It's official - and being Veterans Day, the time and place were only fitting.
On behalf of the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, members of the VA Central Iowa Health Care System formally announced the future opening of its third Community Based Outpatient Clinic Wednesday at the former Econo Foods building in Marshalltown.
With construction now underway, the facility - located at 101 Iowa Ave. West - will clock in just under 10,000 square feet and is slated to open March 2010, according to Public Affairs Officer Lisa Christie.
Its location will allow veterans local primary care while receiving specialty or inpatient services at their Des Moines campus.
"We have been caring for veterans here in Marshalltown since 1887, so this is some very good and very needed news," said Rep. Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown. "It's an exciting day."
And while the other two VA outpatient clinics average 40 clients per day, it can only mean convenience for veterans - and an economic boost for the locale.
"As a veteran I'm looking forward to this facility," said City Councilman Bob Wenner. "It will bring benefits to our area and be an asset for us."
But the clinic was a long time coming.
"Mr. Smith and I worked with the Veterans Administration in Washington DC when we were there on a trip three years ago," said Mayor Gene Beach. "We had been promised this and now that it's coming to fruition, we're all very pleased."
When the clinic opens, services will be limited to primary care, psychiatry, tele-pharmacy and lab, along with tele-diabetic and tele-move clinics. Future assistance may include social work, OEF/OIF support, audiology and additional mental health services.
Veterans in the area who currently acquire VA medical services will receive a letter in the mail asking if they would like to utilize primary care at the Marshalltown facility.
"I see a lot of local veterans in Des Moines so this will make life easier for them." said Dr. David Bethel who will provide psychiatric services at the clinic.
"On behalf of the Marshall County Board of Supervisors, this will be a great advantage for our veterans and allow them to get care closer to home," said member Denny Grabenbauer. "Plus, this will help our community attract other businesses around this facility, so this is a great opportunity for everyone."
A display of the upcoming clinic's layout is available for viewing at the Fisher Community Center.
VACIHCS currently provides care to veterans at campuses in Des Moines, Knoxville and community-based outpatient clinics in Mason City and Fort Dodge.
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Contact Tammy R. Lawson at 641-753-6611 or tlawson@timesrepublican.com
