U.S. Congressman Greg Walden made a stop in La Grande Tuesday,

touring the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient

clinic.

As part of his visit, Walden, R-Ore., met with Clinic Manager Bob

Sherer; Brian Westfield, director of the VA medical center at Walla

Walla; Doug Romer, executive director of patient care services for

Grande Ronde Hospital; and county officials to discuss some of the

challenges of providing health care for local veterans.

Sherer told the congressman he is pleased with the staff and

resources available at the clinic, but added there is a strong need for

more and better mental health care.

“We’re very lacking in mental health capacity here,” Sherer said. “It’s unfortunate we have to scrap and fight for money and services.”

Union County Commissioner Nellie Hibbert noted that the Center for Human Development hopes to build a 16-bed mental health facility in Union County, though the project is a long way off at present.

As things are now, people needing mental health in-patient care have to be transferred to places as far away as Bend. Beds aren’t always available, and there sometimes is a long wait. Patients are sometimes held in the county jail or at Grande Ronde Hospital.

“The new facility would be for the general population and for veterans,” Hibbert said “That’s really the answer.”

Westfield said the VA is interested in partnering with CHD in the development of the local facility. Talks are ongoing.

Sherer also told Walden that he sees an increase in demand for women’s health care. The clinic isn’t as prepared as it might be for the influx of female patients who have served in the armed forces.

Westfield said the clinic’s relationship with Grande Ronde Hospital is especially important in that regard.

“As our female patients know, we’ll be contracting out our obstetric services,” he said.

Sherer said another challenge facing VA health care providers is a demographic shift that is leading away from older veterans. With the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the VA is treating a high number of younger veterans.

“VA patients have been sicker and lived longer than other groups. Now we’re seeing an influx of younger patients, so there’s a dynamic shift,” he said.

Sherer said many of those younger patients are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome, and some are showing the effect of traumatic brian injury because of new battlefield tactics that include the use of improvised explosive devices.

Walden said he has become increasingly aware of the problem of traumatic brain injury.

“We’ve spent quite a lot of money for research for TBI. With the new battlefield environment, soldiers are getting bounced around and broken up,” he said.

Westfield told Walden that the clinic employs a medical doctor and a physician’s assistant in addition to nurses and technicians.

Some mental health services are available now, and the picture should improve this spring when the VA adds a mental health nurse practitioner to the staff.

Local businessman Fred Bell built the clinic on land he owns near the corner of 12th Street and Gekeler Lane. Work on the building began in October 2007. The facility opened last summer.

The clinic serves about 1,200 vets from the region. Services include primary health care, mental health, social services, laboratory and diagnostic pharmacy services, but not emergency care. Up-to-date equipment allows for electronic record-keeping and teleconferencing.

“What a terrific facility for those who fight to protect our freedom,” Walden said after taking the tour. “This really is an important addition for Union County. It makes a world of difference for those who have had to travel so far for their medical appointments.”