Furniture, computers and other equipment are being set up now, and everything looks to be on track for the Feb. 1 opening, said James Wheeler, a vice president with Valor Healthcare — the company that will run the Veteran’s Affairs Clinic in Bogalusa.
Wheeler, a retired lieutenant colonel, was in Bogalusa last week to check on the status of the clinic and also speak with local vets and officials about the new facility.
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“They are excited about having their own VA clinic,” Wheeler said.
The former colonel also stopped by The Daily News to speak about the clinic and Valor Healthcare, which operates about 20 other VA clinics nationwide.
Wheeler said Valor won the bid to run the VA clinic in Bogalusa, and is committed to providing excellent service to veterans.
The local clinic will have an X-ray lab, EKG machine and other testing equipment related to primary care, he said. Veterans will be able to get prescriptions filled, physicals and other services that don’t require a specialist.
One doctor, one nurse practitioner, a clinic administer and three or so other staff members will run the facility, Wheeler said.
However, the clinic will also provide mental health care to veterans who may have post traumatic stress disorder or other mental issues, Wheeler said.
While the positions have not been filled yet, the clinic plans to have a psychiatrist, psychologist and a social worker on hand to serve veterans.
“The mental side of it is coming along slower,” Wheeler said.
The clinic will host an open house, with refreshments, for the public on Jan. 29 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
A “soft opening” will take place with a ceremony at 8 a.m. on Feb. 1, with the clinic opening for business at 8:30 a.m. A grand opening is scheduled for March 12 at 1 p.m.
Comments
Edmond Chandler wrote on Feb 1, 2010 2:22 PM:
We have been given a degree of bragging rights now that Bogalusa has it's own VA Medical Clinic.
I hope to see this VA Clinic supported and grow out of this little building... Bogalusa is an ideal place to locate a VA Clinic ... and part of the central medical area, too! a "cousin" of the LSU Bogalusa Medical Center.
Biloxi is doing an outstanding job as it GROWS and serves so many of our veterans, but Bogalusa is an ideal location for another thriving VA facility.
my THANKS to all who had a part in the locating this VA Clinic in Bogalusa!
UP WITH BOGALUSA!
UP WITH VETERANS!
YES! "We take care of our own"...
... a grateful veteran! "
Edmond Chandler wrote on Jan 29, 2010 10:24 PM:
While I am happy to have a VA Clinic in Bogalusa, it seemed evident that all was not YET ready to open. There was some furniture, and some medical equipment, and several staff members to give tours of this facility,( but with very little information), I saw evidence that they really need more TIME to be fully functional.
Bogalusa is clearly a WINNER to have a VA clinic in our midst.... and my hope is that things will settle down soon and this facility will prove to be FIRST CLASS! Our veterans deserve THE BEST! ... nothing less.
One veteran declined to REGISTER today, saying, "I'm not yet convinced that they are ready to provide the high level of service I get in Biloxi"... "I will wait and see."...
and, so, we wait eagerly and with HIGH expectations that Valor Health Care will be able to provide the same high level of health care to the veterans in this area as they get in Biloxi.
I did keep asking myself, "WHY is there such a RUSH to get the DOORS OPEN?"
to be continued...
GO BOGALUSA! "
Edmond Chandler wrote on Jan 29, 2010 9:06 PM:
She acknowledged that the present staff is so new they do not really know very much about what we can expect, YET. However, she said she "thinks" they will do blood work and X-rays, and minor ills of veterans.... she said, for sure they will treat "service connected" issues of qualified veterans, but thought all other veterans will probably be eligible for treatment there as well. We shall see... by a nurse practioner until such time as they get a permanent physician.
I signed up to have my routine blood work done there and have an appt. for March 2, 2010.
It is still better than driving 180 miles round trip to Biloxi to have minor things such as blood work done.
I feel that this small VA clinic will fill a much- needed need in this area for many veterans. . This little VA clinic will no doubt be welcomed by most veterans, including me.
I encourage veterans to look into the possibility that their needs (most of them) will be able to be taken care of right here in Bogalusa.
This is certainly a PLUS for veterans and for Bogalusa!
Over all, it appears that they are pushing to open Monday, ready or not... perhaps a bit too soon... again, time will tell.
In my mind, there are some questions concerning the professionalism of this clinic. (as compared to large, well-equipped, Medical centers such as in Biloxi)... They are depending on much "on the job" training.... trial and error.
Perhaps things will become more settled between now and my March 2, appt. We shall see. Thank God for Biloxi!
I remain hopeful, though.
GO BOGALUSA! "
Edmond Chandler wrote on Jan 28, 2010 1:53 PM:
This VA Clinic is a MAJOR STEP towards BUILDING a better Bogalusa!~
My hope is that this small clinic is "step one" towards building a LARGER Va Medical Clinic in Bogaliusa.
Our Veterans deserve THE BEST!
Ed Chandler "
Edmond Chandler wrote on Jan 28, 2010 1:45 PM:
If it's good for Bogalusa, I'm all for it! If it's good for Veterans, I'm all for it!
This will save me from driving 180 miles round trip to Biloxi on some occasions.
Can our Government ever do TOO MUCH for veterans? NO WAY!
Ed Chandler
A proud Veteran! "
VA Advocate wrote on Jan 27, 2010 9:34 PM:
Thanks wrote on Jan 27, 2010 1:06 PM:
Thanks EDITOR'S NOTE: THE ADDRESS IS 319 MEMPHIS STREET IN BOGALUSA, ACCROSS THE STREET FROM THE LSU BOGALUSA MEDICAL CENTER OUTPATIENT CLINIC. "
VA Advocate wrote on Jan 26, 2010 7:35 PM:
Edmond Chandler wrote on Jan 25, 2010 11:33 AM:
I HOPE this clinic will maintain the high standards that regular Veterans Medical Centers maintain. ( I read that this clinic will be managed by Valor Healthcare.) a contracted third party company.
At the VA Medical Center in Biloxi, we are treated like "HEROES"... in fact, we are called HEROES! My doctor always asks "What else can I do for you today,Mr. Chandler? "
When I was in the U. S. Army, they had a slogan: "We Take Care Of Our Own.".. and this promise has been kept down through the years! Thank you, America!
Thank you, Dept. Of Veterans Affairs ... I have NEVER regretted one day of SERVICE to MY COUNTRY!
I am usually met at my car when I park, and taken by go-cart to wherever I want to go. ... and THANKED for allowing the Biloxi VA to be my primary Health Care Provider.
YES, the veterans who served their country well, are treated like KINGS!
God Bless America!
Ed Chandler
A Proud Veteran "
Jim Stokes wrote on Jan 25, 2010 10:04 AM:
I have been going to the Biloxi clinic since Katrina.
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 32 commander. "