WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Representative Ron Lewis announced today that Daviess County has been selected by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a site for a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). This represents the most significant commitment to date in the effort to localize veteran medical care.

 

“New clinical services are critically important to the thousands of veterans who reside in greater Owensboro,” said Lewis. “I’m happy to announce today that we have successfully made our case to the Department of Veteran Affairs.”

 

Lewis joined over 350 veterans at an event in Owensboro in February 2006 to discuss how Congress could better ensure that our veterans’ needs are met. The need for a new CBOC in Daviess County dominated much of the forum. Area veterans currently must travel to VA facilities in either Evansville, IN or Hanson, KY for outpatient services.

 

Lewis has met with Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson on a number of occasions since his appointment to highlight the need for a Veterans Health clinic in Owensboro. As a result of these discussions, the Secretary agreed to look into the situation and give Davies County due evaluation among numerous other competing sites across the country.

 

 “Secretary Nicholson recognizes the need for patient care services here in Kentucky and I am proud to work at his side to ensure that veterans in Owensboro and surrounding communities have the best local care possible.”

            Upon its opening, the Daviess County Community Based Outpatient Clinic will offer primary care, health promotion, routine and urgent care and some mental health services.

                “The united effort of area veterans and local leaders spurred action in Washington that will benefit the veteran community of Daviess County for many years to come,” said Lewis. “Our success would not be possible without the tireless work and valuable contributions of VA Regional Director Bob Morrell, Veteran’s Organization Chairman Terry Stinson, and DAV representative Jim Huff and the sustained support of the Daviess County Board of Health.”

In a letter submitted to Lewis’ office, Secretary Nicholson reported that the Davies County facility is included in Department of Veteran Affairs budget designations projected to begin by the end of 2007 into the beginning of 2008.