Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center

Brian Westfield, Walla Walla Medical Center Director and Joe Cladouhos, CEO of Syringa Hospitals & Clinics share the honors to cut ceremonial ribbon on Sept. 27th

The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center (Walla Walla VAMC) recently announced its partnership with Syringa Hospital and Clinics (SHC) in opening a community VA Outpatient Clinic in Grangeville, Idaho.  The new VA Outpatient Clinic will operate under Walla Walla VAMC's umbrella and will provide primary care services to local Veterans.  The Walla Walla VAMC provides primary care service to approximately 65,000 Veterans dispersed over a 42,000 square mile area in seven counties covering southeastern Washington, four counties in north¬eastern Oregon, and four counties in western Idaho. 

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on September 27, 2010 with Walla Walla VAMC's Director, Brian Westfield and Joe Cladouhos, CEO of Syringa Hospital & Clinics, both sharing the ribbon cutting honors to officially open the new VA Clinic.  Mr. Westfield noted, "This partnership represents the VA's efforts to utilize innovative models to bring access to care closer to the Veteran's home or community."  "The VA is reaching out to Veterans in rural areas in Idaho, Oregon and Washington with the goal of making primary care more accessible to our service men and women, moving care closer to their homes." noted Cladouhos.  "Syringa Hospital is honored to be a part of the program." 

Members of the hospital board, local Veterans Service Organizations, SHC staff, and congressional staff were also present.  Grangeville's High School marching band was present and performed several numbers for the audience.  A complimentary lunch for all attendees followed the ribbon cutting ceremony.
 
It is Walla Walla VAMC's goal to serve Veterans – closer to home.  And the opportunity to open up such a clinic in this rural area speaks to Walla Walla VAMC's commitment to provide care for Veterans in their own community.  As part of the Veteran's Health Administration (VHA), Walla Walla VAMC supports the VHA's mission statement to "Honor American Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being."

The Grangeville VA Outpatient Clinic saw a total of nine Veteran patients on September 30th and October 1st.  Enrolled Veterans within a 60 mile radius of SHC who are currently being seen at Walla Walla VAMC's Lewiston Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) will have an opportunity to receive primary care services at the Grangeville VA Outpatient Clinic.  Any Veteran who is interested in getting enrolled or learning about services may call the VA Enrollment Service Center, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm EST by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387).