COVID-19 alters van schedule for veterans
The Disabled American Veterans van transports vets to and from Spokane for medical appointments. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
An uptick in COVID-19 cases has resulted in changes on how the local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office transports patients to the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane for medical appointments.
According to Jim Wardensky, a member of the Austin Reedy American Legion Post 97 in Libby who coordinates the transports, the van will only be transporting people on Tuesdays in July.
“Right now, the VA restrictions will only allow us to take one passenger per trip due to spacing requirements,” Wardensky said. “If you are not on the driver’s manifest, we can’t take you.”
Wardensky said to schedule a ride, veterans should call or text the Volunteer Transportation Network at 509-434-7019 or email them at spovolunteersvc@va.gov.
Seating is first come, first serve. Pickups are done at 6 a.m. at the Libby VFW, 6:20 a.m. at the Town Pump in Troy and at 6:15 a.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) at the 3-mile hill gas station in Bonners Ferry.
Wardensky said those who call to set up an appointment will be speaking to James Deen, the Volunteer Supervisor, or John Hausmann, the dispatcher at the hospital.
“I’m hoping in August we can get back to normal with being able to transport more than one person at a time,” Wardensky said.
Wardensky also said there are other changes that passengers should be aware of.
“Right now masks are required on the van and at the VA hospital and passengers may have to show proof of vaccination,” Wardensky said. “If you don’t have cards with the type of shots and dates, go to your doctor and they can get you a printout of your shot and testing records from the state and federal computer depository.”
Wardensky said for those who didn’t vaccinated, they would have to work it out with the VA. He also said veterans may have to fill out a form at the doctor’s office allowing it to release the record to the VA.
Wardensky also asked veterans to be patient and abide by the VA requirements.
“Please do not give the drivers a hard time,” Wardensky said. “We’re volunteers and now are tied to a computer system that tracks you and us, from pickup to drop-off and return. As far as the VA requirements, we can’t change them, so don’t ask us to give you a break.”
Wardensky said if there are any problems, it would be referred to the VA or transportation would be stopped until the rules change.
He also reported that Peter Kitts is driving the van on July 12 and 26 while Roger Diller is driving on July 19. Wardensky said Judy Holzer, Gary Garrison and himself would be driving when they are certified. He also said transports would be done on Tuesdays and Thursdays after July.
Wardensky said Joe Kelly, the previous van coordinator for 20 years, retired earlier this year.
He also said the van is virtually new, a 2020 model with only a few thousand miles on it.
“The van was purchased by Austin Reedy American Legion Post 97, Disabled American Veteran chapter in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry with a special donation from Kootenai River Casino as well as local individuals and riders,” Wardensky said.