Walz to visit new Mankato VA Satellite Clinic on opening day

"U.S. House"

06/14/2008

(Mankato, MN) – On Monday, June 16 at 9:45am Congressman Walz will visit the new Veterans Affairs Satellite Clinic in Mankato, which is scheduled to see its first patients Monday afternoon. The Minneapolis VA Medical Center (VAMC) is opening the clinic as a satellite of the St. James Medical Clinic. Initially it will offer solely mental health services, including individual counseling and group sessions, although the VA plans to offer a full range of primary care medical services within 12 months.

“This is an absolutely critical step in taking care of our veterans,” said Walz, the highest ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress. “There is clearly a need for more services for veterans in the area, and expanded mental health services will provide our veterans with more options for care. I am proud of the local partnership that has made this clinic possible.”

The Mankato clinic will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in offices at 410 East Jackson Street, Suite #510. It will be staffed by nurses, a psychologist, a psychiatrist and support staff.

Walz will visit the clinic at 9:45 a.m. on Monday where he will tour the clinic, and speak with staff, VA officials and local veterans.