VA seeking clinic site in Monmouth County

VA seeking clinic site
in Monmouth County

The state Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to open its first clinic in Monmouth County, which would bring the statewide total number of V.A. clinics up to seven.

According to Sandy Warren, public relations spokeswoman for the V.A. N.J. healthcare system, the Monmouth County facility would join the ranks of community-based outpatient clinics in its similarity to a physician’s office.

To date, six sites have been evaluated for consideration. These include: Fort Mon-mouth, Eatontown; Patterson Army Healthcare Clinic, Long Branch; Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch; CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township; and two commercial sites — an 8,600-square-foot office building and a 5,000 square-foot space that can be renovated.

"The V.A. sent evaluators out to these sites and they will report back to V.A. director Kenneth Mizrach with their recommendations," Warren said. "It is his prerogative to agree or disagree with them, making the final decision as to where the clinic will go."

A specific set of criteria must be taken into account when evaluating potential sites, Warren added. "The site must be functional for our needs," she said.

First and foremost, she said, the clinic must be located in a neighborhood that is within 30 minutes’ travel time for the majority of the patients, as well as in close proximity to a medical center.

Furthermore, the clinic must be easily accessible to major highways and public transportation. It must also offer ample parking, handicapped-accessible entrances and exits, and a well-maintained site.

The ideal location, Warren said, would be a minimum of 4,000 to 5,000 square feet in size.

"The V.A. is open both to building a new facility or else using an existing space — which can be less expensive," she said. All funding for the project will come from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Warren also mentioned a joint piece of legislation sponsored by the V.A. and Department of Defense (DOD) which makes it worthwhile for a property owner to partner with organizations such as theirs. Nobody from the DOD was available to comment on the specifics of this bill.

Tim Ryder, a public affairs spokesman for Fort Monmouth, said that there has been no word or information released as to whether a clinic will be constructed there.

Warren said that Mizrach is expected to make his decision within the next month.

Any honorably discharged veteran can use a V.A. clinic, providing he or she schedules an appointment.

"The Department of Veterans Affairs offers advantages to these men and women that other (medical) facilities do not," Warren said. "They treat vets best and know their needs. This level of expertise cannot be matched when it comes to dealing with veterans’ issues."

— Nicole C. Vaccaro