Shown is the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center. The VA is offering valet parking to veterans at the facility starting this week. (Photo courtesy of the VA)

IRON MOUNTAIN – A recent Veterans Administration Compensation and Pension report noted there are about 27,000 veterans who reside in the 15 Michigan counties above the Mackinac Bridge with about 6,000 living in Marquette County alone.

A significant percentage of these veterans rely on the VA for health care. Because of that, the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain has contracted with SterileCo LLC to offer valet parking to veterans at the facility starting this week.

“Offering valet parking is one way we can enhance veteran experience and improve patient safety” said John Shealey, medical center director, in written remarks.

According to information provided by the VA, winter months bring challenges to patient safety including increased risk of slips and falls and higher patient volume due to seasonal illnesses. Valet parking will be available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m.-5 p.m. with the exception of federal holidays. To utilize the service, veterans and visitors may pull up to the valet service at the outpatient entrance near Urgent Care. Valet staff will come to the vehicle. There is a strict, no-tipping policy.

Officials underscore that valet staff cannot physically assist patients. Veterans in need of physical assistance should call the number for mobility assistance listed in the handicap parking spaces.

For more information, please contact Megan Barglind-Rodman, public affairs specialist at 906-774-3300, ext. 32012.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.