VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — After having a soft opening in September, Thursday afternoon the new Veteran Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Vincennes held an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
This 12,000 square foot building is set up with all of the resources to provide primary and behavioral health care for veterans for years to come. Executive director of the Marion VA Health Care System Zachary Sage said this clinic cares for around 1700 veterans currently, however, there are so many more that could be taking advantage of these services.
“We know that there are a lot of veterans that are not using the VA for their health care despite having eligibility for it,” said Sage. “I think that there are about 2600 veterans in Knox County and surrounding counties that I would love to take care of. These veterans have earned this health care, and we want to provide you great health care.”
He added that the people who work at the VA do it for more than just a paycheck.
“This facility is staffed by individuals who love serving veterans,” said Sage. “There is no other health organization like the VA that serves veterans and honors your service like we do.”
Commander of VFW Post 1157 Ted Cooper said that this respect is what local veterans appreciate the most and keeps them coming back for these services.
“What we say is that we have your six and that means that each veteran has another veteran back no matter if we are in combat or even on the civilian side,” said Cooper. “It just means a lot for everyone to come together and be one.”
Sage said that they hope to add more specialty care services at this location in the future.
