Ruppersberger Urges VA to Advance New Outpatient Clinic in East Baltimore County

Press Release

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) today announced that the federal Veterans Health Administration has approved the relocation of an outpatient clinic for local veterans in Eastern Baltimore County that will be double the size of the now-shuttered facility at Fort Howard.

The VA Maryland Health Care System has identified a geographic area in Eastern Baltimore County for the new clinic that has a large veteran population and is located near mass transportation, major road ways, and other healthcare facilities. The approval enables Maryland officials to begin the competitive leasing process. The new facility, which will provide primary care and mental health services for veterans, will be able to serve twice the number of patients that were served at the Fort Howard clinic.

"My top priority has always been providing our nation's heroes the very best quality medicine in a clean, modern clinic near where they live and work," Congressman Ruppersberger said. "I am urging the VA to continue working to return VA healthcare to Eastern Baltimore County as quickly as possible and stand at the ready to assist in any way I can."

The Fort Howard clinic closed in March after a flood revealed mold and other structural issues. Patients and their doctors have been transferred temporarily to a clinic in Baltimore's Loch Raven community.

Congressman Ruppersberger hosted a conference call with VA leadership last week regarding the new clinic and has championed VA healthcare reform in Washington. He has introduced bipartisan legislation that will enable veterans with service-connected disabilities to see private doctors in their local community, rather than having to visit a VA doctor in a VA facility.

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