THUMBS UP to the Department of Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network for opening a new community-based outpatient clinic in Hickory to replace the old clinic. A groundbreaking for the new clinic was held Friday. Congressman Patrick McHenry deserves much of the credit for bringing the clinic to Hickory and has kept his promise to look out for our veterans. Upon completion, the 23,000-square-foot clinic will provide outpatient primary care, mental health, optometry and dental services. Its service area includes Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell and Lincoln counties. VA officials say the clinic will improve access to outpatient care for veterans in this area of western North Carolina.

Read full editorial here: http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/content/2009/mar/14/thumbs-thumbs-down/news-opinion/