Logansport, IN—Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Multi-Use Outreach Center in Logansport. This outreach center, which is currently in a temporary location, is the first of its kind and will provide an array of services to veterans in the Logansport area.

“Ensuring that America’s veterans have top-quality and accessible care and services is one of my top priorities,” Donnelly said. “I fought hard to get this Multi-Use Outreach Center up and running, so our veterans will have access to many of the services they need under one roof.”

The multi-use center is the first veterans center in the country to offer a combination of services from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and Vets Center in the same location. Donnelly has been working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to open this center since the spring of 2007.

The VBA will begin providing its services immediately with a benefits counselor available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The VBA counselors will inform veterans of the benefits available to them, assist veterans in filling out applications for VA benefits, and more fully explain VA decisions to them.

The VHA and Vets Center will begin providing their services as soon as they receive the necessary approval from the Veterans Administration. Donnelly has been in close contact with the VA to make sure the necessary approval is granted as soon as possible.

The VHA initially will offer outpatient group therapy twice a month, especially targeting those veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Services likely will be expanded to include other treatments, such as substance abuse counseling. All services will be provided by a clinical psychologist and/or a social worker.  The Vets Center will have a counselor available two days per month to provide psychological assessments and readjustment counseling. 

“I’m pleased that, starting today, area veterans will be able to come to this center for assistance with their benefits,” Donnelly added.  “Over the years, our veterans have served our country and, in doing so, not asked for anything in return. Despite their selflessness, there is no doubt that we owe them—and more than just a debt of gratitude. Opening centers like this one is just one way we can thank our veterans for all they have done for us.”

###