Expanded VA clinic praised
By BRETT DUNLAPArticle Photos
PARKERSBURG - Supporting veterans at home and making sure they have access to health care is just as important as having supported them during their active duty, officials said Wednesday at the dedication of the expanded Wood County Veterans Clinic in Parkersburg.
More than 50 people attended the dedication at 2311 Ohio Ave. near the Memorial Bridge, many of whom wore something that indicated their military service. U.S. Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va., and U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., spoke to the crowd.
Rockefeller, who serves on the Senate's Veterans Affairs Committee, has promoted a network of clinics across the state that provides primary and preventative care closer to veterans' homes.
''Ten years ago we worked together in Congress to turn the VA health system into a primary care model,'' he said. ''Since then veterans clinics have flourished across West Virginia, bringing basic and preventative care closer to our veterans. You have to take the care out to the veterans to make them feel comfortable with the process.
''VA healthcare is still some of the best care in the nation and that is why I pushed for a change in the law to make it more accessible. This year, Congress passed a law allowing West Virginia's returning active duty military, National Guard and Reservists an additional three years to apply for VA medical care.''
The purpose of these clinics are to improve access to veterans, said William Cox, director of the Louis A. Johnson VA Healthcare System.
''Here in Wood County and the surrounding counties this clinic is serving around 3,000 veterans and is growing,'' he said. ''It is first class and our veterans deserve that kind of health care facility.''
The clinic offers primary care services, lab work and other services. In the coming months, the clinic will have X-ray and radiology services.
Access to these types of services is important, said Michael Morehead, director of the VA Healthcare Network, VISN 4.
''I want people to know that 99 percent of every veteran who wants an appointment gets it within 30 days of their desired date,'' he said. ''That is phenomenal success.
''We are not going to be happy until we get 100 percent.''
Morehead would match the quality of care with anyone in the private sector, saying VA was better in some cases.
Some veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan do not know they can go to the VA for help and services.
''Those who are coming, we are receiving them with open arms,'' Morehead said. The VA has been involved in a program where representatives call recently returned veterans to tell them these services are available.
Those gathered at the clinic were the core of veteran support in this country - families, fellow veterans and community members, Mollohan said. He said federal lawmakers have provided more money for veterans services.
Before the original clinic opened a few years ago, many area veterans traveled to Clarksburg to receive VA services. Local veterans said that was a tremendous commitment of time and money on their part to do that.
The clinic in Parkersburg cuts down on travel expenses and gives veterans a place to go locally for assistance, said Bill Sutton, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1212 of Parkersburg.
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ren26101
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09-04-08 4:37 PM
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Walleye I am glad they have served u and Lisa well! I am sure u both and your loved ones who are treated by both hospital and clinic is well deserved. I am grateful for the help my Uncle PAID FOR with sweat, blood, and tears. Although @ the same time, I have experienced rude remarks and sluggish care from PROFESSIONALS who have an even harder time caring for my 80 yr old, blind, and VERY confused uncle. I agre they need more people. That is most of the problem. BUT @ the same time it is unfair to be treated with disrespect just because u r the one there when staff is having a bad day?!?!
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walleye
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09-04-08 8:12 AM
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As a proud Veteran of the Vietnam era, I use both the clinic and VA Clarksburg. I hear a lot of complaints and bellyaching about these 2 facilities. You should be thankful we have them. I have gotten nothing but the best care & treatment from both. Give the Doctors and, nurses and personnel credit as they serve more people in an hour than they should have to see in a day. Most are hardworking, willing to help and are genuinely nice folks. I know I would be a little more than ticked off had I had to take the impatience and griping I have witnessed while being there. For once, be patient, and be grateful of the care you are receiving at little or no cost. Try going to St Joe ER, the usual time you have to wait to see a doctor in 4 hours,
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Linda1
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09-04-08 6:56 AM
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I don't think the new clinic is any better....how can you tell if someone is sick with a phone call?....yea....if you go there for treatment they are too busy to see you and send you to the ER anyway...that's expensive....then if you are lucky (?) to have treatment, your next appointment is by phone....I know this first hand my son is a VET and proudly served his country for 10 years...no not retired...relieved of duty because he was up for retirement....how does that grab ya....I know a lot of VETS treated this way...it's a shame...they spent time from family and don't get to attend important events in the family daily life...and are told by these so called clinics they are too busy to help them....shame, shame, shame.....I am a proud mother....There is no need for these VETS to fight for their rights after they come home....we should bow to them for keeping us free....Thank you...a Proud Mother
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Lisa01
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09-04-08 5:59 AM
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I've had nothing but wonderful treatment at the VA Clinic. They certainly could use more staff. I've watched the receptionists try to deal with a line of people while the phone is ringing off the hook. But they have done everything to accommodate as best they could.
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ren26101
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09-04-08 12:56 AM
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My uncle is a vet and the VA clinic on Market was a joke. Almost as funny as the Clarksburg VA medical clinic! It is amazing the price these guys and girls pay to get treated like they no longer matter! So glad we have a new clinic! Hopefully they gave some of the receptionists and nurses a lil training on answering phones and manners??
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