A heartwarming response at Twin Ports VA Clinic
By Sandra Roy, Deputy Public Affairs Officer
In early December, at the Twin Ports VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), multiple people rallied together to provide support and resources for a Veteran in need.
It all began when a 77-year-old Veteran walked into the clinic, visibly distressed and in crisis. He approached the front desk with a look of panic and explained his dire situation: his furnace had broken, and with the forecast of below-zero temperatures approaching, he was desperate for help. Ice had already begun forming in his sink from a dripping faucet. He had made his way to Twin Ports CBOC by taking Senior Connections transport, hoping to find a solution.
Recognizing the urgency, our advanced medical support assistant at the front desk immediately reached out to a Minneapolis VA social worker, who was out in the community assisting another Veteran. Without hesitation he sprang into action and contacted the local County Veteran Service Officer, who was able to secure emergency assistance to place the Veteran in a hotel to ride out the weekend cold.
In a fortunate turn of events, a DAV representative was at the clinic. He offered to drive the Veteran back home to gather his medication and essential supplies for his temporary hotel stay.
To provide some immediate relief, staff got a slice of pizza for the Veteran, and the DAV representative graciously gave him a convenience store gift card. As he waited in the lobby, another Veteran overheard his situation and generously offered him $40. Other staff members looked through their clinic collection of donated items and gave the Veteran some food and clothing that he could use.
Overhearing the Veteran's concerns about his upcoming Monday mental health appointment, a mental health employee promptly switched it to a telephone appointment to ease his anxiety and logistical worries. The Veteran was very anxious about everything happening and a nurse took him back to her office, where she spent time talking with him and helping calm his nerves.
The Veteran had applied for emergency funding through energy assistance and while he was at the clinic, he received a call notifying him that he was approved and a contractor would contact him to repair/replace the furnace!
This incident showcased our Twin Ports staff putting the Veteran first. Each person involved demonstrated an extraordinary level of care and dedication, truly "owning the moment" to ensure the Veteran's well-being during a time of crisis.