November 1, 2007
Miller studies how VA construction can best serve veterans
For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence, (202) 225-3527
Washington, D.C. — The Subcommittee on Health held a hearing today to gather information on how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) construction process can best meet the geographic and health care needs of veterans.
“Access to different types of outpatient and inpatient facilities is critical in addressing the unique health care needs of our changing veteran population,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Jeff Miller (R-Fla.). “However, most of VA’s infrastructure was built more than fifty years ago. Many of these aging facilities are not well suited to 21st century health care; they are in need of repair or replacement, and are sometimes simply located far from where veterans live.”
Donald Orndoff, Director of the VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management, testified that VA is currently engaged in the largest building program since World War II. He indicated that the program resulted from the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services program (CARES), which was initiated in 2002. By May 2004, thirty major construction projects were approved and funded, and six additional projects have been submitted for funding since that time.
Major General David W. Eidsaune, Commander,
“The VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic will be a joint success for Eglin AFB, the VA, and our combined patient populations,” said Eidsaune. “This cooperative effort should serve as a model for future efforts to support the health care needs of our nation’s veterans.”
“VA must maintain a flexible approach to its current and future construction,” said Miller. “It is my sincere wish that VA constantly monitor and adjust its construction efforts to best meet the geographic and health care needs of veterans throughout the entire nation, especially those who face the most difficulty in obtaining access to that health care.”
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