Staff, clients of VA Butler Healthcare get outside for event
BUTLER TWP — David Pingree usually gets around in a wheelchair, but he was able to complete the 2-kilometer walk around VA Butler Healthcare on Wednesday, May 15, thanks to his wife.
David Pingree, a veteran client of the VA, participated in the agency’s 2K Walk & Roll, which allowed veteran residents of the VA’s facilities to participate for the first time since 2019. While the walk was still a long way for Claudia Pingree to push her husband, the two enjoyed the activity.
“We finished. That’s all that matters,” Claudia Pingree said.
This is the 14th year VA Butler Healthcare has hosted the 2K Walk & Roll, and campuses in Butler, Hermitage and New Castle each had events scheduled for the week. Dozens of veterans participated in the walk Wednesday, many aided by staff members.
Meredith Paterson, whole health program coordinator for VA Butler Healthcare, said money raised from the walk and roll is used to fund the VA’s programs aimed at homelessness, and the event has proved successful in past years.
“The idea is to help employees get out and move, but if people bring a donation, it helps the homeless veteran program,” Paterson said. “Last year we actually collected almost $15,000 in donations, and we won a national award for that.”
Maryann Capuzzi, a recreation therapist at VA Butler Healthcare, said the walk and roll events also are designed to get veterans outdoors, which is why many employees were also involved, helping to push wheelchairs and perform other tasks. Capuzzi said the COVID-19 pandemic lowered the opportunities veterans had to get out and about for activities, and just getting outside to go around the building was a good thing.
“This is the first time that they were able to participate in this event again since COVID,” Capuzzi said. “Any chance that they can get out now, and we’re just starting to get back in the swing of things, to get them out to different organizations.
“Anything and everything to get them outdoors.”
Paterson said the activity was a morale booster for staff and clients.
“It was a big deal for them to get out today, and we had a lot of support from employees who volunteered to come and help push,” Paterson said. “It’s not just employees pushing them … It’s vets pushing vets.”
According to Paterson, Homeless Veteran Care at VA Butler Healthcare helps veterans who are undergoing insecurity of food, shelter or other needs. Paterson said the money from the walk and roll would all be used by the department.
“If they need cleaning supplies, if they’re helping set up housing,” Paterson said. “If a veteran comes in and they are homeless, they are not going to leave without making sure they have food and supplies and are working on housing.”
