Smith to VA: Alliance Veterans Clinic Must Remain Open

Press Release

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), co-chair of the Rural Veterans Caucus, recently sent a letter to Eric Shinseki, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), urging him to ensure the VA clinic in Alliance remain open to serve the needs of local veterans.

There are approximately 160 veterans enrolled in the VA from the Alliance area, many of whom use the clinic for their routine procedures and checkups. The clinic is currently open the first and third Thursday of every month. If the clinic was to shut its doors, veterans would be forced to travel miles out of their way to clinics in Hot Springs, South Dakota, or Scottsbluff for treatment.

Smith's letter to Secretary Shinseki expresses his support for the Alliance clinic and urged the Secretary to take into account the circumstances facing veterans who live in rural areas.

"As you know, veterans in geographically remote areas are finding it increasingly difficult to access the care they require. Any reduction in services, such as closing current facilities, may have long-term impact on the care promised to our veterans. Access to quality health care is essential, and I urge the VA to consider the unique needs of rural veterans as it determines the future of the Alliance clinic," Smith said.

Source