Q: What is being done to make sure there is adequate health care available to veterans?
A: As veterans from World War II, Vietnam and Korea continue to age and service members from Iraq and Afghanistan begin to need care, it’s important that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is able to meet their needs. The VA is in the process of modernizing its health care facilities as part of a comprehensive process called CARES. That stands for the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services. While I have expressed concerns about part of this process, the decision to close the Knoxville VA Hospital in particular, some good has come from it. New community-based outpatient clinics are scheduled to be built in six communities around the state. Clinics are expected to open in Carroll, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Ottumwa, Shenandoah and Spirit Lake over the next few years. The VA says that nearly 80 percent of the care it provides is on an outpatient basis. So, these clinics are designed to serve the majority of patients closer to home. The VA hospitals in Des Moines, Iowa City, Sioux Falls and Omaha will continue to serve veterans who need care on an inpatient basis.
Q: Is the VA doing anything to better serve the growing number of women veterans?
A: Women currently make up approximately 15 percent of the active military force, serving in all branches of the military. To better care for this growing population, the VA medical center in Iowa City will be opening a new Veterans Women’s Health Center in Coralville on April 25. This clinic will offer soldiers who are women the full spectrum of health benefits. In addition, the Women’s Health Center will provide services for women in the military who experienced sexual abuse. This center will allow these women to receive the care they need with out worrying about being pressured to identify their attacker or re-live the details of the event. Veterans can contact the VA hospital in Iowa City to learn more about the new Veterans Women’s Health Center that will open this month. You can call the Iowa City VA at 319-338-0581 or 1-800-637-0128.