Broken Promises: Compromised Care at VA for Veterans with PTSD
June 24, 2022
Hosted by Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ted Blickwedel, became a licensed clinical social worker after retiring from the military where he provided mental health counseling to fellow veterans. He never expected to experience the callous approach to providing service to veterans at the hands of the Veterans Administration where quantity was prioritized over quality care, this by increasing counselor workloads at the expense of the quality of mental health service offered to veterans living with PTSD. Lt. Col Blickwedel never intended to be a whistleblower. Once speaking truth to power, he was at the receiving end of retaliation, isolation, gaslighting, mobbing, false accusations, character assassination. His relentless and tireless pursuit of speaking truth to power has been successful and has led to the expectation that Congressional legislation will pass at the end of this fiscal year. This legislation will hold the VA leadership accountable to prevent this situation from continuing to occur. When Former Marine Captain Jerome R. Strayve, Jr. "Jerry" was reunited with Lt. Col.Blickwedel 42 years after they were together at training camp, said upon the meeting: "When Ted came to me with his story, I was aghast. Not in disbelief of the veracity of what had happened, but that it had happened again! Having experienced the military's medical community's callous lack of compassion for active-duty personnel and their families, I felt compelled, honored, and driven to help Ted write his shocking story." The collaboration between Blickwedel and Strayve led to the June 15, 2022 release of their book, Broken Promises, written to create awareness and advocacy for veterans and the counselors. The desired outcome of the book is to work cooperatively with the Veterans Administration to enact policies and procedures that will ensure quality mental health services for veterans as well as to protect the mental and physical well-being of their counselors. Broken Promises: www.vabreakingpromises.com
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk
New Shows Weekly on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
Seniors STRAIGHT Talk, formerly Voices For Eldercare Advocacy, is rebranding with expanded content and topics. The podcast will continue to highlight the all-important relevant issues for seniors, their families, loved ones and the population at large, who ultimately are our future selves. Through informative and engaging conversations with thought leaders, professionals, and individuals who share their experiences, listeners will gain insights and information that will be meaningful for their everyday lives. Phyllis’ expertise captures the essence of the topic of the day and translates it into relevant discussion that provides insight into everyday problems. As we transition into elderhood, which Phyllis calls the third act of life, seniors are entitled to have a quality and fulfilling life with dignity, respect and purpose no matter the age, condition or living environment. Seniors STRAIGHT Talk is available to listen and download on all your favorite podcast platforms.
Phyllis Ayman, MS/SLP, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP
Phyllis Ayman, host of Seniors Straight Talk, is a speech and language pathologist, certified dementia practitioner, trainer, and best-selling author who’s dedicated to improving quality life and quality care for older adults in our families, communities and nursing home residents. She’s best known for her communication skills, empathy, unwavering high standards, and believes strongly that care treatment of older adults is a direct reflection of society’s attitudes towards adults the elder years of their lives. She’s passionate about meeting the needs of our culturally diverse senior population and understands the root causes faced by nursing home residents after working in 50 nursing homes. Phyllis is passionate about teaching what she learned from helping your parents to how she can help you. Phyllis is an accomplished author and featured speaker and an accomplished trainer for both the public and private sector. Her latest book Dignity and Respect: Are Our Aging Parents Getting What They Deserve? became an instant Amazon bestseller. She’s published several articles and courses for healthcare workers and caregivers and holds a trademark for the word “IMpathy” (tm).
Phyllis serves as a board member of the Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, is an advisory board member to Olive Community Services based in Los Angeles, California and served as a member of the COVID19 National Health Care Coalition.
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