EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — Officials in El Paso celebrated the groundbreaking for a $617 million veterans health center on Wednesday.
Several veterans celebrated this occasion.
“I received good, timely care,” said veteran Alex Arce. “But I know some other veterans are having problems because there aren’t enough specialists in certain areas.”
Arce said he was pleased with the support provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which will oversee the new center, but said it is not good for everyone.
As for the services and the care they receive, some say it’s not very good. Some say it’s good. I guess it all depends on who the provider is.
By doubling its size and increasing its staff, the center is expected to provide service and access to better health care to more than 54,000 veterans in the El Paso area, reducing wait times for patients.
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and Congressman Tony Gonzales attended the ceremony.
“West Texas, and El Paso in particular, has long been underserved when it comes to veterans services,” said Rep. Gonzales.
“There will be a whole range of new services thanks to the work being done on the other side, the care side,” said Rep. Escobar.
Other veterans said they were confident the new facility would attract specialists who are less available in the area.
“There are more providers so we don’t have to wait as long, and I think it will get better over time,” David Garcia said.
Garcia, a veteran, said VA benefits have improved over the years and he believes that trend will continue.
“That’s because things didn’t work the way they should have back then, and not the way they do today.”
According to authorities, the new facility is expected to be completed in 2029 or 2030 and will be located across from the William Beaumont Army Medical Center.
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