Alexander, Corker, Lincoln Davis, Duncan: New VA Clinics Will Improve TN Vets' Access to Health Care
Clinics Approved for Construction in Giles, Maury and McMinn CountiesJune 27, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representatives Lincoln Davis (D-Tenn.4) and John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.2) today responded to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' (VA) announcement that new VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC's) have been approved for construction in Giles, Maury and McMinn counties within the next ten months. The VA has approved a total of 44 new CBOCs to be located around the country in an effort to improve access to health care for America's veterans.

"As a nation, we are forever indebted to the men and women of our Armed Forces who sacrifice so much," Alexander said. "Every one of our wounded soldiers and our veterans deserve the best possible medical care, and at a time when gas prices are so high, driving across the state to get the proper medical treatment is getting harder and harder. These new clinics in Giles, Maury and McMinn counties will bring VA care closer to home for many of our veterans."

"Construction of these new clinics will improve access to health care and quality of life for veterans in Giles, Maury and McMinn counties." Corker said. "I'm pleased the VA has recognized the need to expand the network of community-based outpatient health clinics for our veterans, particularly those living in rural areas where they often must travel long distances to see a physician. In the Senate, I'm continuing to work closely with my colleagues on health care reform that will provide every American with access to affordable, private health insurance."

"I applaud the VA for recognizing the need to expand care for our deserving veterans in and around Maury and Giles County," said Congressman Lincoln Davis, who noted the important role of recent funding increases in veterans' healthcare. "One of the greatest honors I have personally and as your Congressman is providing our veterans with the medical care or any types of special recognition they've earned and deserve."

"I am very pleased that McMinn County has been chosen as one of the sites in Tennessee for a new veteran's community-based outpatient clinic," said Duncan. "Service in our Nation's Armed Forces is certainly one of the most honorable ways anyone can serve their Country. Our veterans deserve to have access to quality health care without having to travel far from home."