Local VA clinic receives recognition
Telehealth facility saves veterans time, money, commander says
Gar Williams, American Legion Department of Colorado commander, left, presents the department’s Caregiver of the Year award to the Craig Community VA Teleheath Clinic. Dave Newman, Telehealth Clinic registered nurse, accepts the award while Steamboat Springs-based American Legion Post No. 44 members Bob Printy and Buck Buckland look on. Mike Lausin, Sons of the Legion commander for American Legion Post No. 62, and Bill Harding, Moffat County veteran services officer, stand by them. Enlarge photo
August 19, 2008
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At a glance
• Craig Community VA Telehealth Clinic received Caregiver of the Year award Monday.
• The award recognizes Veterans Affairs health care facilities that “go out of their way to provide exceptional care” to veterans and their families, said Gar Williams, American Legion Department of Colorado commander.
• The clinic opened in September 2007 and serves more than 180 veterans.
• The clinic allows patients to communicate with doctors in Grand Junction via a video link.
• Since it opened, the clinic has saved local veterans more than 250,000 miles and about $40,000 in fuel costs, Williams said.
A recent visit to a Craig clinic saved resident Bill Harding about seven hours of travel time without cutting quality, he said.
Harding, Moffat County veteran service officer, had an appointment at the Craig Community VA Telehealth Clinic on Friday.
“It was the most thorough exam I’ve had with the VA in seven years,” he said.
Without the clinic, Harding would have had to travel to a VA hospital in Grand Junction.
Telehealth services have saved Harding and other local veterans more than 250,000 miles and about $40,000 in fuel costs during the first six months of operations, said Gar Williams, American Legion Department of Colorado commander.
On Monday, the clinic received recognition for its contribution.
The Legion’s Department of Colorado bestowed its Caregiver of the Year award to the clinic. The accolade recognizes staff at Veterans Affairs clinics, including doctors and nurses, that “go out of their way to provide exceptional care” to veterans and their families, Williams said.
The personal attention staff members give to patients helped the clinic win the award.
“It’s like dealing with an old, country doctor,” Williams said, adding that clinic staff members are familiar with the veterans they serve.
“You’re not just a number,” he said. “You’re a person.”
Williams said the success of the clinic, which opened in September 2007, also could be measured in other ways.
Without the facility, Northwest Colorado veterans would have to travel about seven hours round-trip to the Grand Junction VA Medical Center.
With the Telehealth Clinic, however, patients can receive medical services without leaving Craig city limits.
A video hookup allows veterans to communicate with a certified physician’s assistant in Grand Junction.
The clinic in Craig can collect blood for analysis at a Grand Junction lab and perform other services, Williams said.
More than 180 veterans use the clinic, Harding said.
“Everyone I’ve talked to who’s dealt with this clinic is very pleased with the results,” Williams said.
Bridget Manley can be reached at 875-1795 or bmanley@craigdailypress.com
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