United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Walla Walla, Washington

CARES image: Go to CARES site

CARES Decision
Walla Walla, WA VA Medical Center
The Secretary’s decision concludes the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Business Plan Study for the Walla Walla VA Medical Center by rejecting options to close the Walla Walla campus and move the services to the Tri-Cities market. The Secretary directs Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to use existing contracting authority to provide inpatient and nursing home care within Walla Walla and its market area. He further expects the VISN Network Director to meet mental health service needs consistent with the VHA Mental Health Strategic Plan and to work with the Walla Walla Community Task Force to explore partnerships and other opportunities to utilize the historic Walla Walla VAMC campus. The Secretary’s 2004 CARES Decision Document required a study on how to improve the environment of care in Walla Walla. The Stage 1 report assessed the demand for health care compared with the availability of care in the community, including consideration of the limitations and substantial cost of maintaining an aging campus.

CLICK HERE FOR THE WALLA WALLA STAGE 1 REPORT, which includes details regarding the Walla Walla study site, market health care demand, options reviewed by the contractor, and final recommendation.

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE SECRETARY’S JULY 7, 2006 PRESS RELEASE

These documents are provided in PDF format for downloading and local reproduction. Software for accessing this document format is available on the VA Viewer Software Page.

Information and Links - Walla Walla
Local Advisory Panel Public Meeting Announcements and Schedules
  • September 25, 2006 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
    Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center Theater.
  • September 30, 2005 - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
    Wildhorse Resort and Casino.
  • May 4, 2005 - 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
    Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center Theater.
  • Public Affairs Office and FAC Support:

Stage I Report
Description of Options
Meeting Summaries and Materials
Meeting Agendas
CARES Phase I & II
2004 Secretary's Decision
Congressional Briefings