Enhancing access to health care by locating outpatient clinics close to where veterans reside is a key goal for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In keeping with that priority, the VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6) and Salem VA Medical Center are pleased to announce that a site has been selected for the establishment of a Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Staunton, Virginia.

The clinic will be located at 1002 Natasha Way in Staunton. VA will lease space within a building that will be constructed on the property. When completed, the facility will provide 7,500 net usable square feet of clinic space.

The facility is expected to be operational in the spring of 2010. The clinic will provide primary care and general mental health services to the estimated 14,000 veterans living in or around Augusta, Clifton Forge, Covington, Highland, Lexington, Rockbridge, Staunton and Waynesboro.

Management and staffing of the Staunton CBOC will be the responsibility of the Salem VAMC.

Veterans currently enrolled at the Salem VAMC who live in close proximity to the Staunton clinic will be given priority for care there. Salem VAMC will review its list of veterans currently enrolled who may benefit from receiving their primary care at the new clinic.

The prospect of having the clinic in the city has Staunton officials excited.

Staunton City Manager Steve Owen says, "It's good news for Staunton. We are pleased to see that the decision has been made and it is Staunton. It means good jobs, a good construction project, and it means convenience for our veterans."

Veterans will be informed of the option. Referrals for specialty care to Salem VAMC or to other VA sites will continue as appropriate for veterans seen initially at the Staunton Clinic.

For questions about the Staunton Clinic may be referred to Ann Benois, Salem VAMC Office of Public Affairs, at 540-982-2463 extension 2636.