craigdailypress.com

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