As a member of the state Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I am writing to express my support for a community-based outpatient VA clinic in the Town of North Hempstead.
Expanding the VA’s reach on Long Island would benefit the island’s more than 130,000 veterans, many of whom rely on the VA for care.
Currently, the nearest Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Northport presents an inconvenient and taxing drive for aging veterans. Although there are two community-based outpatient clinics in Nassau County, in Valley Stream and East Meadow, the roads can sometimes be congested, presenting an obstacle for our aging veterans, many of whom have health conditions and are in their 80s and 90s.
A dedicated outpatient clinic in North Hempstead also would tie in with the town’s Project Independence Program, which offers free and discounted cab rides for seniors.
Recently, North Hempstead Town officials and residents launched a community petition for a veteran’s outpatient clinic closer to home. I fully support local and state efforts to accomplish this goal and will continue to advocate for an outpatient clinic in North Hempstead.
In the interim, I support the deployment of a mobile veterans center for basic health care needs. Our veterans deserve better and I will continue to make sure that they have all the resources that they need.
Anthony D’Urso
Member of Assembly
