INDIANAPOLIS — Jessica Gerig will tell you that is was a honor to protect and serve our nation.
“I will never forget [the] 4th of July in full uniform directing traffic,” Gerig said.
Gerig served in the Air Force from 1998-2001 and now she is battling COVID-19.
“Dizzy, fever, stuffy, congestion, cough, sneezing, just feeling miserable,” Gerig said.
Gerig is currently living at Veterans Villa which is permanent supportive housing that is owned by Helping Veterans and Families.
She is one of many veterans turning to the VA for help.
“The people here at Veterans Villa have been amazing taking out our garbage, delivering our mail for us, delivering drinks,” Gerig told WRTV.
The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center is another option for veterans who need centralized care. Their patient response center is a 24 hour call center that is answered by registered nurses.
Veterans can call in and request appointments or speak to a nurse if they have questions about medications or other medical questions.
More than 35 staff members make up the call center. The call center usually answers about 900 calls a day but due to the recent surge, they are taking about 1,700 calls a day.
“Veterans are calling in with symptoms they want to validate or confirm if its COVID related or not. Then you have patients who are calling if they have a new onset of a symptom or a worsening symptom,” Ambera Oyoo, office manager for the Patient Response Center, said.
“Keep fighting, it's worth the fight, stay protected, don’t pass it on if you got it,” Gerig said.
If you are a veteran and need assistance, you can contact the Patient Response Center at 317-988-1772.
-
Public hearing set on increase in Indiana’s bobcat hunting and trapping quota
The Indiana Natural Resource Commission will have a public hearing on a proposal to increase the number of bobcats that are allowed to be recreationally trapped or trophy hunted in 40 counties.
Defending Indy 500 champion Alex Palou fastest on first day of practice
All 33 drivers got on the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first day of practice for the Indianapolis 500.
Ted Nugent to perform at Brown County Music Center in July
Brown County Music Center will be hosting Ted Nugent, who is making a tour stop on July 23 in Indiana.
Indiana State Fairgrounds to host 2nd Indianapolis Pizza Festival
Many of Indiana’s top pizzerias will come together on October 17 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the Indiana State Fair’s second Indianapolis Pizza Festival.
