All posts by Jeff Cavanagh

About Jeff Cavanagh

Jeff Cavanagh spent his freshman year at St. Petersburg Junior College back in the early 70s before enlisting in the United States Navy. Soon after, he attended Jacksonville University on a Navy ROTC scholarship. After college, he was commissioned and became a qualified Surface Warfare Officer spending the next 22 years honing his skills as a ship-handler and expert recruiter before retiring in 1994. Jeff expresses a deep sense of pride in St. Petersburg College due to connections that go back many years. His father, Tom Cavanagh, was a career Air Force fighter pilot and combat veteran who taught Geography and Western Civilization at St. Petersburg Junior College in the 60’s and 70’s.

Bay Pines Job Fair!

Events, Jobs

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (VAHCS) will host a job fair at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center on Thursday, May 18 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The event will take place in the J.C. Cobb room located on the first floor of the medical center (building 100).

Click here to access and view driving directions and a campus map.

The fair is open to all professionals seeking employment in the following occupations.

  • Nursing (Registered Nurses – all specialties)
  • Nursing (Certified Nursing Assistants)
  • Health Administration Service (Medical Support Assistants)
  • Environmental Management (Housekeeping Aids)
  • Food Service Workers

Preference Veterans, disabled Veterans, and applicants with a disability (Schedule A) are encouraged to attend.

Interested applicants should bring a completed resume, military discharge papers (DD-214), Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference (Standard Form 15), VA Service Connected Disability Letter, or Schedule A Letter. Licensed Health Care Professionals are asked to bring a completed Application for Nurse and Nurse Anesthetist (VA Form 10-2850a) or Application for Associated Health Occupations (VA Form 10-2850a or 10-2850c). These forms are available at www.va.gov/vaforms.

Parking will be available at no cost. Please use lot 1 or the Parking Garage!

For questions, please call (727) 398-6661, Extension 15663 or 10679.

Bay Pines Annual Career Fair

Events, Jobs

VAMC Bay Pines will be hosting their Annual Career Fair Next Week, May 18th 2017 from 5:00 pm– 8:00 pm. If you are interested in attending please ensure you have the following together NO LATER THAN C.O.B. TUESDAY May 16th 2017:

Charles Almeida, USMC

Community Based Employment Specialist

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center

10000 Bay Pines Blvd.

Bay Pines, FL 33744

 

Speed Networking Reminder

Events, General News

This is just a reminder about the Pinellas County MyVA Community Engagement Board’s (CEB) speed networking event scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2017, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The activity will take place at the Centre located at 1500 16th Street, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. Additional information about the event is included in the invitation message below authored by MyVA CEB Chair Rev. Fr. Robert “Bob” Swick.

To RSVP for this event now, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/MyVACEB_Network and complete the RSVP

Thank you,

Jason W. Dangel

Public Affairs Officer (00PA), U.S. Army Veteran

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (516)

10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, FL 33744

(O) (727) 398-6661, Ext. 15031 | (M) (727) 798-1531 | (F) (727) 398-9442

www.baypines.va.gov | www.facebook.com/vabaypines | www.twitter.com/vabaypines

 

Job Opportunities:

General News, Jobs

My name is Annie Riccio and I work with the Veteran’s Canteen Service (VCS) and I wanted to reach out to you about a few positions we had open.  A little background for the VCS is that we are part of the Federal Government and work for the Dept of Veteran Affairs running food, retail, vending and coffee shop operations.  We are currently looking for entry level Operations Managers in two of our locations in Florida, Tampa and Bay Pines and  wanted to touch base with you and see if you had any individuals that would be qualified/interested.  Some of the duties for this position would include being accountable for operational, logistical, financial and administrative financial reporting, receiving invoices, filing, a range of personnel management, among other duties.  If you have any individuals who would be interested, please forward me their resume and if you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you and hope to hear from you soon. 

Annie Riccio

Canteen Chief

Tampa, FL #673

Office: 813-972-7532

Cell: 813-614-2105

 

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NOT THE REAL DEAL

General News

Veterans Choice Program (VCP) Phone Line Imposter

FACT SHEET

April 27, 2017

VCP Phone Line Imposter

It has come to VA’s attention that a phone line has been set up by an unknown party to potentially “mimic” the VCP phone line. This imposter phone line may be intended to reach Veterans who inadvertently dial the VCP number incorrectly.

We want you to know that we are taking this seriously and to keep you aware of the steps we are taking.. VHA Office of Community Care (VHA CC) has reported the “mimic” line to the VA Office of Inspector General for a possible civil or criminal investigation.

“Mimic” Phone Line

The phone line established to “mimic” the VCP phone line is 1-800-606-8198. You know you have reached the wrong VCP phone line when:

  • The phone line offers callers a $100 rebate if the caller provides a credit card.
  • The phone line does not state the caller has reached U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the VCP phone line.Be aware that this phone number incorrectly confirms callers had reach the VCP if the caller asks that question.

