1/07/10 - VA Clinic Officially Opens
RUTHERFORDTON — Congressmen representing Rutherford County and representatives of Senators Kay Hagan and Richard Burr celebrated and honored veterans here Thursday morning at the new Veterans Administration Clinic’s grand opening ceremony.
About 50 people attended the long-awaited event. Congressmen Heath Shuler and Patrick McHenry addressed the crowd and letters were read from Hagan and Burr.
“This is a great way for us to give back to those veterans who have given us so much,” Shuler said. “And it is wonderful news for many of our local veterans who now don’t have to drive all the way to Asheville to get treatment.”
The $400,000 project to convert a former CVS pharmacy on Charlotte Road was completed in November and officially opened Nov. 21.
“This has been a long time coming and it is great news for our veterans,” McHenry said. “This is the product of a unified community. Congressman Shuler and I worked for quite a while to make this happen and it is an example of how quietly, bipartisanship can still work. It is a tribute to those who have served.”
The facility has three primary care physicians — including Rutherford County native Keturah Bell — and two mental health providers. There are 28 other staff at the facility.
“These CBOCs are the best option for many veterans,” said James Luther, a Salisbury veterans service officer who attends as many clinic openings as possible.
“They don’t have to travel all the way to the main VA hospital in their region to receive treatment for several things like blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions.”
Veterans who are eligible to be reassigned to the Rutherfordton clinic have received a letter informing them or will receive one soon, officials said.
“The price of freedom and democracy requires commitment,” said Daniel Hoffman, director of the VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network and keynote speaker. “Some of our nation’s bravest paid the ultimate price and all those veterans here with us today paid a price — missing birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and a countless number of special occasions too numerous to list. Time and time again you’ve placed yourself in harm’s way to care for your fellow citizens. Today is our turn to care for you.”
Article by Scott Baughman, "The Daily Courier". Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaughman@thedigitalcourier.com.
About 50 people attended the long-awaited event. Congressmen Heath Shuler and Patrick McHenry addressed the crowd and letters were read from Hagan and Burr.
“This is a great way for us to give back to those veterans who have given us so much,” Shuler said. “And it is wonderful news for many of our local veterans who now don’t have to drive all the way to Asheville to get treatment.”
The $400,000 project to convert a former CVS pharmacy on Charlotte Road was completed in November and officially opened Nov. 21.
“This has been a long time coming and it is great news for our veterans,” McHenry said. “This is the product of a unified community. Congressman Shuler and I worked for quite a while to make this happen and it is an example of how quietly, bipartisanship can still work. It is a tribute to those who have served.”
The facility has three primary care physicians — including Rutherford County native Keturah Bell — and two mental health providers. There are 28 other staff at the facility.
“These CBOCs are the best option for many veterans,” said James Luther, a Salisbury veterans service officer who attends as many clinic openings as possible.
“They don’t have to travel all the way to the main VA hospital in their region to receive treatment for several things like blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions.”
Veterans who are eligible to be reassigned to the Rutherfordton clinic have received a letter informing them or will receive one soon, officials said.
“The price of freedom and democracy requires commitment,” said Daniel Hoffman, director of the VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network and keynote speaker. “Some of our nation’s bravest paid the ultimate price and all those veterans here with us today paid a price — missing birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and a countless number of special occasions too numerous to list. Time and time again you’ve placed yourself in harm’s way to care for your fellow citizens. Today is our turn to care for you.”
Article by Scott Baughman, "The Daily Courier". Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaughman@thedigitalcourier.com.
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