PEARCE CONTINUES WORK FOR ROSWELL VETERANS

Supports Establishment of Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Roswell, New Mexico
Feb 2, 2012 Issues: Veterans

Roswell, NM (February 2, 2012) Today, Congressman Steve Pearce, joined by Senators Bingaman and Udall, expressed support to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the establishment of a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Roswell, New Mexico. 

“The establishment of a part-time clinic is in the best interest of the veterans who live in southeastern New Mexico,” said Pearce.  “Currently, veterans in Roswell who require treatment must travel long distances for their medical care.  The undue physical and financial hardships placed on these veterans must be addressed.  I believe the creation of the Roswell clinic will do just that.”

In 2010, the Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico submitted a proposal to the Department of Veterans Affairs asking for the creation of this clinic.  Congressman Pearce, Senator Bingaman and Senator Udall expressed their support for this in a letter to the Secretary.   The letter is below:

 

The Honorable Eric K. Shinseki

Secretary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Ave. N.W.

Washington, DC 20420

Dear Secretary Shinseki:

We are writing to express our support for the establishment of a part-time Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Roswell, New Mexico.  In 2010, staff at the Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico submitted a proposal to VA headquarters recommending the creation of a Roswell clinic.  We would appreciate an update on the status of this proposal.

It is our understanding that this proposal calls for the clinic in Artesia, New Mexico to transition to a part-time facility to allow those employees to also staff a new clinic in Roswell. We believe the establishment of a part-time Roswell clinic would be in the best interest of veterans in southeast New Mexico as it would reduce the physical and fiscal hardships of traveling long distances to attain medical care. By establishing a part-time clinic, the VA would also be able to better serve area veterans while limiting the impact on the VA’s budget.

On behalf of the veterans in southeast New Mexico who depend on VA medical services for their care and treatment, we appreciate your careful consideration of this proposal.  We look forward to your response.

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