VA Medical Center extends health care to homeless veterans

The VA Medical Center in D.C. recently conducted its annual day-long “Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down” event. Veterans are given health screenings, dental care, vaccinations and psycho-social services. After veterans are identified amongst the homeless, they are bused to the hospital for day-long care. Last year, 712 homeless vets were treated. Women are among the city’s homeless vets and the head of the VA’s women’s clinic expected that 60 to 100 would file through. Brian Hawkins, director of D.C.’s VA hospital, estimates that about half the city’s homeless population are military veterans. The vets get more than health care at the annual event. Employment, education and financial counseling opportunities are also made available to them. They can even get a haircut, toiletries, and warm clothes and boots.