St. John's Medical Center - Free Cognitive Assessments for Veterans

St. John?s Institute for Cognitive Health and the University of Utah Center for Alzheimer?s Care, Imaging and Research are collaborating to offer an innovative clinical program that provides diagnostic and proactive memory care to U.S. veterans. The program includes assessments of cognitive impairment or memory loss, neurological testing, supplemental diagnostic testing, medical referrals as needed and proactive support services. Who is it for? U.S. veterans who are experiencing memory loss or seeking a baseline evaluation. Why do they do it? Traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and neurodegenerative disorders cause memory problems that are prevalent among U.S. veterans. Impact Between May 2010 and October 2011, the program assessed 71 veterans. The VA?s Office of Rural Health grant that helps fund the program has been renewed until May 2013. Contact: Jessica Lords St. John?s Institute for Cognitive Health Telephone: (307) 739-7434 E-mail: jlords@tetonhospital.org

Community Connections is an initiative of the AHA to support and highlight the work hospitals do every day in America.

Hospitals are working not just to mend bodies, but also to make their patients and communities healthier. This work extends far beyond the hospital building – bringing free clinics, job training, smoking-cessation classes, back-to-school immunizations, literacy programs and so many other resources, often with little fanfare, directly to the people of the community.

As the national advocate for hospitals, the AHA has consistently supported our members as they develop fair and compassionate policies to help improve access to care for the uninsured, as they work to expand wellness and prevention activities and as they routinely demonstrate their commitment to improving the health and addressing the unmet needs of their patients and communities.

Hospital members are encouraged to submit their stories today.