Exciting Developments for Veterans in Huntsville
Huntsville residents, mark your calendars! On September 18, the Fox Army Health Center hosted its third CommunityCare Connect patient town hall, and the atmosphere was buzzing with optimism for our local veterans. Leadership from both the Fox Army Health Center and the Huntsville VA Clinic gathered to share some fantastic news, and it’s all about elevating healthcare services for those who’ve served our country.
New Primary Care Services are Here
One of the big highlights revealed during the town hall was the recent launch of primary care services at Fox Army Health Center, provided by a dedicated team from the Huntsville VA Clinic. Tricia Villanueva-Harris, the chief medical director of Huntsville VA Clinic, proudly shared that their current team can serve up to 1,320 veterans. But wait, there’s more—this is just the beginning!
Plans are in motion to establish two additional Patient Aligned Care Teams, affectionately known as PACT teams, at the Fox Health Center. Villanueva-Harris explained, “Our hope is to bring the second PACT around December and the third PACT by the end of March.” If all goes according to plan, the health center will be equipped to serve a total of 3,640 veterans—a substantial increase that speaks to the growing needs of our local veteran community.
Working Together for Better Care
During her presentation, Villanueva-Harris emphasized the importance of collaboration between the VA Clinic and Fox. “We hope to work together because we’re all on the same team, taking care of the same population,” she noted. This united approach will foster a healthcare system that consistently provides reliable and ready care whenever and wherever it’s needed.
With the support of Fox Commander Lt. Col. Deepak Mathew, the VA clinic at Fox has been able to set up a dedicated space that includes exam rooms, a lab, and all the necessary amenities for patients and staff. It’s a small but significant victory for our veterans, who deserve the best care possible.
Future Plans and Possibilities
As exciting as the current developments are, even more possibilities are on the horizon. Lt. Col. Mathew revealed that the health center is exploring the addition of several new services at the VA clinic, including audiology, dental, and cardiology services. This could greatly enhance the range of care available to veterans and military personnel, ensuring they have access to comprehensive health services under one roof.
A Streamlined Experience
The partnership between Fox and the Huntsville VA Clinic also ensures that veterans have access to advanced imaging services, such as MRI and CT scans, along with primary care. This means less time spent waiting for appointments and a smoother, more efficient healthcare journey—something we can all appreciate!
Growing Patient Community
As of the town hall’s date, the Fox Army Health Center reached a milestone of 10,716 Tricare Prime enrollees. Lt. Col. Mathew stated that there’s capacity to grow this number to 12,000. This growth in enrollment is indicative of the trust and confidence that veterans place in the services provided. Those who might be concerned about getting care as they reach the age of 65 can rest easy, as the center will consider requests on a case-by-case basis for the limited Tricare Plus spots.
Looking Ahead
With these promising developments, it’s clear that our veterans are in good hands here in Huntsville. Whether you are a veteran or simply someone who cares about the well-being of our military community, there’s much to take heart in. Together, the Fox Army Health Center and Huntsville VA Clinic are paving the way for a brighter future of healthcare, one step at a time.
