Erie Veterans Behavioral Health Council

The Erie Veterans Behavioral Health Council (VBHC) is unique because it is a non-profit organization officially promoted by the VA. The work conducted by its members is broad and diverse.

Made up completely of Veteran volunteers and supported by the medical center’s Local Recovery Coordinator (LRC) to help carry out the council’s mission, and assist Veterans in non-traditional ways. The council reflects the general make up of VA consumers in our area in order to provide input and feedback to the medical center’s leadership from the perspective of a Veteran.

The purpose of the council shall be to provide a forum for members to express their views and opinions, without fear of reprisal, regarding VA services. The council ensures that all Veterans receive the highest quality out of the services available to them, both at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and within the community, to support achieving their greatest degree of independence.

This is the main objective of the VBHC . The council provides outreach in the following ways:

•Working with otheragencies, including theVA Homeless VetProgram, to helphomeless and joblessVeterans.

•Assist Veterans in applying for benefits by providing information for filling out applications.

•Passing out flyers and promoting awareness of all benefits.

We accomplish this through Communication:

•Use of local media to keep consumers apprised of the latest health care and benefits information.

•Disseminate the same information over the internet and local Veteran Service organizations.

•Utilize any other means, including face to-face contact to keep consumers properly informed.

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

•Conduct surveys and interviews to determine scope of problem areas.

•Interact with other Veteran organizations to improve services.

•Submit ideas to the VA that could lead to new services and improve current ones.

MENTAL HEALTH:

•Guidance on questions and policies that affect consumers of mental health services.

•Provide advice on matters relevant to the mental health consumer interests.

•Arrange for various VA mental health care professionals to explore the diversity of services offered.