Closer VA clinics aid veterans
By Cliff Hightower Staff Writer
Chattanooga Times-Free Press
March 26, 2008

Two Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics opening on the fringes of Southeast Tennessee could help local veterans who need health care, U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis said Tuesday.

Rep. Davis, D-Tenn., said clinics will open in Warren and Roane counties. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced this week that six clinics are opening statewide.

"Gasoline prices at $3 and $3.50 a gallon make it almost impossible for some of our veterans on fixed or low incomes who are disabled to actually travel to and from clinics," he said in a telephone interview. "This makes it much closer for them."

The clinics will open this year, but the exact time and locations have not been announced, Rep. Davis said. He was also not aware of the exact services offered by the clinics.

Rep. Davis said he wants to be sure adequate mental health care is provided to veterans coming back home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Many veterans have seen long or repeated tours, he said.

"It has to be a tremendous mental strain," he said. "If they don't offer mental health services, I'll keep pressing."

VA officials in Washington, D.C., did not return phone calls seeking comment on what services will be available.

Grundy County Veterans Service Officer Leo Andy said veterans from his county would be thrilled to have a clinic around McMinnville, Tenn. Many area veterans now drive to Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, Tenn., or to the VA hospital in Murfreesboro, Tenn., he said.

"Murfreesboro is busting at the seams," he said.

Rhea County Veterans Service Officer Don Metts said many veterans from Dayton and Spring City head to Chattanooga and Murfreesboro. With a new clinic opening in Roane County, many might rethink those trips, he said.

"It would definitely make the trip shorter," Mr. Metts said.

Rep. Davis said Tuesday he would like to see more clinics statewide and in the region. Clinics have been allocated for Maury and Giles counties, he said. "It's my hope there will be a couple of more," he said.