The Salem VA clinic in south central Missouri will extend its hours to full time from the current three days a month, according to 8th District Congressman Jason Smith. He tells Missourinet the clinic is hiring staff to fill the need.
Congressman Jason Smith (R-Missouri)
“It looks like as soon as they get the staff, they’re going to be open,” says Smith. “This is something that is very important and well-needed whenever you are talking about access to veterans because veterans aren’t able to drive two hours for care. This just helps provide the service and the benefits that these veterans so rightfully deserve.”
The clinic, which serves veterans in about a six-county region, has not announced when the hours will be extended.
Nearly 6,000 Missourians, including about 1,600 rural veterans, have signed a petition asking the clinic to serve veterans five days a week.
“I have no doubt that there will be enough people that will utilize these services. When you look at just the 8th congressional district alone, we have nearly 60,000 veterans. The more access that our veterans can have, the better that they’ll be able to receive their care and their benefits.”
Smith, who lives in Salem, says the clinic will be moving to a larger facility nearby.