Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) announced today that the Veterans Administration will establish two new veterans’ clinics in Conroe and Tomball.  The CARES (Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services) National Plan establishing Community Based Outpatient Clinics in both Conroe and Tomball was released today by Veterans Administration Secretary Principi in Las Vegas. 

 

The Veterans Administration expects construction on the Conroe clinic to begin in 2005.  Construction on the Tomball Clinic could begin in 2006.

 

Brady has long sought local veteran health care clinics to meet the needs of veterans in the fast growing region North of Houston. 

 

“Veterans, for all they have sacrificed for our nation, deserve quality health care right here at home,” said Brady, who is confident Congress will fund the new clinics.  “Conroe and Tomball are excellent locations for much needed Community Based Outpatient Clinics that will serve veterans in the entire region north and west of Houston.”

 

Veterans in the fast growing areas of Montgomery County and northwest Harris County currently drive upwards of 40 miles to the DeBakey VA Medical Center for care that could be done near their homes by doctors they trust. 

 

“Outpatient clinics are the most convenient, efficient ways for our Veterans to access high-quality primary and preventative medical care. I am extremely proud and excited to announce these two regional clinics”. Brady added.

 

The Veterans Administration informed Brady that the Conroe clinic will be the largest Community Based Clinic in the Houston region.  Officials expect this clinic to provide primary care, pharmacy, laboratory, physical therapy, mental health, podiatry, and nutrition services. 

 

The Veterans Administration estimates more than 400,000 veterans live in the Houston Metro Region, yet only 103,025 are enrolled for care at the DeBakey Medical Center.  Officials believe the distance many seniors must drive for care keeps them from taking advantage of the excellent care they are entitled to from the Veterans Administration.

 

An estimated 8,700 veterans live in Montgomery, Grimes, Walker, and Harris counties are expected to benefit from the Conroe based outpatient clinic.  Another 5,100 veterans living in Harris, Austin, Montgomery, Waller and Washington counties are expected to benefit from the outpatient clinic in Tomball. 

 

A specific location for the Conroe clinic has not yet been confirmed.   The vicinity of the proposed Tomball clinic would be along State Highway 249 corridor between FM 1960 and FM 2920.