Dena was helping make pre-visit calls to facilitate veteran care for another location experiencing staffing challenges. During a discussion on one of the calls, Dena found that a veteran was suicidal. She immediately began the suicide protocol and notified a mental health provider via TEAMS chat, who assisted in calling the Norman police.

Ms. Engel ensured that the veteran did not have any firearms at his current disposal. He did state he had been sleeping with a knife and was planning to take prescription medication. As Dena was in Clinton and the veteran was in Norman, she knew she faced some challenges. As the conversation continued with the veteran, it appeared there were additional challenges, such as his living situation and his dogs, that she was unaware of. Knowing that she needed to keep him calm and make a plan, she explained to him the need to seek help. During the discussion, it appeared that he had not reached out for help because he felt his dogs would not be taken care of, and he thought of them as his family. Ms. Engel kept the veteran on the line and discussed options to ensure his dogs were cared for.

Once they arrived at a solution for his animals, he told her that his landlord would be evicting him the next week. Ms. Engel then began discussing options to help facilitate having a place to stay once he was discharged. Ms. Engel knew that if the veteran did not have a plan or know that his animals were safe, he may run and not seek the help needed. By ensuring they had a plan, the veteran was more open to seeking help, and when the Norman police arrived, he was mentally prepared to go.

Due to Ms. Engel's calm demeanor and her assistance in taking care of what was important to the veteran, she was able to help him get the care he needed safely. This is just one example of the many ways that Ms. Engel assists our veterans daily. She is a true example of the ICARE values.