Marking 75 years
CENTER TWP — The observances might be a little more subdued and take place remotely, but the VA Butler Health Care System will mark the 75th anniversary of the Veterans Health Administration this year.
To observe the anniversary, and to recognize the center's health care professionals, history and contributions, VA Butler Healthcare director Kevin Amick said the center will have a Facebook Live Event at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29.
In addition, enrolled veterans, staff, retirees and volunteers are encouraged to participate in the “75 Reasons Why” and the “Happy 75th Birthday” campaigns that will run through the end of the year.
VA Butler Healthcare may have more reason to celebrate than most, said Paula McCarl, public affairs officer.It was just three years ago when the system's Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center opened at 353 N. Duffy Road.“Seventy five years is a lot of programs and processes and program evolutions,” McCarl said.“When we moved in here, it was a big chance to move to a facility that allowed integration of services and how we deliver them,” said Dr. Michael Kruczek, associate chief of staff for ambulatory care.
He said the integration extends to the center's personnel — the doctors, nurses, social workers, associate workers — to work on an individual's health needs.For example, he said, a patient's “pod” might be made up of the patient's doctor, nurse, social worker and pharmacist.“They are integrating all their disciplines in one area,” Kruczek said.This merging of personnel eliminates the silo effect where one specialist compiles data without cross-talking with other disciplines, causing misunderstandings.David Portman, a clinical pharmacist, said the physical layout of the center, two floors with all the patient waiting rooms, treatment areas and doctors' offices on the first floor, encourages this cohesion of services, as well as being more convenient for patients and visitors.“Over 95% of patient locations are on the first floor,” Portman said. “It's much more inclusive. Labs and X-rays are all on the first floor.”
That makes it convenient for the 22,000 patients who visit the center annually.In addition to physical healing, McCarl said the center also has mental health programs, physical therapy programs and alternative forms of medicine such as chiropractic, tai chi and acupuncture.With the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these services have been transferred to virtual medical care, said Lauren Heiger, My Healthy Vet coordinator.There's been nearly a 100-fold increase in online scheduling and prescriptions.Dr. Michael Anderson, chiropractor, acupuncturist and whole health clinical director, said during the year, the VA center has expanded its alternative medicine offerings including acupuncture, tai chi, yoga and guided meditation services.
“We find alternative medicines can empower veterans and strengthen their independence,” Anderson said.Kruczek said primary care teams are deciding to do phone video appointments.“While there is a need to actually physically see the patient,” he said. “We can do lots of preventive things over the phone.”Innovative solutions to COVID complications and willingness to use alternative forms of medicine has helped the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center capture its first National Patient Satisfaction Award, according to Anne McKee, the veteran experience officer.“This is an award that covers the Veterans Affairs's 170 medical centers and outpatient clinics,” she said.Amick said, “There will be other observances through the year. There will be recognition events throughout the year.“It's an opportunity to focus on all the services we provide,” he said.
