VA Outpatient Clinic

Expanded VA clinic opens with patriotic fanfare

It was a moving sight – dozens of military Veterans standing side by side, singing “God Bless America” on a damp and chilly autumn day. They were gathered together to celebrate the grand opening of the recently relocated VA Butler Outpatient Clinic, which opened its new and expanded facility on Commonwealth Drive on November 6. The ceremony, which was attended by Dr. Scott Wise, the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Valor Healthcare and U.S. Representative Mike Kelly, was a celebration of Veterans across the country. Speakers stressed the significance of attendees’ military service, praised their dedication and sacrifice, and emphasized commitment to Veterans’ services.

The new, larger clinic will enable caregivers to offer primary care services, such as lab work and administrative support, in addition to behavioral healthcare, social work, pharmacist consultations, podiatry, and a variety of specialty care services provided using Telehealth. Hosting a team of RNs, LPNs, doctors, pharmacists, a social worker, and a Veteran Service Officer to help visitors apply for their aid packages and benefits, the clinic is now able to fully implement Patient Aligned Care Teams, or PACTs, enhancing the facility’s caregiving environment and improving health services to the area’s Veterans.

In partnership with Valor Healthcare, the Butler division of Veterans’ Affairs began operating Cranberry’s Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in 2009. The initial selection of Cranberry Township as a prime location to serve Veterans, as well as the decision to stay and expand in the Township, was an easy one, according to Tim Florian, Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Manager for VA Butler. “The VA’s goal is to place primary care services close to where Veterans live. The growing Veteran community in and around Cranberry pointed to a need for services here, and it significantly reduced the requirement for Veterans to have to drive to Butler or Pittsburgh for their primary care.” An expansion of the clinic’s former facilities became a necessity. “The number of Veterans using this clinic’s services continues to grow, so it was an easy decision to continue to expand services here,” adds Florian.

The care provided at the outpatient facility has been embraced by patients, volunteers, staff members, and the community. Florian points out, “We’ve enjoyed an outstanding relationship with the Veterans of Cranberry Township, including a strong group of local volunteers, various community organizations, and Valor Healthcare.” Florian and his team look forward to their continued service of local Veterans and future service expansions at the new clinic.