By JESSICA POTILA

Journal Staff Writer

IRON MOUNTAIN — After three-quarters of a century an Iron Mountain based veterans center continues to provide health care for our nation’s heroes.

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center includes its main facility in Iron Mountain, along with eight community-based outpatient clinics which serve approximately 22,000 veterans across an area spanning nearly 26,000 square miles. The outpatient clinics are located in Gladstone, Hancock, Ironwood, Manistique, Marquette, Menominee and Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and Rhinelander, WI.

The center, which opened in 1950, celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 5. Construction began on the facility March 14, 1948 at a cost of $6.5 million, making it the largest building project in the Upper Peninsula at that time.

“We specialize in the unique needs of veterans and in particular, rural veterans,” Timothy Ellison, VA public affairs specialist said.

Healthcare services available through the medical center include primary care, mental health and a range of specialty care from audiology to optical services.

“If services are not available at our facility, we work with other VA hospitals and our community partners to meet the Veteran’s needs,” Ellison said.

The Oscar G. Johnson VA maintains a solid reputation among veterans, according to Ellison.

“Of the 2,300 veterans asked, ‘Do you trust the Oscar G. Johnson VA with your healthcare,’ nearly 96% responded that they do,” he said.

Veterans and the public are encouraged to visit the Iron Mountain VA Facebook page for upcoming event information. For more information, please contact Public Affairs at 906-774-3300, ext. 32001 or ext. 32018.