Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) proposes use of ARPA funding for the addition of dedicated ambulance entrances at the Oklahoma Veterans Centers in Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, and Sulphur, Oklahoma (OVCs or Centers). Each facility presently utilizes the main front public entrance for ambulance access and otherwise lacks covered access suitable for this purpose. Use of the main front public entrance for ambulance access is problematic and escalates (1) the infection control risk of taking residents through multiple common areas and unnecessary exposure to other veterans and guests, (2) loss of privacy and dignity of the resident requiring ambulance transport, and (3) alarm and distress caused to visiting family members of seeing an ambulance in front of the building upon arrival to visit. Dedicated ambulance access that is designed to minimize exposure of the transported resident to others will enhance the safety and quality of life and care of all residents, staff, and guests within the OVCs. This will entail the addition of covered loading areas, alteration or construction of the designated entrance/exit, and building or broadening of roads in some facilities.

EVIDENCE

ODVA?s experience during COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of continuing infection control protocols issued by CDC, CMS, and OSDH during and after pandemic which require minimizing proximity of exposures, time of exposures, number of people exposed through dedicated access points, directional access, as well as preserving the dignity and privacy of the patient being evacuated to a much higher degree. A covered ambulance access would also provide a valuable secondary evacuation point to permit bed-bound patients to be moved quickly in the event of fire.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Ambulance entrances are a critically needed infrastructure for Oklahoma?s Veterans Centers which will support the health, welfare, and dignity of disabled veteran residents, visiting families, and staff. Resident veterans are highly vulnerable to any communicable virus or infection and have been highly susceptible to COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. They will continue to be vulnerable to adverse health consequences, serious illness, and even potential death, from COVID variants, influenza, and other illnesses. Physical and emotional impacts of COVID-19 on OVC?s healthcare workers can be seen in the critical shortages of nurses locally and nationally. While the rest of the state and nation have moved on, increased workload generated by measures adopted during COVID-19 continues. Nursing shortages mean remaining nursing staff carry heavier burdens to meet veterans? needs, leaving them physically and emotionally exhausted and vulnerable. Protection of staff members from avoidable exposure to residents being transported with contagious conditions is necessary for their physical health. Projects proposed for ARPA funding demonstrate to veterans, staff, and families, the commitment the State to their health and wellbeing.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Success of the program would be measurable by reduction in exposure of vulnerable adults housed at the Veterans Centers to infectious diseases such as COVD-19 and increased efficiency of access when time matters most, when an ambulance is onsite.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding