Mica's Veteran Record Lake Nona Orlando VA Medical Center: I am pleased to report that one of the most important projects for our Central Florida Veterans, the Lake Nona Orlando VA Medical Center is on schedule and making good progress. Construction is well underway and the superstructure of the building is now many stories high. No delays are anticipated and the current projected opening of this 134-inpatient bed, 120-bed community living center and 60-bed residential rehabilitation medical center is Fall of 2012 . The new VA medical center will be located in the area known as “Medical City”, surrounded by the new University of Central Florida Medical School, the Burnham Institute for Medical Research and Nemours Children’s Hospital. With over 2,100 employees serving an estimated 113,000 veterans annually, the new Orlando VA Medical Center will set a new benchmark in veteran health care. We are all eager to see this facility completed, and please know that I will continue to do all within my power to make sure this project remains on track. I am also pleased that the VA has opened a new veterans clinic in Putnam County to serve the estimated 10,000 veterans in that area. The approximately 10,000 square-foot facility, located at the Palatka Mall opened in October and provides veterans with examinations, basic diagnostic work-up and ongoing management of their diseases, illnesses and medical conditions. Veterans medical services include care for hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and mental health needs. While the VA experienced some difficulties finding an adequate location, by closely working with County and City officials and local business leaders, all were able to come together and select a suitable location to best serve those veterans who will utilize the facility. The advent of this facility also has a positive effect on reducing the large numbers of patients for all neighboring VA clinics. St. Johns County Clyde E. Lassen Veterans Nursing Home: It has been an honor to work with VA, state and local leaders to insure the completion of the Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home in St. Johns County. This 95,000 sq. ft., long-term care medical center opened in September and will aid the growing and aging veteran population in our region. Under development since 2006, this is the first VA nursing facility of its’ kind in Northeast Florida and was designed with state of the art improvements to accommodate Alzheimer and dementia patients. Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home: As our veteran population ages, we are reminded of the importance of adequate nursing home facilities. Our district will have the privilege of hosting two veterans’ nursing homes. The Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home was opened in 1993 and proudly serves our expanding veterans population. This 120-bed facility, under new Administrator Ebb Grayer "Gray" Kilpatrick III, is located at 1920 Mason Avenue, Daytona Beach and can be reached by phone at (386) 274-3460. Homeless Veterans: A national issue receiving additional federal and local attention is the problem of homeless vets. Over the past several years, we have been working to reach out to homeless veterans in our community. I am pleased that the VA is expanding services for homeless veterans in our area. These events offer medical care, VA benefits, tax assisted dental care, showers, clothing, employment, haircuts, food and shelter information. Hopefully, this program can be expanded and provide similar services throughout the District. In Volusia County, additional long term care facilities are being expanded with significant VA underwriting for housing and meals. Jacksonville National Veterans Cemetery: Progress also continues on facilities at the Jacksonville National Veterans Cemetery. This solemn resting place serving our North Florida and South Georgia veterans is located north of the Jacksonville International Airport and approximately five miles from Interstate 295 at 3461 Lannie Road in Jacksonville. Ground was broken on this important project on September 21, 2008, and the first phase of the 526-acre Jacksonville National Cemetery is open. Currently, over 2,000 veterans have been laid to rest there. Phase 1B construction began in September 2009. This phase will include renovations on existing facilities throughout the cemetery, an administration and public information center, a maintenance complex, a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, two committal service shelters, as well as a columbarium. For additional information on this facility, you may contact the cemetery at (904) 766-5222 or visit their website at Working with U.S. Representative Ander Crenshaw, Chairman of the Jacksonville National Cemetery Advisory Committee Dan Hughes and state and local officials, we hope to improve vehicular access to the Jacksonville National Veterans Cemetery. In legislation recently passed by the House of Representatives, the Federal Highway Administration will receive $800,000 to determine how to establish alternate access to the new Jacksonville National Cemetery. Veterans Transportation Launched: Just as important as the larger VA medical facilities serving our area, are the smaller VA clinics that provide day-to-day treatment to our vets. Last year, the VA made the decision to relocate the small and sparsely staffed Sanford Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) to Orange City. While this relocation added and improved services for our veterans, the relocation left some veterans without transportation to the new facility. With this inconvenience, particularly to some who require frequent treatment, I was pleased to work with LYNX, Seminole County veterans organizations and other local leaders to help bring about new transportation service for veterans who needed transportation to the Orange City clinic. Veterans can now call for ride assistance or take LYNX bus (Link 46 or Link 34) to the Central Florida Regional Hospital, 1401 West Volusia Boulevard, Sanford, where they will then be met by a VA van to be transported to the new clinic. To contact the Orange City VA clinic for more information on this transportation service or for general information, please call (386) 456-2080. With the van provided by Lynx and volunteer drivers, we hope to expand future service for North Seminole and Southwest Volusia County veterans. Veterans Funding: In November, Congress passed a budget of $77.9 billion for the Veterans Administration for our current FY 2010. This represents a seven percent increase from last year’s budget. While I have reservations concerning the Obama Administration’s $3.83 trillion budget proposal for this year, I am pleased that support for veterans programs continues to be a budget priority.
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Veterans and Military Retirees
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