Local veterans gathered at the W.B. Williamson American Legion Post 1 for the grand opening ceremony of the Interim VA Mobile Clinic Friday. (Brad Puckett / American Press)
Local veterans gathered at the W.B. Williamson American Legion Post 1 for the grand opening ceremony of the Interim VA Mobile Clinic Friday. (Brad Puckett / American Press)
Mobile VA clinic finally opens in Lake Charles
Last Modified: Sunday, May 27, 2012 7:30 PM
By Natalie Stewart / American Press
Local, state and federal official were on hand Friday morning for the ribbon cutting for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ mobile health clinic stationed at W.B. Williamson American Legion Post 1 in Lake Charles.
The decision to activate the interim clinic was made more than a month after plans for a permanent clinic were delayed because of errors during the proposal process.
The mobile clinic is slated to open for patients June 4.
Discussion began in January 2000 about having a VA clinic in Southwest Louisiana, Mayor Randy Roach said.
“We have the numbers, and we need the clinic here,” he said to a crowd of more than 100 people. “It’s a wonderful day. It’s really all about the veterans ... the service you give, your commitment to our country and the example you set. We are going to make sure that this (clinic) becomes a reality and we don’t just have a mobile clinic.”
Among those adding comments at the event were U.S. Rep. Jeff Landry and representatives of Sen. Mary Landreau and U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany.
Sulphur Mayor Chris Duncan said, “it’s a great honor to have a mobile clinic here. ... It will be even better when we have the (permanent) facility here. This helps all of Southwest Louisiana.”
District Attorney John DeRosier said, “our veterans deserve everything they can get.”
“We need to realize that the freedom we have to gather here today lies on the leading end of the bullet,” he said. “We appreciate all of our veterans and all that have made this clinic possible.”
VA Medical Center Director Gracie Specks said the agency will provide “a primary care team here to provide primary care.”
“We made a promise that on June 4 the first patient will walk through the door of the clinic to be examined,” she said, adding that the clinic will be open five days a week with a schedule to accommodate all veterans.
“In order to meet the needs of everyone, there will be an early day where the clinic opens at 7 a.m. for those who work and want to come in before work,” Specks said. “On the late day the clinic will open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for those who work and want to come in when they get off.”
The clinic will provide services like those offered in Alexandria, Lafayette and Houston, including basic health services and dental and optical care.
“(Veterans) deserve the very best medical care this nation can offer,” Specks said.
Posted By: Oris Gremillion On: 7/3/2012
Title: Location of the mobile Clinic
Location and hours Clinic is openn. Do you need a appointment? I live in Vinton any info would be greatly appreciated
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