Congressman Henry Cuellar, joined by members of the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, the City of Laredo, and the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio on Monday announced an expansion project for the Laredo VA Outpatient Clinic.

The expansion project was recently approved by Veterans Affairs Department Secretary Erik Shinseki, and it is a collaborative effort between Congressman Cuellar, the VA, the City of Laredo, and the UT Health Science Center.

“Securing this much-needed project that will improve health care services for our Laredo veterans has been one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I assure you that we will continue forging ahead in an effort to provide more veterans services, not only in Laredo but also for veterans in surrounding areas. I thank the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, the City of Laredo and the UT-Health Science Center for their collaboration in transforming this project from concept to reality.”

“Today’s announcement is a great example of city, state and federal agencies working together to better serve the local community. These cooperative efforts by all agencies has made a new VA clinic possible for Veterans in Laredo and surrounding communities,” said Jeff Milligan, VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System director. “I am proud to be part of the Department of Veterans Affairs historic investment with an expansion of health care services and facilities for Deep South Texas Veterans”

Expansion of the veterans’ clinic consists of a 16,600 square-foot building that will be constructed on land proportioned by the City of Laredo. This will provide an expansion of primary health care services currently offered at the existing clinic. Services will also include orthopedics, women’s health services, diabetic retinal imaging, mental health, nutrition, social work, podiatry and phlebotomy.