Scalise to Attend Washington Parish VA Clinic Opening Feb. 1

 

Friday, January 29, 2010

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise will attend the opening of the Washington Parish VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic on Monday, February 1, in Bogalusa.

 

            “The new VA clinic in Washington Parish will be a convenient way for our veterans to receive first-class healthcare at a new facility much closer to their homes," Scalise said. "The men and women who proudly served our nation should not have to drive for hours just to get basic care.”

 

VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic Opening

Monday, February 1, 2010

8:00 am

319 Memphis Street

Bogalusa, LA 70427

 

            Congressman Scalise has maintained close contact with the VA through the entire VA clinic planning process.  Scalise remains committed to making sure the VA fulfills its obligations to our nation’s military veterans. The addition of the Washington Parish VA clinic allows 90 percent of veteran patients to be within 30 minutes of their primary care services.

 

As a former member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Congressman Scalise played a key role in the decision to open a VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Washington Parish.  Scalise has urged the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to open the clinic without delay.  Scalise also met with former Secretary Peake and continues to maintain an open dialogue with the VA.  The text of one of Congressman Scalise’s letters to the VA follows here.

 

 

March 9, 2009

 

The Honorable Eric K. Shinseki
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Ave, NW

Washington D.C. 20420

 

Dear Secretary Shinseki:

 

I am writing to request the status on the opening of the Veterans Clinic in Washington Parish, Louisiana. While I understand progress has been made, I am concerned the clinic will not open in a timely manner.  This clinic will be of enormous value to the residents of this parish, and it is critical that the project not be delayed.

 

I know you appreciate the importance of this clinic to the roughly 4,000 veterans in Washington Parish, and the need for quality healthcare in close proximity to their homes.  I urge you and your staff to work diligently in appreciation and respect to our veterans to quickly resolve this matter. 

 

Our military veterans have served our country with honor and it’s very important that they have access to quality care.  In many cases, veterans in Washington Parish have to travel hours just to receive basic care.  I’m pleased that the VA recognized the need for this clinic, but I must stress how imperative it is that this project be completed and opened in an expeditious manner.

 

I look forward to hearing from you regarding the status of the lease and the projected opening date of this Veterans’ Clinic.

 

Thank you in advance for your attention to this request.

 

Sincerely,

 

[signed]

 

Steve Scalise

Member of Congress

 

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Contact: Luke Bolar
202-226-4309