SSCC officially open - MEDDAC takes another step to Readiness

FORT DRUM, NY -- Distinguished guests from the North Country, NY region, and Regional Health Command -- Atlantic joined Fort Drum Medical Department Activity for the official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new Soldier Specialty Care Clinic, April 21, at the Guthrie Ambulatory HealthCare Clinic.

"It is really great to be here. Particularly now, as we are now experiencing what passes for spring weather this far north!" said Brig. Gen. Ronald J. Place, commanding general, RHC-A (P). "I would have made my way here, even in the dead of winter, to participate in this event. It's that important."

The SSCC, over 23,000-square-foot addition to the Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Clinic, is the new home to the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) clinic and Occupational Therapy (OT) department.

The SSCC also brings together all on-post OT services for the first time to better serve TRICARE beneficiaries with physical illness/injuries and psychosocial conditions. Occupational Therapists work with Soldiers to restore daily function, improve medical readiness and physical fitness, and assisting them return to duty.

"Co-locating all traumatic brain injury care and occupational therapy assets on Fort Drum here at the Soldier Specialty Care Clinic is a significant step in improving access for the community," said Place. "In Army Medicine, we pride ourselves in our ability to deliver world class health care to those we serve; this clinic is another step in reinforcing that vision here in the North Country."

When Soldiers are unable to return to duty, therapists play a key role in facilitating transition to civilian life through Warrior Transition Battalion OT services.

"The 10th Mountain Division can count on the people of the Soldier Specialty Care Clinic, Guthrie Ambulatory HealthCare Clinic and the entire Fort Drum MEDDAC to help their Soldiers recover from injury or illness and to help them stay mission-ready," remarked Place.

Place emphasized on Readiness by saying "The Soldier's personal readiness impacts unit readiness. That has the carry-on effect on readiness of the entire Army. That is our number one priority as an Army. The nation needs its medically-ready Soldiers."

Officiating the ribbon cutting ceremony were Brig. Gen. Paul Bontrager, Acting Senior Commander, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum; Col. John McMurray, Commander, USA MEDDAC, Fort Drum; Col. Bryan Laske, Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Drum; Lt. Col. James Goetschius and Mr. David Stoehr, Health Facility Planning Agency and Maj. James Curlee Jr. from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District.