VA San Diego and San Diego MTS Collaborate to Serve Military Veterans in Need

This effort will bring VA San Diego’s Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) van to MTS Trolley stations to offer on-the-spot services to Veterans including health care, urgent care, vaccines, and information about Veteran housing programs.

In the Summer and Fall of 2024, VA San Diego’s Mobile Medical Unit will be at the following MTS Trolley stations on Fridays beginning at 9:00 a.m.:

• Old Town MTS Trolley station (4009 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110) on June 28, August 2, September 6, and October 4
• El Cajon MTS Trolley station (352 S Marshall Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020) on July 12, August 23, September 13, and October 11
• Palomar Street MTS Trolley station (1265 Industrial Blvd, Chula Vista, CA 91911) on July 26, August 30, September 27, and October 25

“This collaboration with MTS is an impactful new way for us to bring our five-star care to Veterans in the community while working to end Veteran homelessness,” said VA San Diego Healthcare System Acting Director, Ms. Cynthia Abair. “The VA Mobile Medical Unit often serves as the first step in putting homeless Veterans on a path toward better health, secure living accommodations, and financial stability,” she continued.

“We appreciate the support and resources the VA San Diego Healthcare System is bringing directly to our Veteran riders who are struggling with access to healthcare,” said Sharon Cooney, MTS chief executive officer. “MTS has been making great strides to help riders connect with health services and this collaboration is another big step in that effort.”

“MTS stations are key sites where hundreds of Veterans travel each day,” said VA San Diego Healthcare System Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Coordinator and MMU Team Supervisor, Keren Garfinkel. “This combined effort provides us the ability to reach many Veterans who have earned and deserve VA care. Working together with community organizations that share our commitment to Veterans, such as MTS, assures that Veteran care is always a top priority across San Diego County.”

The MMU is equipped to offer many on-the spot services to Veterans including urgent care, vaccines, prevention screenings, pharmacy services, lab services, telehealth services, and an introduction to VA wrap-around services that impact many aspects of Veteran’s lives. These wrap-around services include Veteran housing programs, Veteran employment programs, mental health resources and programs, substance abuse resources, and caregiver support.

Representatives from VA San Diego’s MMU Team and MTS will be present Friday to speak with media.