The Veteran Affairs system is gearing up to improve healthcare access for veterans across northeast Ohio. A new facility, set to open soon, is poised to make significant strides toward filling the gaps faced by veterans seeking specialized care.
Construction began on November 6, 2023, for the Kent Imaging and Infusion Center, which will be located on Cascades Boulevard in Kent. This facility is notable as it stands as the only specialty-specific healthcare site available for veterans outside of Cuyahoga County. It targets not only veterans living in southern Ohio but also those from bordering Pennsylvania, many of whom have to travel more than an hour to reach the nearest VA medical center.
Jill Dietrich Mellon, the executive director of the Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, emphasized the importance of this new center, stating, “This facility demonstrates our main goal, to provide the best quality care at the closest possible geographic location, particularly for our Veterans facing a cancer diagnosis.” She pointed out the considerable stress veterans endure when dealing with cancer and other serious health issues, making accessible, high-quality care absolutely imperative.
The center aims to alleviate some of this burden by bringing important services closer to where veterans live. Veterans accessing the new outpatient center will find specialized offerings, including cardiology consultations, cardiac stress testing, and infusion therapy. It’s not just about treatment; the facility will also house professionals such as pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, and lab technicians, providing comprehensive care.
Diagnostic imaging services will also be available on-site, including advanced technologies like MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds. This level of accessibility is expected to have positive impacts on the well-being and treatment outcomes for the veterans it serves.
Veterans interested in receiving care from this new facility will need to check their eligibility, which is determined based on factors like their period of service, character of discharge, and income level. Applications for VA health care can be made through the Veteran Affairs Healthcare System website or by calling 800-698-2411 for assistance.
This new Kent-based center will complement existing VA outpatient clinics already serving the Mahoning Valley. Currently, there are two established clinics: the Carl Nunziato Youngstown VA Clinic located at 1815 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, and the Warren VA Clinic at 1460 Tod Ave. NW, Warren. With the addition of the Kent Imaging and Infusion Center, this network aims to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure available to local veterans.
Other initiatives are also underway across the country to support veterans' healthcare needs. For example, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has recently put more focus on digital health and telehealth solutions, especially for veterans residing in rural areas. These advancements can significantly ease access barriers, allowing veterans to consult with healthcare professionals without the need to travel.
Veteran advocates continue to push for more comprehensive coverage and access to various health services, including mental health support, which remains critically important. Programs aimed at mental health care and addiction services are becoming increasingly recognized as key components of veterans’ overall healthcare needs.
While expansion plans look promising, challenges still exist for many veterans, particularly those located far from VA facilities. Transportation and financial constraints can make accessing necessary care extremely difficult. The Kent facility seeks to bridge this gap, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Ongoing dialogues between lawmakers, veteran advocacy groups, and the VA itself are aimed at finding long-term solutions to these persistent challenges.
The construction and anticipated opening of the Kent Imaging and Infusion Center represent not just bricks and mortar but also a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for veterans. Through continued investment and community engagement, there is hope for broader systemic improvements within the VA system and surrounding healthcare frameworks.
