Letter to Acting Secretary Wilkie, VA - The Vets Who Depend On This Clinic For Healthcare -- Many Living In Rural Areas With Limited Access To Transportation -- Cannot Be Left Behind Without Access To Essential Medical Services

Letter

Dear Acting Secretary Wilkie:

Following an influx of concern expressed by my constituents in the Chenango- Delaware-Otsego, NY area, I write regarding reports that the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) located in Bainbridge, NY and operated by the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY is slated for closure. The community needs and deserves clarity on the future of this facility given its central importance to providing first-class health care to this region's many veterans.

The Bainbridge CBOC provides thousands of vital medical services to our local veterans located in Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego counties every year, ensuring that the healthcare needs of our veterans are appropriately and expediently met. Recently, constituents and local leaders have expressed their concerns to my office regarding reports that this facility is slated to close, and the uncertain future of healthcare options a closure would present for regional vets. In light of the importance of this facility, and the many concerns that I am hearing from my constituents, I strongly urge the Department of Veterans Affairs to promptly, thoroughly and publicly clarify its plans for this location and its patients.

Keeping in mind the end goal of providing efficient access to affordable and high-quality care for our veterans, I ask, too, that the VA remain mindful of the unique aspects of life in rural communities. Many who utilize this facility, have little or no access to public transportation, many are elderly, some are disabled, and many face limitations on their personal ability to travel. This, combined with the considerable geographic area serviced by the Bainbridge CBOC, makes it imperative that reasonable access to care is ensured for all veterans who depend on this facility.

As you know, I am a staunch and long-time supporter of our veterans and of the VA. In fact, I was proud to champion and lead the passage of recent bi-partisan omnibus budget legislation that provided a significant increase to the VA budget, including $4B in VA construction funds. It is our duty to provide for the men and women who served our nation, and it is imperative the accessibility and quality of healthcare not be diminished by any decision regarding this clinic.

I look forward to hearing all details for the Department of Veterans Affair's plans regarding the future of the Bainbridge facility, and your plans to ensure access to healthcare for our veterans residing in this portion of New York State's Southern Tier.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff.

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