Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R)
After the Department of Veterans Affairs recommended the closure of the Alexandria VA Medical Center in Pineville last month, Congresswoman Julia Letlow reached out to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. Letlow said she told him closing the hospital is unacceptable.
“Because it will eliminate critical care for our veterans and shutter the fourth largest employer in the CenLa region. I want the people of the Fifth District to know that we are continuing the fight to keep this hospital open,” said Letlow
The report suggests relocating some VA services to a new outpatient clinic in the vicinity of Alexandria and that the current 1950 constructed facility would cost an estimated $157 million to correct to current standards.
After meeting with him personally, Letlow said she’s encouraged by the open dialogue she’s established with Secretary McDonough about the VA facility in the 5th Congressional District.
“It is important that we do everything possible to provide the absolute best care and services to America’s heroes,” said Letlow.
The report states the estimated enrolled veteran population for CenLa is expected to decline by 288 over a ten-year period and that along with construction costs led to the recommendation of closure. The same report also called for a complete rebuild of the VA Medical Center in Shreveport.
Letlow said she will continue to meet with McDonough in an effort to keep the Pineville facility open.
“In the coming months, we will continue reminding the VA, Congress, and the White House about the importance of this facility and the crucial role it plays in our region,” said Letlow.
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