VCP Phone Line

The correct VCP phone line is 1-866-606-8198. This line is for Veterans to check their eligibility for the VCP and ask questions about the program.

If you are unsure if you have reached the correct phone line, hang up and dial 1-866-606-8198 again. The phone line will state the caller has reached the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Marine Veteran is VA’s Male Volunteer of the Year

General News

https://www.va.gov/HEALTH/NewsFeatures/2017/April/Marine-Veteran-is-VAs-Male-Volunteer-of-the-Year.asp

David Miller is VA’s Male Volunteer of the Year. A Marine Corp Veteran, Miller served in Vietnam during the TET II offensive with 3rd Marine Division (9th Marines).

Miller says he got involved in volunteering, “Due to the fact that the Vietnam Veterans were ignored and mistreated and misdiagnosed for years after they returned home. I just wanted to make positive experiences to help all Veterans and also to help them with their issues for health and benefits.

“And after I was diagnosed with my cancer and in a wheelchair for five years, I kept volunteering to not think about my illnesses as well as to help other Veterans with the same problems. This was self-medication for me as well.”

The National American Legion Hospital Representative at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center, Miller has volunteered for 27 years and finds the most emotional part of his volunteering is the interest he takes in the hospice and the really sick and disabled Veterans. “It made me thankful for my life, being a cancer survivor.”

He and his wife Kathy Ann live in Largo, Florida. His two grown sons, Jeremiah and Adam, live in Orlando. “They have accomplished so much in their lives.”

Miller says his only real hobby is, “Speaking to children and youth about the importance of patriotism and how important it is to honor all our Veterans. They provide the protection that allows them to enjoy the freedoms that they take for granted.”

And he encourages them to volunteer. “I would hope we can start getting more younger people and younger Veterans to volunteer at our VA hospitals and in the community. They would get so much satisfaction from helping our heroes from the past, present and future. Our Veterans are the life blood of this great country of ours. We must make sure that is never forgotten in all our future generations.”

As part of his volunteer duties, Miller visit patients daily and meets several times a week with Veterans them with their claims and benefits. “I also am an advocate for all Veterans who need help with appointments or any other issues at the hospital or in the community.” He also speaks with young Veterans at MacDill Air Force Base who need guidance or help with any VA issues when they leave the service.

Miller adds, “I would just like to say that I am honored and humbled to accept this great accolade as National Volunteer of the Year. With all the service organizations that are involved, there are so many deserving people that should have won this award. I love to help Veterans in all facets of their lives both at the VA and in the community. It gives me great satisfaction to be able to donate my time for such a worthy cause! God Bless our Veterans and God Bless our great country.”

This is National Volunteer Week – April 23-29. It is a time to recognize and thank today’s volunteers for their incredible efforts and inspiring actions. It is also a time to invite you to serve those who served us first.

Lend a Helping Hand to America’s Veterans: Be a Volunteer

Volunteers provide a wide range of supplemental support and financial assistance to programs for our Veteran patients throughout the year. If you want to volunteer, or just want more information on how you or your organization can help our Veteran patients, please be in touch.

Donation of Time: One of the most precious and generous gifts is of your time. We have many positions in our facilities that are waiting to be filled by individuals or groups that are willing and able to give of themselves. Contacting the Voluntary Service at your local VA Medical Center will provide you with more information on positions as well as committees that need volunteers. Some examples:

  • Escort
  • Clerical support
  • Friendly visits
  • Recreational aides
  • Advisory committee

Bay Pines VA to Hold Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 29 Bay Pines ceremony largest in Pinellas County; more than 4,000 expected

Events, General News

 

BAY PINES, FL – The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (VAHCS) will commemorate Memorial Day with a ceremony on Monday, May 29 at 10:00 a.m. The event will take place at the Bay Pines National Cemetery located at 10,000 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33708.

This is the only National Cemetery in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and the largest observance of Memorial Day with more than 4,000 expected attendees. Veterans, their families and friends, and the general public are invited to attend. Prior to the ceremony, on Saturday, May 27, volunteers from the community will mark more than 35,000 graves at the cemetery with U.S. flags to honor the men and women who served the nation.

Keynote speaker for the event will be U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Edward W. Sandlin, Commander, Air Station Clearwater. Other speakers include U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, 13th Congressional District of Florida and local VA leaders from the Bay Pines VAHCS, St. Petersburg VA Regional Office and Bay Pines National Cemetery. The master of ceremonies will be Fox 13 anchor and reporter Alcides Segui. The ceremony will also feature musical performances by the Suncoast Symphony Orchestra (60-piece orchestra), and traditional military tributes.

