New VA clinic in Goshen prepares for debut

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Goshen VA clinic

The official grand opening of the new Goshen VA clinic is set for Monday, September 29, at 2 p.m. (WSBT photo)

Story Created: Sep 8, 2008 at 3:22 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 10, 2008 at 12:10 AM EDT

GOSHEN — A new veteran's clinic will soon open its doors on the south side of Goshen. It will serve thousands of veterans in four counties and it may be just the beginning for services down the road.

A new VA clinic is just what Air Force veteran Ron Lautzenheister has been waiting for.

"It's a relief to know you can drive essentially down the road to Goshen and receive the services you're looking for," Lautzenheister told WSBT News.

The Elkhart veteran has had to drive to Fort Wayne and now South Bend for health care services. This closer clinic is more convenient and will take less of a toll on his wallet.

"Given the economics of the situation with gasoline prices being what they are, I think this is going to be a tremendous benefit to veterans in this area," Lautzenheister said.

And with just three weeks left until the clinic opens, crews are putting on finishing touches, remodeling the former Big Lots store off U.S. 33.

“It’s going to be 5,000 square feet,” said Gary Whitehead from the Elkhart County VA Office. “They’re going to have a medical staff of one doctor and a couple of nurse practitioners.

One big plus for the building is that the space inside can be expanded if need be, if demand for services goes up.

"They have an agreement that if they need to expand, that they'll be able to expand, move the walls back further and make more office space," Whitehead said.

And that means Ron and other veterans will have help for years to come.

The official grand opening of the new Goshen VA clinic is set for Monday, September 29, at 2 p.m.

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