Boustany, Landry Applaud Progress Of Veterans Clinics

Washington, DC – US Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr. (R-Southwest Louisiana) today applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs for their efforts to improve veterans’ access to quality healthcare in South Louisiana.

(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

“For several years, I’ve pressed the Department of Veterans Affairs to better accommodate the health needs of veterans across south Louisiana,” Boustany said. “I have been working closely with groups in Lafayette and Lake Charles to ensure current facilities are upgraded and new ones are built quickly. We are finally seeing the fruits of our labor. I will continue working closely with veterans and the federal government. Our veterans deserve the best health care available, and I am pleased we are finally able to improve and build the facilities needed. As a former heart surgeon, I understand the necessity of accessible health care.”

The proposed Super Clinic in Lafayette will provide veterans in Southwest Louisiana with services not previously offered at the current Lafayette facility. In addition to the new clinic, the Department of Veterans Affairs will extend the lease on the Jennings clinic while maintaining its existing services, and develop a clinic in Lake Charles to improve care for veterans of southwest Louisiana.

Congressman Jeff Landry (Republican, New Iberia) praised the notification he received from U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki that a Veterans super clinic has been approved for Southwest Louisiana.

“I am thrilled to share the news that a super clinic for Veterans is coming to Southwest Louisiana,” proclaimed Landry. “The Veterans in Acadiana have been in dire need for this facility for a long time. I am glad the Department of Veterans Affairs has approved this project and look forward to a prosperous clinic that will serve the health needs for our American heroes.”

According to a letter from Secretary Shinseki to Congressman Landry – after the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) researched the current Veteran population and the projected decline over time of Veterans in Southwest Louisiana, a 29,000 square-foot clinic was approved. The clinic was designed “to accommodate services to meet the medical and mental health needs of Veterans in this area.” The clinic is planned to provide primary care, mental health, audiology, physical therapy, and other traditional services. A monthly surgery consultation clinic for diagnostics and follow-up purposes is under consideration.

Veterans Action Coalition of South Louisiana Chairman Rodney Hamilton thanked Congressman Landry for his efforts to make the clinic possible. “The Veterans Action Coalition is very grateful for the support of Congressman Landry in helping us secure a clinic in Southwest Louisiana. His letters and calls were critical in helping satisfy the needs for our Veterans. We sincerely appreciate the Congressman’s assistance,” said Hamilton.

The deadline on receiving requests for property proposals is March 31^st, and the tentative date for site selection is June 1^st.