Coatesville VA names new medical director

Jennifer Harkins The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the appointment of Jennifer Harkins as the new medical center director of the Coatesville VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Coatesville. Harkins has been detailed as the interim director of the Coatesville VAMC since Jan. 31. Prior to that role, she served as the associate director there. She has served in many leadership roles throughout...

Small steps bring a veteran closer to his family

U.S. Army Veteran Bill Seelaus (right) performs Tai Chi with instructor Ellen Barnes (left), Recreation Therapist, on April 11 at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. This beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis class is part of his personal health care plan developed using the Whole Health model of care. COATESVILLE –  U.S. Army Veteran, Bill Seelaus, strengthens his mindfulness and awareness, tenants...

Letter: Coatesville VA will continue to serve local vets

To The Editor, I would like to assure your readers, especially Veterans in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties that the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) is here to serve you. You may be aware of the recommendation by the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission to replace Coatesville VAMC with a multi-specialty community-based outpatient clinic and move the medical center’s...

Coatesville VA could face closure in modernization move

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa The Veterans Administration Hospital in Coatesville, which opened in 1930. CALN — The Coatesville Veterans Administration Hospital may be one of 17 national VA facilities to face closure within the next few years, with a new facility proposed in the King of Prussia area, if a proposed plan is approved. The possible closure would be part of a national...

Boy Scout bring Christmas spirit to VA grounds

Ned Glavin, junior at Westtown School, life scout, and Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 22, chartered out of Unionville Presbyterian Church, chose to serve veterans selecting his Eagle Scout project. Driven by his desire to help veterans, to honor his late grandfathers who were both Korean War Veterans, Ned reached out to the director of Voluntary Services, Mrs. Jennifer Lilly, at the Coatesville Veterans...

All veterans and spouses eligible for COVID vaccine at Coatesville VA

The Coatesville VA Medical Center has widened the eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination to all Veterans, to include Veterans who are not enrolled or eligible for VA health care, to Veteran spouses, and to Veteran caregivers. The SAVE LIVES Act allows the VA to continue to vaccinate all: Veterans Anyone who served in the U.S. military regardless of their Character of Discharge. Members of and retired...

Coatesville VA offering COVID vaccine to all enrolled veterans

Debora Brooks-Wilson receives her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination at Coatesville VA Medical Center on March 25, 2021 after receiving a text message last week offering her the opportunity to schedule an appointment. CALN — Coatesville VA Medical Center (VAMC) began offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all enrolled Veterans on Thursday. The decision to open vaccinations to all enrolled Veterans...

Coatesville VA lowers eligibility for COVID vaccine to age 55

Gary Giorno, a Vietnam era Veteran, receives his second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Coatesville VA Medical Center vaccination clinic on March 12, 2021. Giorno shared his thoughts about the process during his observation period before checking out. CALN — Coatesville VA Medical Center (VAMC) began offering the COVID-19 vaccine to Veterans age 55 and over on Monday. The decision to...

Coatesville VA works to be a partner in sustainability

Alex Cruz, a Boy scout, pauses for a photo in front of the raised garden beds at Coatesville VAMC July 16, 2019. The raised beds are Cruz’s Eagle Scout service project and are accessible to Veterans of all abilities and grow fresh vegetables for the Veterans and the excess is donated to local food pantries. In recognition for its achievement and innovation in health care sustainability, Coatesville...

Vet finds path to new, better life after treatment at Coatesville VA

Anthony Brown COATESVILLE — Anthony Brown, a 61-year-old double amputee-Veteran, prepares for his departure to live out in the community after two years of care and treatment at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. Brown arrived at Coatesville in early 2018 to begin treatment and recovery after losing both of his feet to frostbite while he was homeless and living in an abandoned house during December...