On April 29, 2005, (from left) Texas General Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran; Texas
City Mayor Mathew T. Doyle; and Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Director Edgar L. Tucker cut the ribbon officially opening the new VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Texas City, Texas.
 
photo: Frances Burke, Public Affairs Specialist

VA Opens New Outpatient Clinic in Texas City

The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC) held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the opening of its new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Texas City, Texas, Friday, April 29, 2005.

The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC) opened its second Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Galveston County on April 4, 2005. This much-anticipated facility is located at 9300 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 206 in Texas City.  The first CBOC, located at 6115 Avenue L in Galveston, opened on March 4, 2005.

These two new CBOCs will provide primary care and mental health services for veterans in the area. The VA estimates approximately 25,000 veterans live in Galveston County and the two new clinics are expected to see a combined total of 7,500 patients the first year of operation.

"The new clinics in Galveston County will greatly expand the VA's capacity for outpatient care in southeast Texas. This Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marks another milestone toward our goal of providing needed health care services closer to where our veterans live," said MEDVAMC Director Edgar L. Tucker.

The MEDVAMC is contacting veterans currently enrolled at the Houston VA and living in the Galveston area to determine if they wish to receive primary care health services at the new Texas City and Galveston CBOCs.

Veterans can choose to stay with their health care providers in Houston or have the VA transfer their primary health care to the new Texas City or Galveston CBOCs. Veterans requiring specialized care will continue to receive medical treatment at the MEDVAMC.

Veterans who wish to enroll in either the Galveston CBOC or the Texas City CBOC may call toll free 1-800-310-5001.

For the latest news releases and information about the MEDVAMC, visit
http://www.houston.med.va.gov/pressrel.html