Washington, Jan 8 -

Congressman Patrick McHenry announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a 15-year lease for the second phase of its new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Hickory.  A new one-story building with more than 23,000 useable square feet and on-site parking for 150 vehicles will be constructed on Lot 3, Century Place, SE in Hickory. 

“By more than doubling the size and scope of the new Hickory VA clinic, we are taking another significant step toward providing our veterans with the quality health care they deserve,” said Congressman McHenry.

Phase 2 of the CBOC, scheduled to open in late 2010, will provide primary care, general mental health services and eye care for 11,000 veterans in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln and Wilkes counties.  The staff will consist of 80 full-time positions including 10 primary care clinical providers.

On June 4, 2008, the new veterans’ health care clinic opened at 1170 Fairgrove Church Drive in Hickory with a 37-member staff including five primary care providers.  This location serves an estimated 5,500 local veterans during Phase 1 of the CBOC.  Upon opening the facility at Century Place, this clinic will be closed and the staff and services transferred to the new site.

Congressman Patrick McHenry was recognized by the North Carolina Chapters of the American Legion and Marine Corps League for his extensive work in bringing the VA clinic to Hickory.  In October of this year, the VA announced plans for a second CBOC in Tenth District to serve an estimated 3,600 veterans in Rutherford, Cleveland and Polk Counties.

“Our nation has a solemn obligation to provide affordable and accessible health care for our veterans,” said Congressman McHenry.

####