Wilmington VA: mobile clinic to expand access to prosthetics and orthotics for rural vets

The Wilmington VA Medical Center is taking a major step toward improving access to prosthetic and orthotic care for veterans living in rural areas.

Thanks to a grant from the Office of Rural Health (ORH), the VA has launched a new Mobile Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinic (MoPOC) aimed at providing these essential services in Delaware and southern New Jersey.

The MoPOC, which began serving patients in February, is part of a broader initiative by the Veterans Health Administration to bridge the gap in healthcare access for rural veterans.

ORH, established by Congress in 2006, works to eliminate the barriers that prevent veterans in remote areas from receiving the care they need.

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Prosthetics and more available

Through this new mobile unit, veterans in Sussex County, Delaware, and Cumberland County, New Jersey, now have access to prosthetic limb fittings, custom braces, and shoe modifications without needing to travel long distances to the Wilmington VA Medical Center.

The MoPOC visits the Sussex County VA Clinic on Mondays and Tuesdays and the Cumberland County VA Clinic on Wednesdays.

“For many veterans, the MoPOC is a game-changer,” said Corey Smith, chief of prosthetics at the Wilmington VA and a U.S. Army veteran. “We’re more than doubling the care we can provide in southern New Jersey, which is crucial for veterans in these rural communities.”

The mobile clinic also addresses the challenge of travel costs and time, which many veterans face when seeking care for prosthetics and orthotics.

In addition to saving time and money, the MoPOC helps the VA provide more comprehensive and timely care.

In fiscal year 2023, the Wilmington VA Prosthetics Department saved over $500,000 on orthotics and nearly $200,000 on prosthetic limbs, achieving a 30% reduction in patient costs by offering services in-house.

The MoPOC can prescribe, design, and manage the distribution of custom-made orthopedic shoes, custom braces, and artificial limbs. Orthopedic shoes, in particular, play a vital role in improving veterans’ health by enhancing balance, gait, and overall energy efficiency.

They are also crucial in preventing limb loss, especially for veterans suffering from diabetes and other conditions.

Certified Prosthetist Orthotist David Smeresky emphasized the importance of these custom shoes in preserving veterans’ mobility and health.

“Proper shoes can prevent loss of limb in patients with conditions like diabetes,” he said.

One notable example of the MoPOC’s impact is U.S. Army, Marine, and Air Force veteran Edward Afanador, who lost his ability to walk due to distal sensory polyneuropathies more than a decade ago.

Afanador recently volunteered to participate in a trial for the Microprocessor-Controlled C-Brace, a high-tech prosthetic that functions like an exoskeleton to help the user stand and walk.

Since receiving his brace on March 13, Afanador has been able to walk independently with the assistance of a cane.

“I was presented with an opportunity that most don’t get,” Afanador said. “Corey was a breath of fresh air, and this opportunity has been phenomenal for me.”

The Wilmington VA Prosthetics Department continues to expand its services to meet the growing needs of veterans. In January 2025, they welcomed Cassandra Thatcher, a certified prosthetist and orthotist, to run the MoPOC.

As the program grows, the VA expects to see more patients and continue improving care. “Getting out to the community, especially in rural areas, is critical,” Smith said. “We’re committed to reaching more veterans and providing them with the best care possible in the coming years.”

For more information about the MoPOC or to schedule an appointment, veterans can visit the Wilmington VA Medical Center website or contact their local VA clinic here.