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Work on ’super clinic’ for veterans will proceed despite storm, Principi says
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By Sheila Ingram
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Pensacola News Journal, September 21st, 2004
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Hurricane Ivan won't stop progress on a new "super clinic" for veterans in Pensacola, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi said Monday.
Veterans Hotline
For assistance in obtaining medicines or with other health care needs or benefits, call 800-570-8237Principi also authorized the use of mobile health care units in Santa Rosa County as well as cleanup crews for Barrancas National Cemetery.
Principi walked through Pensacola's Veterans Administration clinic Monday on Kenmore Road, visiting with employees and veterans who lost their homes or other property.
Principi dispatched a cleanup team to Barrancas National Cemetery, which was hard hit by Ivan. The self-sustaining team will operate out of recreational vehicles.
"The grave sites are OK, but there is an incredible amount of tree damage," Principi said.
Principi said it's possible interments will resume at the cemetery late this week. The cemetery averages about 15 to 20 burials a week.
Principi said he was shocked to see the extent of the damage at Pensacola Naval Air Station.
He said the decision on whether to proceed with an Oct. 7 ground-breaking for the $45 million joint clinic will be left to local officials. The clinic will be operated by the Veterans Administration and the U.S. Navy.
"I certainly hope we can stick to the schedule, although the ground-breaking could be delayed," Principi said.
The 200,000-square-foot clinic will be constructed next to Pensacola Naval Hospital on U.S. 98 in west Pensacola. Congress approved $45 million last year for the clinic, which was expected to open to veterans in early summer 2007.
Dr. Gregg Parker, senior physician at the VA hospital in Biloxi, Miss., said the biggest need for area veterans is for medicines because they might not have refilled prescriptions since the hurricane.
A 24-hour hotline has been established to help veterans get the medications they need.
Rocky McPherson, executive director at the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, said state employees will be sent to the area to assist veterans.
"The community is pulling together," McPherson said.
Pace resident Chuck Heiney served with Principi in Vietnam and welcomed him Monday to the clinic in Pensacola.
"His being here and letting veterans see him is inspiring," Heiney said.
The Veterans Administration budget is $64 billion for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30. The VA employs about 230,000 people at hundreds of medical centers, clinics, offices and cemeteries throughout the nation.
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