Matheson Says New Health Center for Vets a Hopeful Sign

Press Release

Matheson Says New Health Center for Vets a Hopeful Sign

Congressman Jim Matheson said today's announcement by the Veteran's Administration (VA) of the creation of a Salt Lake City-based veterans rural health resource center is a positive step towards addressing needs of rural veterans.

Matheson has been a strong advocate for veterans in rural Utah where distance from VA medical centers often poses problems for delivery of health care benefits.

The VA announced today it will open three Veterans Rural Health Resources Centers on Oct. 1, including a western regional center at the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center. The centers will serve as satellite offices for VA's Office of Rural Health. Each resource center will be staffed with administrative, clinical and research staff who will identify disparities in health care for rural veterans.

"Locating the western regional center here in Salt Lake makes sense, particularly given the expertise already available at the VA complex. I would urge the staff to seek input from and listen to the population of rural veterans in Utah as they look for ways to improve the delivery of services to them," said Matheson.

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