The veterans outpatient clinic in Rome will be in place and operating four- days-a-week this fall, Congressman Phil Gingrey pledged Monday.
During a visit to Rome, Gingrey, R-Marietta, delivered an update on the clinic and outlined plans for a veterans benefits “Supermarket” that will visit Rome in the fall.
Click here for a video of Gingrey speaking about the clinic.
“Soon, our veterans won’t have to travel to Atlanta and Chattanooga for care. They’ll be able to get it right here in Northwest Georgia,” Gingrey said. “The tremendous community effort to bring a VA clinic to Rome has paid off, and I look forward to celebrating with our veterans on opening day.”
Though no specific date was given, the congressman explained that renovations have begun at the 30 Chateau Drive site, and the search for staff members has begun.
“Progress on the clinic is moving right along,” said Gingrey. “The VA has hired a physician’s assistant, completed interviews for nursing staff and begun the build-out of the clinic interior.”
Making a stop at Rome’s American Legion Post 5, Gingrey said the clinic would eventually employ two doctors, a physician’s assistant and several auxiliary staff members.
“These will be good jobs,” he said. “They may not pay what the private sector can offer. We need someone with a bit of compassion and a will to help our veterans.”
The clinic will have X-ray facilities, and Gingrey said he is confident the center will eventually include mental health services.
“This is real, comprehensive care that will cover most of the medical needs of our veterans,” he said.
Gingrey took time to address the importance of mental health issues, referencing the many veterans returning from current military action suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder and similar other complaints.
“We need to treat all injuries, not just the physical injuries we can see,” he said.
Gingrey expressed a desire for fiscal responsibility in Washington but noted that spending for veterans must not falter.
“We can’t just give lip service to our patriots,” he said. “We have to put our money where our mouth is.”
