WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson joined Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) on a conference call to officially announce their intention to open a veterans’ Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Richmond County later this year.  Hayes has been in contact with both Secretary Nicholson and his predecessors, including former Secretary Anthony Principi to bring a CBOC to Richmond to serve the estimated 2,000 veterans in the area.

“Having a CBOC in Richmond is a tremendous victory for veterans in the Eighth District,” said Hayes.  “I remember the day we put former Secretary Principi in the car to make that trip from the Fayetteville VA to Hamlet so he could experience the time and distance firsthand.

“Now, primary care services will be more accessible and hopefully lead to more preventive care when veterans seek the healthcare they deserve and need.  It is also important to note that veterans recovering from surgery at the Fayetteville or Salisbury medical centers can receive their follow up care close to home.  This announcement is the result of many people’s hard work, including the veterans themselves and I will continue working with the VA as they continue to make plans for this facility.”

Secretary Nicholson commented, “Congressman Hayes has demonstrated a consistent and persistent commitment to this effort and I have heard from him on numerous occasions about bringing a CBOC to Richmond and how important it is for the veterans in the area.  This is a win-win situation for veterans because their primary healthcare needs will be more convenient.  Our goal at the VA is to provide quality care with compassion and this new CBOC in Richmond will continue that commitment.”

Funding for the facility is available in the FY2006 budget and the VA is currently reviewing a location for the facility.

Since first being elected to Congress, Hayes as been working with local veterans and the VA to establish a CBOC in Richmond County that is convenient to veterans in the area.  Clinics are currently located in Fayetteville and Salisbury, which forces many veterans to drive distances over 65 miles to receive critical health care.  In 2003, Hayes invited former VA Secretary Anthony Principi to drive the distance from Fayetteville to Hamlet so he could experience first-hand the length of travel veterans’ face to receive care.