Schumer: Rochester-Area Veterans Should Have Access To The Care That They Need And Deserve

Statement

Standing at the Veteran's Outreach Center in Rochester, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today revealed his plan to expand the availability of convenient, high-quality medical care for Rochester area veterans, who are sometimes required to travel up to 70 miles for treatment. Schumer explained that the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region is home to approximately 68,936 veterans, with 43,341 -- nearly two thirds -- living Monroe County. However, since the nearest U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient surgery facilities are in Buffalo, Syracuse, or Albany veterans enrolled in VA health care living in the Rochester region are currently forced to travel to other in order to access outpatient surgery services or at best visit a local non-VA provider if and when available.

"Our veterans bravely protected the freedoms we cherish while serving our country, and it is up to us to make sure veterans have all the high-quality healthcare services they need when they return home, without having to drive nearly 70 miles out of the way to receive critical procedures." said Schumer. "That is why, I'm urging the VA to approve the critical second step of this project that would bring such a facility to the Rochester area, so the current project can continue moving forward without delay and veterans can get more local access to specialized healthcare."

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