The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) unanimously selected to place the Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic adjacent to the Tarrant County Resource Connection.

Congressman Michael C. Burgess worked at the federal level on this issue in conjunction with officials with the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), including Director Betty Bolin Brown and Robert Martin, Operations Administrator of the Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic, and Judi Ketchum, Director of the Tarrant County Resource Connection.

Over a year ago, Congressman Michael C. Burgess met with Robert Martin, Acting Operations Administrator of the clinic and other VANTHCS Management Officials to discuss the potential locations where the new clinic would be opened. Upon reviewing the list, Congressman Burgess was quick to throw his support and influence behind the Resource Connection location.

“Having a new, large and easily accessible facility to serve our veterans’ health care needs was a priority of mine from the beginning,” stated Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26). “The perfect scenario was constructing the clinic close to the Resource Connection where a multitude of community services are available and my Fort Worth congressional district office is located.”

The Resource Connection's innovative “one-stop shopping” approach to public assistance makes it convenient for those in need of assistance to obtain the help that they need. The Resource Connection houses a variety of services from local, state and federal agencies, including:

- The Texas Department of Human Services
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office
- Tarrant County Veterans Services
- Tarrant County Housing Department
- John Peter Smith South Clinic

The campus is conveniently located with ready access to bus routes and several major highways in Tarrant County and provides a number of complementary services.

“The agencies of the Resource Connection are excited about the addition of a VA Outpatient Clinic abutting the campus,” stated Judi Ketchum, Director of Tarrant County Resource Connection. “We feel the clinic is a perfect fit, and we look forward to having a new neighbor!”

The current Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, on West Rosedale Street, was designed for about 45,000 patient visits per year, but in 2005 it might serve just under triple that number. With the 25 vacant acres currently selected near the Resource Connection, the clinic would be able to expand to accommodate the large number of veterans now utilizing the clinic.

There is a several month negotiation process between the VA and the current land owner. The timeline calls for the solicitation for proposals to develop the new clinic to go public in January 2006. Ideally, construction would begin by the middle of the summer of 2006.

“Locating the Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic near the Resource Connection will help the more than 125,000 veterans in Tarrant County receive the care they truly deserve,” said Rep. Michael Burgess. “I will continue to push the Department of Veterans Affairs as this project continues to grow.”