Congresswoman Tenney Fights for Veterans' Access to Care in Bainbridge
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) penned a letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough asking for the agency to reconsider any decision to close the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) run by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Bainbridge, New York.
This is the second time that the VA has threatened to close the clinic, which is an invaluable resource to the more than 3,600 veterans who utilize the facility for convenient and quality care. When closing the clinic came into discussion in 2018, Tenney testified before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs where she underscored the need for accessible care in the Bainbridge area. Following her testimony, the VA reversed its decision to close the clinic and it has been in operation ever since.
"Our veterans have put so much on the line for our nation, in return they deserve nothing but the best care. I'm fighting to make sure our veterans have continued access to quality care at a location convenient to them. This is the second time this clinic has been threatened with closure, and I'm fighting once again to make sure it does not happen," said Congresswoman Tenney.
Senator Fred Akshar said, "Each time our government has threatened to take away these important veterans services from our Bainbridge community, we've stood up and spoken out to stop them, and today is no different. Our veterans have sacrificed so much to protect the freedoms we all enjoy, and the very least we can do as grateful citizens is to adequately provide for their care when they return home. We owe it to our veterans to continue fighting for them."
Full text of her letter can be found here or below.
Dear Secretary McDonough:
I write to you today with great concern regarding the future of the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) run by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Bainbridge, New York. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the continued success of this clinic has been threatened. Nonetheless, I remain committed to advocating on behalf of those veterans in my district who deserve nothing but quality, accessible care in return for their brave service to our Nation.
Back in 2018, the VA made the misguided decision to close the Bainbridge CBOC in favor of a new clinic in Oneonta, NY. Fortunately, after multiple community leaders went to bat for the clinic, and I delivered testimony to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on the need for care in Bainbridge, this decision was reversed, and the clinic has been open ever since.
I was disappointed to hear recently that the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center was supporting, once again, a move from Bainbridge to Oneonta. Again, this process was pushed without any meaningful input from the local community. Chenango County is home to more than 3,600 veterans, who enjoy remarkable care at the Bainbridge CBOC. Many of them already have difficulty accessing public transportation or cannot drive themselves, which is one of the reasons why they opt for the Bainbridge clinic over the much further Medical Center in Albany.
I do not dispute that a clinic could be a valuable addition to the community of veterans in Otsego County. However, increased access for veterans in Otsego County should not come at the detriment of the those in Chenango County. Instead of replacing the Bainbridge CBOC, perhaps the VA should examine adding an additional clinic in Oneonta, while maintaining the existing clinic in Bainbridge. After all, it is clear to everyone that we must do more to invest in care and opportunities for veterans in rural areas.
The Bainbridge CBOC is a critical part of our community, and I am dedicated to working with you on a meaningful solution. I appreciate your thoughtful consideration, and I look forward to your prompt response on this matter.
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