Times Georgian - 2016-07-20 - welcome home

the other building that provides primary care, mental health and significant high volume specialties,” Bruton stated. The Veterans have responded positively. When the facility opened their doors, there was a tremendous response to hav- ing medical assistance in West Georgia, including several World War Two Veter- ans. “This is a 911 complex which means we have a 24/7/365 village equipped with medical personnel that can handle most problems. If not, ambulances and a hos- pital are nearby. Since the 13-acre parcel has additional space, the VA is consider- ing adding another parking deck and an ambulatory structure which will heighten our resources immensely,” said Bruton. “More Veterans from Alabama and other counties can now obtain medical help at less cost, not having to make a 110 mile round trip and a much longer wait some- where else,” added Bruton. The benefits from the village include an educational factor. “We have a School of Nursing Training site whereby Nursing Students come The University of West Georgia, Dental Hygiene students from West Georgia Technical College, and even Medical Students from Morehouse,” Bruton stated. “The jobs that were cre- ated for local people was another positive point. There are 220 employees at the village,” stated Bruton. In addition, The Veterans have the option of Home Based Primary Care Services, and two Depart-

The only stipulation of the estate was the VA would take ownership of the clinic and staff the facility. When a VA clinic is considered, the region, state or city ap- proaches the government for the financial assistance. The Trinka Davis Veterans Village was funded by an outside organi- zation and no government money was in- volved in the transaction. “On August 12, 2012, the facility was for- mally donated to the Veterans Adminis- tration,” said Gary Bruton, Administrator of the Trinka Davis Veterans Village. The

village is unique because it has a Commu- nity Living Center where 39-42 veterans actually reside in their own private living quarters separate from the center itself. They even have their own chef. “The Liv- ing Center is 56 miles from the Atlanta VA Medical Center and there are only three or four locations in the country that provide living facilities for veterans,” Bru- ton added. There are four homes that pro- vide residences for the veterans who actu- ally name each home as Liberty, Patriot and Freedom. “The residences are in one building and a multi-specialty center is in

12 - WELCOME HOME 2016-2017