Letter to the Hon. Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs - Fighting for Veterans' Access to Care in Bainbridge
Letter
Dear Secretary McDonough:
I write to you today with great concern regarding the future of the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) run by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Bainbridge, New York. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the continued success of this clinic has been threatened. Nonetheless, I remain committed to advocating on behalf of those veterans in my district who deserve nothing but quality, accessible care in return for their brave service to our Nation.
Back in 2018, the VA made the misguided decision to close the Bainbridge CBOC in favor of a new clinic in Oneonta, NY. Fortunately, after multiple community leaders went to bat for the clinic, and I delivered testimony to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on the need for care in Bainbridge, this decision was reversed, and the clinic has been open ever since.
I was disappointed to hear recently that the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center was supporting, once again, a move from Bainbridge to Oneonta. Again, this process was pushed without any meaningful input from the local community. Chenango County is home to more than 3,600 veterans, who enjoy remarkable care at the Bainbridge CBOC. Many of them already have difficulty accessing public transportation or cannot drive themselves, which is one of the reasons why they opt for the Bainbridge clinic over the much further Medical Center in Albany.
I do not dispute that a clinic could be a valuable addition to the community of veterans in Otsego County. However, increased access for veterans in Otsego County should not come at the detriment of the those in Chenango County. Instead of replacing the Bainbridge CBOC, perhaps the VA should examine adding an additional clinic in Oneonta, while maintaining the existing clinic in Bainbridge. After all, it is clear to everyone that we must do more to invest in care and opportunities for veterans in rural areas.
The Bainbridge CBOC is a critical part of our community, and I am dedicated to working with you on a meaningful solution. I appreciate your thoughtful consideration, and I look forward to your prompt response on this matter.
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