VA Loma Linda Healthcare System holds renaming ceremony for Sy Kaplan VA Clinic in Palm Desert

ceremony at 72700 Dinah Shore Drive, Suite 200 in Palm Desert, California, on December 8, at 1:30 p.m. The ceremony will feature remarks from Dr. Ruiz and VALLHS leadership, with recognition of local Veteran Seymour "Sy" Kaplan’s military service and his impact on Veterans and the community. 

Eligibility and enrollment services will be on site during the event to answer questions and assist Veterans to enroll in VA Healthcare.

Dr. Ruiz (CA-25) authored legislation passed by the 117th Congress to rename VA Loma Linda’s Palm Desert VA Clinic to Sy Kaplan VA Clinic in honor of local Veteran Seymour "Sy" Kaplan. Kaplan served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 as a combat engineer where he earned three Battle Stars and two Purple Hearts. Following his discharge from honorable military service, Kaplan continued to serve by supporting fellow Veterans with advice and assistance to access their earned VA benefits.

Kaplan served as Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 78 in Coachella Valley for many years, and he was instrumental in opening a VA Clinic in Palm Desert.

“A decorated World War II Veteran with a relentless passion for service, Sy’s leadership helped countless local Veterans find healing, community, and a sense of purpose,” said Dr. Ruiz. “I can think of no better way to honor his legacy than to ensure his name is forever etched into our Desert’s history at a place where our Veterans receive quality care.”

VA Loma Linda’s Sy Kaplan VA Clinic is an outpatient clinic that offers primary care and specialty health services, including mental health care, laboratory and pathology, audiology and speech, pharmacy and prescriptions, and a My HealtheVet coordinator. Clinical hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Enrolled Veterans can schedule an appointment by calling 909-825-7084 ext. 5085.

VA Loma Linda Healthcare System is honored to care for Veterans across California’s Inland Empire, offering healthcare and support services at nine world-class facilities including the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Loma Linda; the Ambulatory Care Center and Women’s Health Center in Redlands; and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics in Blythe, Corona, Murrieta, Rancho Cucamonga, Palm Desert and Victorville, with plans to open a CBOC in Hemet in 2024. To learn more, visit https://www.va.gov/loma-linda-health-care/.