New Geriatric Research Education and Clinic Approved

Press Release

Today, the office of Congressman Mike Coffman (CO-6) announced that the Veterans Administration has approved the Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) for the establishment of a new Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora Colorado.

"The Director of the Center for Aging at CU Anschutz, Dr. Robert Schwartz credits Coffman and fellow Colorado Congressman Ed Perlmutter for help bringing the new research and treatment center to Aurora." Denver Post (10/23/14) VA Hospital at Anschutz in Aurora Lands Geriatric Research Center

"I am pleased that our community will continue to lead in the important area of geriatric health, said Coffman. "As a member of the Veteran's Affairs Committee and as a veteran myself, I am particularly pleased that this effort will focus on supporting our older veterans," he continued.

Each GRECC contains a research component, an education component, and a clinical component. Currently there are 19 GRECCs which compete for research grants to conduct research on aging and the diseases commonly associated with it, to research how care is best delivered to elders, and to determine the efficacy of rehabilitation. The GRECCs also work with clinical staff in VA medical centers to demonstrate new or improved care for elderly veterans.

This new center is expected to include twelve new full time VA employees hired as researchers, clinical educators and administrative staff dedicated to improving the lives of elderly veterans. Placing the GRECC at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus will allow its staff to collaborate with geriatric researchers at the University's medical school. This collocation was a key factor in the success of the application.

This is the first new GRECC in more than 15 years. Congressman Coffman provided a letter of support for the application and the new center is part of his ongoing efforts to improve lives of veterans.

The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System was chosen over two other national finalist hospitals. Schwartz credits much of that to the overwhelming support of local groups and legislators including U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman and U.S. Rep Ed Perlmutter, as well as support from the campus Dean of Medicine.

Source