02/04/2007: "New VA Medical Center Likely In Mt Vernon Area"

In July of 2002 Rep. Larsen introduced legislation to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a two-year pilot project for outpatient medical care in Northwest Washington, pointing our that "The 2nd Congressional district is home to over 75,000 veterans, many of whom travel up to 100 miles each way to receive medical, dental, and mental health treatment from the Seattle VA Medical Center. This cannot continue to be the only health care resource for veterans living in northwest Puget Sound. We need to bring veteran health care closer to veterans".

Rep. Larsen has been joined by Senator Patty Murray in announcing the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will open a new VA health clinic in Northwest Washington to serve veterans in a five county area. The VA aims to open a community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) in Northwest Washington within 12 months. It will serve veterans in San Juan, Island, Whatcom, Skagit and northern Snohomish County.
The VA is now in the process of setting to determine the clinic's exact location, based on the local veterans population, access to transportation, and other factors.

"This is great news, and a long time coming," Larsen said. "Northwest Washington's veterans have traveled too far, for too long, to get the health care they need and deserve. This clinic will bring veterans health care closer to veterans." "For years, Northwest veterans have faced tremendous barriers to the care they deserve"