NewsBytes August 28, 2020
In this issue:
DoD Issuing New ID Cards
VA working to Ensure Timely Delivery of Prescriptions
VA to Bring Suicide Prevention Services to Veterans
DoD Is Now Issuing New ID Cards
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced that it is issuing new ID cards for retirees and dependents known as Next Generation Uniformed Services Identification Cards, which will replace the current laminated paper card that has been used since 1993. The new cards are made with a more durable plastic material, similar to the common access cards used by members of the military and DoD civilians. Also, the new ID cards feature enhanced security measures that will reduce the likelihood of them being compromised. Although the new ID cards are available now, only about 20 Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification Card System (RAPIDS) sites currently offer the card because new equipment is required to produce them. All RAPIDS sites worldwide will likely have the new equipment by the end of the year. The complete transition to the new ID card, is targeted for January 2026. To locate a RAPIDS site and make an appointment, go online.
VA working to Ensure Timely Delivery of Outpatient Prescriptions
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that approximately 90 percent of their outpatient pharmacy mail delivery is provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The agency has detected delivery delays in certain areas of Detroit, parts of New York and New Jersey. The VA has proactively switched from the USPS to the United Parcel Service (UPS) 2nd Day Air delivery for those areas until service returns to normal.
VA to Bring Suicide Prevention Services to Veterans with the Push of a Button
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a new partnership with OnStar’s emergency services to improve access to suicide prevention resources for veterans. This partnership will offer veterans who is in crisis the opportunity to be transferred to around-the-clock, confidential support via VA’s Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, or text to: 838255) when they use the emergency services button in an OnStar-equipped vehicle or OnStar Guardian smartphone app.
“The VA-OnStar partnership aims to promote suicide prevention and reduce deaths by suicide by providing additional resources to veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This partnership will help veterans access suicide prevention support services and assistance directly and immediately. More than 400 VA suicide prevention coordinators and their teams, located at every VA medical center, connect veterans with care and educate the community about suicide prevention programs and resources daily.”
The announcement noted that an average of 20 Veterans die by suicide each day. Through this partnership, the VA and OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, will collaborate to provide education and training to VA clinicians and OnStar call center staff to facilitate suicide prevention efforts for veterans. Additionally, the VA will provide resources and education to OnStar about military culture and how to determine if a caller is a veteran.
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