Thanks for pushing tobacco-free parks

The writer is responding to a letter in Sunday’s Post, “Correct answer is obvious,” from Whitey Harwood.

Thank you, Mr. Harwood, for your push to have Rowan County parks become tobacco free! We appreciate the roundabout shout-out for Healthy Rowan as well. Our community collaborative fully supports efforts to make Rowan County a healthier place to live, work, and play.

We will be working with county leadership to move our parks toward being tobacco free. We want to see our parks thrive as a place to appreciate the beauty Rowan County has to offer and to be safe for all who go there.

— Alyssa Smith

Smith is executive director of Healthy Rowan.

A veteran’s choice

In support of the W.G. “Bill” Hefner VA Medical Center of Salisbury, I would like to share that a couple of months ago, I had a very painful medical problem … so painful that I would often cry after I got home from work. I finally contacted the VAMC through MyHealtheVet  for an appointment. Shortly thereafter, I received notification of an appointment 33 days out.

After that I received a call telling me that since my appointment was more than 30 days out, I could use the Choice Program to see an outside medical provider sooner.  I said, “Thank you, but no thanks.  The VAMC is my Choice. I will keep the 33-day-out appointment.”

I am always pleased and satisfied with the medical care I receive at the Salisbury VAMC.

— Elaine Howle

China Grove