Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) is partnering with officials at Edward Hines Jr., VA Hospital to gather input from local veterans regarding potential services at a new mega-clinic in Joliet.  Biggert helped to secure approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the new facility.  It is scheduled to open in Spring 2013 at the current site of Silver Cross Hospital, which is moving its operations to New Lenox.  Veterans and community members are encouraged to submit their ideas through an online survey available here, by calling (708)-202-5627, or by emailing HinesPublicAffairsOfficer@va.gov.

            “This facility is intended to serve local veterans, and we want to know what health care services they would find most useful,” said Biggert.  “The Silver Cross project has been led by local veterans from the beginning and their voice will be critical to its continued success.”

            “We are committed to providing Veterans with the healthcare services they want and need closer to where they live," said Sharon Helman, Director of the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, which will run the new clinic location in Joliet. "We hope to hear from many area veterans through our website and special phone line so that they can weigh in on the services they would like to see in our new clinic location.  We will use this input, combined with usage data and a number of other factors, to decide exactly what to offer in this beautiful new clinic.”

            One week after the project was approved, Biggert and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin held a roundtable discussion with representatives from local veteran organizations regarding potential health services at the new mega-clinic.  The new survey is intended to continue that effort and solicit feedback on potential services, including physical therapy, retinal, dental, audiology, laboratory, occupational and mental health therapy, women’s health, and more.

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