Brunswick County getting VA clinic

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- Veterans in Brunswick County soon will not have to go so far for medical care. Rep. Mike McIntyre announced today the county is getting a Veterans Outreach Clinic. He said contracting efforts will begin in 30 days with the goal of providing services within four months. The soon-to-be vacated Brunswick Community Hospital could be considered as a site.

The announcement comes two months after some of the VA's top brass came to Brunswick County in April for a veterans summit McIntyre hosted along with Senator Kay Hagan.

"As the U.S. Senator of North Carolina, taking care of our veterans and honoring the sacrifices they have made for our country is one of my highest priorities," said Hagan. "I am pleased to announce that veterans in Southeastern North Carolina will soon have access to a state-of-the-art clinic. The primary care clinic will reduce drive time and ensure our veterans can access care conveniently. Our veterans have put their lives on the line to protect our country, and we owe them accessible, quality health care."

As well as the new clinic comes a pilot transportation program designed to shuttle veterans to the Wilmington clinic as well as to the Fayetteville VA Medical Center when necessary.