medical supply technicians, or medical instrument technicians who have made a positive impact in your life. The BEE Program's goal is to recognize and award these individuals for the care they provide daily. Please take this opportunity to tell us how your life has been impacted by an exceptional caregiver.
First, if we did not provide outstanding customer service, we want to know so we can work together to fix the problem. You deserve nothing less than excellence every visit. With your feedback, we can ensure that happens. Second, if we have provided you with great customer service, we want to know about it. Your honest feedback will be used to acknowledge our great employees for a job well done.
DAISY Award Submission
BEE Award Submission
Speak to the Director Submission
[12] | 2025 - Q2
Dole News | [13] Dole News | [13]
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is seeking volunteer drivers who will be providing transportation to appointments for Veterans with no other means of conveyance. Requirements to volunteer as a driver consist of completion of a physical exam and background check. We take care of it all. Vehicles are provide by VA. All you have to do is show up and drive.
Please contact Community Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) at 316-685-2221, ext. 53222, for information, or contact Jillian Follis (ext. 53606 or Jillian.Follis@va.gov ) or Tom Britton (ext. 57937 or Thomas.Britton@va.gov ) .
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) are essential rehabilitative practices that help individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, or disabilities. While they share similarities in promoting health and improving quality of life, their goals, approaches, and focuses are distinct.
Benefits of PT • Pain reduction • Improved mobility • Decreased need for surgery or long-term medication • Prevention of future
injuries by improving posture,balance, and overall physical conditioning • Faster recovery times and improved physical function with regular physical therapy sessions
Physical Therapy concentrates on improving a person’s physical function, mobility, and strength. PTs focus on the musculoskeletal system — joints, muscles, and bones — to restore movement and reduce pain. For example, after a knee replacement, a physical therapist helps the patient regain strength, balance, and range of motion through targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques. PT is used in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports injuries, post- surgical recovery, and neurological disorders like stroke or Parkinson’s disease.
What's the
[14] | 2025 - Q2
Occupational Therapy
Benefits of OT • Extends beyond physical health • Promotes greater independence • Enhances participation in meaningful activities • Improves mental health and well-being • Helps manage chronic conditions, cognitive impairments, or developmental delays • Offers adaptive techniques to live more fully and safely
Occupational Therapy helps individuals perform daily activities more independently and safely. OTs look at how a person’s condition affects their ability to carry out tasks such as dressing, cooking, working, or driving. Rather than focusing solely on physical rehabilitation, occupational therapy also considers cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors. An OT might assist a stroke survivor with adapting their home and routines to regain independence in daily life or teach strategies for managing memory loss.
difference?
Dole News | [15]
Edgemoor
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker