LAKE COUNTY ? Veterans received some insight into services that are expected to be available to them locally this fall. Department of Veterans Affairs representatives, including those manning the mobile Vet Center, made a stop in Clearlake Sunday where they had an opportunity to address as many as 150 area veterans.
The information outreach event was held at the Elks Lodge in Clearlake. The event offered opportunities to learn about services, eligibility requirements and enrollment. Dr. Ronald Strauss, clinical liaison, said that the new Veterans Affairs Clinic is currently in the design phase with expectations of opening this fall.
“This is really about to happen. Our hope is to get it open by Oct. 1,” Dr. Strauss said. “Thank you for your service to your country and thank you for being here today. This clinic is obviously for you.”
Dr. Strauss said a variety of services will be provided at the new clinic, which will be located at 15145 Lakeshore Drive in the former location of Lake County Mental Health. The existing facility will undergo a completely new design and renovation process. The new clinic will have approximately 8,600 square feet of clinic space and will offer primary care, mental health services and limited specialty care through tele-health technology, linking the clinic with specialists at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and Santa Rosa VA Outpatient Clinic.
Dr. Strauss said additional services will include immunization, nutrition, social services, laboratory services and more. He said staff will be available to provide medical advice as well. Access to the VA medication system will also be available.
“Any veteran that is eligible for VA services can get care in Clearlake,” Dr. Strauss said, adding that shuttle services will continue as well.
Jim McDermoll, assistant chief of volunteer services, said there are 15 volunteer shuttle drivers in the Clearlake area. The drivers provide transportation services to the VA hospital in San Francisco for patients in need of more intense critical care.
“I need more,” McDermoll said. “The more drivers we can get on board the more we can cover all the shuttles.”
Ralph Norton, 77, of Glenhaven, who is a veteran of the Korean War, said that a VA clinic in Clearlake will eliminate his need to travel for services in Ukiah and San Francisco. He said he found solutions to his sleep apnea condition through services at both sites. “There will be a doctor here so if I have other problems I”ll be able to be seen in Clearlake,” Norton said. “I have a good doctor in Ukiah and I hope the one here is just as good.”
Dr. Strauss said administration is preparing to begin the medical staff recruitment process.
Area veterans have been waiting for local services for many years. Veteran Virginia Ellis Vallot said Congressman Mike Thompson is to be thanked. “Mike Thompson has been extremely instrumental and supportive in getting a clinic here in Clearlake for veterans,” she said. “After 20 years we”re seeing it happen. It”s very exciting.”
Veterans who are interested in receiving care at the Clearlake VA Clinic may register at the San Francisco VAMC or any of its outpatient clinics. In addition, veterans can register online at www.va.gov or www.sanfrancisco.va.gov or contact the VAMC Eligibility Office at (415) 750-2015.
For more information regarding volunteer services and shuttle driving, contact the transportation coordinator at (415) 379-5612 or toll free at 1-877-487-2838.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
