KILLEEN, Texas — Medical services for veterans will be expanded in Killeen and Copperas Cove as a new Veterans Affairs contract clinic will come to each city, the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System said in a press release.
"Because of the continued growth of veterans in western Bell County, CTVHCS has identified an opportunity to provide more convenient locations for primary care in the Killeen and Copperas Cove areas," the release said.
More than 37,000 veterans who are registered with the VA live in the Killeen-Copperas Cove area and even more live just outside of Bell County, according to the release.
CTVHCS said to help the growing veteran population, it will open bids for a contractor to provide primary care services at each new clinic for up to 7,200 veterans. Both locations are planned to be operated and staffed as a contracted community-based outpatient clinic.
Congressmen John Carter (R-Tx.) and Roger Williams (R-Tx.) both said they're pleased Central Texas veterans will have better access to healthcare.
“I’ve heard from countless veteran constituents that having a clinic in Killeen will reduce their travel time and make it easier to see a doctor for primary care needs,” Carter said. “I’m excited to see this project come to fruition, I think it will be a convenient, accessible option for care for western Bell County veterans.”
“Our Veterans have sacrificed so much for our great country and they deserve to be taken care of now that they are home,” Williams said. “Over the last few months, Judge Carter and I have worked with Secretary Wilkie and his team at the VA to make these additional clinics a reality. I am proud that the efforts of many have paid off and that Veterans in the Killeen and Copperas Cove area will now have more convenient and accessible options for their health care services."
CTVHCS director and CEO Michael Kiefer said Carter and Williams have been key players in helping expand health care services and improving access for Texas veterans.
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