WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the closure of the Salem Community Based Outpatient Clinic.
Congressman Smith recently learned of this decision and expressed his strong opposition to senior leadership at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA had made no prior attempts to contact the Congressman’s office for assistance in keeping the clinic open. In the wake of this decision, he has called upon the VA to do everything in its power to ensure veterans in the community continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve.
“I am disappointed that bureaucrats have decided the veterans in Salem, Missouri are no longer deserving of access to a full-service Community-Based Outpatient Clinic,” said Congressman Smith. “This decision is a slap in the face to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our country.”
Congressman Smith previously shared and delivered a petition with 5,700 signatures, many from veterans themselves, calling for the VA clinic in Salem to expand its hours and become a full-service, Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. As a result of the Congressman’s efforts, the clinic became full-service in 2017.
While Congressman Smith would have preferred veterans in Salem maintain access to their local clinic, the Trump Administration and Congress have invested heavily in our nation’s heroes. The MISSION Act that was passed by Congress and became law in 2018 will allow veterans in Salem to access care through private sector healthcare providers in their local community. Congressman Smith encourages veterans to reach out to their local VA or his congressional office if they are in need of assistance during this transition.
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