Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) and Congressman Health Shuler (NC-11) announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has selected a location for a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Rutherford County.

The VA will lease space, previously occupied by CVS Pharmacy, in the Rutherford Square Shopping Center at 374 Charlotte Road in Rutherfordton.  The 6,500-square feet facility will serve an estimated 3,600 local veterans in Rutherford, Cleveland and Polk Counties.

Scheduled to open by the fall of 2009, the CBOC will provide primary care and mental health services.  The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville will be responsible for the management and staffing of personnel including primary care physicians and mental health specialists.

“Better health care closer to home, that’s what the new Rutherford VA clinic means to our local veterans.  We must meet the challenge of providing accessible quality health care for the growing ranks of American veterans,” Congressman McHenry stated.

“Our veterans deserve the best health care possible,” Shuler said. “We have asked much from our service members, and this new clinic is one way to give something back.”

Veterans who are interested in receiving care at the Rutherford County Clinic may register at the Charles George VAMC, on-line at:  www.va.gov or www.asheville.va.gov or contact the VAMC Eligibility Office at (828) 299-2509.  Questions specifically about the Charles George VAMC or the Rutherford County Clinic may be referred to Jerry Thomas, VAMC Public Affairs Officer, at 828-296-4446.  For more information on VISN 6 contact Darlene Edwards at (804) 675-5242.

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