Senator touts veterans' care facility

The waiting room in the VA San Bruno Outpatient Clinic looks much like that of any other medical facility - pastel chairs lined up awaiting clients, a television helping pass the time, pamphlets on proper nutrition and health stacked on tables.

But closer inspections turns up items that make the atmosphere different. Some of the pamphlets tout the American Legion, a large flag holds court underneath the sign-in counter and a poster reminds visitors of "Operation, Enduring Freedom."

The quality of the care that happens in the exam rooms on either side is also different, said Medical Director Dr. Ronald Strauss.

Numerous reviews routinely show that VA health care outperforms other systems, Strauss said.

But while the clinic has much to offer the tens of thousands of veterans who call the Peninsula home, the first challenge is getting them to come, said Patient Advocate Kathleen Bennett.

Some don't know they're eligible for care, Bennett said, while others either don't want to take services away from other veterans or simply don't realize they have such a clinic in their own backyard.

The recent bad press about Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. may have stymied some use but that facility is not a VA hospital and the two should not be confused, Strauss said.

State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco/San Mateo, agreed during a stop to promote the clinic Friday.

"While the failing conditions at Walter Reed and other VA clinics are deplorable, local veterans should be assured that the San Bruno VA Clinic is committed to servicing San Mateo County veterans with the highest quality service and care," Yee said.

The San Bruno clinic opened in August 2005 and has served more than 1,000 veterans, 48 percent of which are new to the system. The majority are geriatric because the area is a retirement community but roughly 5 percent are more recent enlistees, Bennett said.

Despite the growing numbers, only 11,766 of San Mateo County veterans are enrolled out of a 42,847 total.

The clinic is not just a place to heal battle wounds but also to find companionship and understanding, said veteran Mark Tarasov, 26, who uses the clinic for basic physicals along with his twin brother.

Many of the new veteran patients are treated for post-traumatic stress disorder, Strauss said.

While they may not have the physical injuries often associated with war, Strauss described them as those who "can't walk by a parked car without thinking it will explode."

A new influx of funding will bring more services and workers for mental health but the clinic also provides cancer screening, vaccinations and social work. Despite the serious nature of the care that happens inside its walls, the clinic itself is a bright mix of windows and blonde wood unlike the stereotypical veterans' health facility.

Although many of the windows look out at the Golden Gate National Cemetery across the street, Bennett said no patients seem bothered by the close proximity.

Instead, veterans who spoke at the clinic Friday spoke of the warmth and appreciation they felt when there.

"The staff is here to take care of us for what we've done for our country," said Gunnery Sgt. Jason D. Deitschman of the 23rd Marine Regiment.