Vero Beach clinic wants veterans to know what is there for them

Vero Beach clinic wants veterans to know what it has to offer
By Janet Begley
Posted June 4, 2011 at 9:18 p.m.
VERO BEACH — For Indian River County veterans, access to medical care is as close as 17th Street in Vero Beach, thanks to the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.

The medical office, which is run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, held an open house Saturday to encourage eligible veterans to sign up for medical services.

According to Operations Director Tracy Sims, the clinic currently sees about 40 patients each day, with services ranging from blood pressure monitoring, diabetes testing and other primary care services. About 3,500 veterans, both men and women ranging in age from 18 to 100, are registered at the Vero Beach clinic.

"We are trying to let veterans know that we're here to help them," said Sims. "They deserve to get their health benefits because they served our country proudly."

The team at the Vero Beach office handles basic medical care including laboratory work, but refers patients in need of more specialized care to the VA Hospital in West Palm Beach.

"We try to do as much here are we can," said Sims. "Veterans really seem to like coming to this office rather than making that drive down to West Palm Beach."

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Vero Beach clinic wants veterans to know