Vietnam Veterans who attend the ceremony may receive a commemorative lapel pin and other items as part of the Bay Pines VAHCS’s continued commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Click here to learn more about the commemoration.

Parking for the ceremony will be available nearby. Shuttles will provide transportation for guests from parking lots to the National Cemetery (download and view the Bay Pines visitor guide here – map on page 2-3). The venue is handicapped accessible. A sign language interpreter will be available for the hearing impaired. The ceremony will be held rain or shine. Please plan appropriately for inclement weather.

For further information about the event or to volunteer to help mark graves, please contact the cemetery office at 727-319-6479.

This event is open for media coverage. For advanced information, please contact Jason Dangel, Public Affairs Officer, at 727-398-9531 or email vhabaypublicaffairs@va.gov.

Third Speed Networking Event

Events, General News, Jobs
April 25, 2017

Dear Supporters of Veterans,

On behalf of the Pinellas County MyVA Community Engagement Board (CEB), I invite you to a unique opportunity for Veterans Service Organizations, non-profits, and government leaders.  We will be hosting our third speed networking event on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Centre located at 1500 16th Street, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. To RSVP for this event now, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/MyVACEB_Network and complete the RSVP form on or before May 12, 2017.

Building upon the success of our first two speed networking activities held in October 2016 and January 2017, this third joint engagement provides you with another opportunity to collaborate, share information, and discuss ways to better support America’s heroes.

Similar to our last networking event, you will be paired with an individual for a five minute time period.  During that time, you will introduce yourself, exchange contact information, and engage in dialogue about the function of your organization and what you do to support Veterans.  The rotation of these pairings will continue throughout the afternoon so we can maximize the number of individuals you meet.  You are encouraged to bring business cards and any other informational products you may have about your organization to share with those you meet.  Also, please feel free to share this invitation with other professional contacts you feel would benefit from this event and who have an interest in helping Veterans who reside in our communities.

Our board was chartered to bring together local Veterans service providers, resources, advocates and other stakeholders to improve outcomes for Veterans, Service members, and their families.  This speed networking event is intended to foster relationships that will enhance our collective ability to address the needs of Veterans living in Pinellas County.

Sincerely,

Rev. Fr. Robert “Bob” Swick

Chair, Pinellas County MyVA Community Engagement Board (CEB)

If you plan to join us on May 16, 2017, please RSVP at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MyVACEB_Network by May 12, 2017. For questions or more information, please contact:

Jason W. Dangel, Public Affairs Officer, Bay Pines VAHCS, at 727-398-9531 or email: Jason.dangel@va.gov

PTSD: A New Tool

General News

Not sure about treatment for PTSD? 

Here’s a new tool to help you and the Veteran you’re caring for learn more about what is available.

The Decision Aid is a free online tool available at www.ptsd.va.gov/decisionaid.  Patients work at their own pace to learn about effective treatments including:  Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Stress Inoculation Therapy (SIT), and medications (SSRIs and SNRIs). 

There are videos available explaining how the treatments work, a grid to compare treatments , and a personalized summary is provided. Learn more about what treatment is right for you by clicking here.

 

Bay Pines VA to Conduct Annual Emergency Exercise with Community Partners April 20

Events, General News
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (VAHCS) will conduct a mass casualty exercise at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center on Wednesday, April 20, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. During the exercise, emergency vehicles and personnel will be onsite. Traffic flow on the medical center campus will be minimally impacted. In addition, parking lots 24 and 14 will be closed or partially closed. To reference locations of impacted parking lots, visit: www.baypines.va.gov/documents/Bay_Pines_Map.pdf.

The purpose of the exercise is to test the Bay Pines VAHCS’s mass casualty plan, mass casualty support operations, Incident Command Center (ICC) and integration with community fire and emergency medical agencies. Community agencies participating in the exercise include Seminole Fire Rescue and Hazmat, Largo Fire Department and Hazmat, Madeira Beach Fire Department, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and Hazmat, Pinellas Park Fire and Hazmat, Palm Harbor Fire and Hazmat, Pinellas County Dispatch, Sunstar Ambulance, and the Seminole Community Emergency Response Team.

The Bay Pines VAHCS is required by The Joint Commission to complete two emergency exercises annually, one of which must include community participation and an influx of patients.

“It is very important that we are able to work cooperatively with our community partners when responding to emergencies or crisis situations,” said Dean Armstrong, Emergency Manager, Bay Pines VAHCS. “While our principal mission is to deliver 5-star health care services and customer experiences to the men and women we serve, we also have humanitarian duties as a member of the community and must be ready to respond.”

General questions and media inquiries about the exercise should be directed to Jason W. Dangel, Public Affairs Officer, Bay Pines VAHCS, at 727-398-6661, extension 15031, or email vhabaypublicaffairs@va.gov.