Vets ask local medical services

Vets ask local medical services
Wayne Independent - Honesdale,PA,USA
By Peter Becker
Wayne Independent
Thu Nov 06, 2008

HONESDALE -
Representatives of area veteran organizations asked Wayne County Commissioners Thursday to support the idea of a veteran medical program in the local area.
Backed by several more veterans in their distinctive caps, James Bruck, newly elected commander of American Legion Post 254, Honesdale, and Michael J. O’Hara, commander, VFW Post 531, Honesdale, served as spokesmen. O’Hara explained the difficulty vets can face with the nearest Veteran’s Administration (VA) Hospital 50 miles away.
O’Hara stated that they don’t wish to compete with the VA Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, but if federal or state funds were available, Wayne Memorial Hospital could provide some of the services locally.
He cited news articles about the high suicide rate among vets and the need for addressing post traumatic stress disorder, which some combat veterans suffer for decades. More and more professionals are treating the disorder and the Pentagon is increasing funds to study the disorder.
‘Wayne Memorial Hospital is capable and willing to help the veterans,” said O’Hara, after he and other local veteran officials met with hospital administration recently. He said they were before the Commissioners today to lobby for a satellite treatment facility in Wayne County.
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