Washington, D.C. – Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) today cut the ribbon on a new, consolidated and expanded Veterans Administration (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinic today in Bradenton.

“This new, consolidated facility will provide area veterans with expanded services and to meet most of their health care needs close to home,” said Buchanan. “I will continue to work as a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee to ensure our nation’s veterans get the health care benefits they have earned.”

The new clinic opened for business and began seeing patients on April 13th.

The new clinic provides the VA with additional patient capacity to provide expanded primary care services. It will also provide mental healthcare, social work services, and a pharmacist. Furthermore, the clinic is designed to provide gender specific care for female veterans, including larger rooms, better layout for privacy, and adjacent restrooms.

Later this summer, eye care, dental and basic radiology services (x-ray and ultrasound) will be added to the clinic.

The former Ellenton Primary Care and Bradenton Mental Health VA locations have closed with the opening of the new clinic.

Buchanan is a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and received the Florida VFW Legislative Achievement Award in 2009 for his service to members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.