GREENBRIER COUNTY (WVVA) – VA Secretary Robert McDonald arrived in Lewisburg to discuss the future of a Greenbrier County outpatient clinic on Friday.
The secretary was joined by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D), Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R), and Rep. Evan Jenkins (R), answering tough questions on everything from prescription pill problems to the Maxwellton facility.
"We're on track to find a long-term location and as we talk about it we need to be more judicious in picking that location, so we don't pick an industrial site that has contamination from other players on that site," said McDonald.
After a low level of formaldehyde was discovered at the Maxwellton facility, veterans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new, permanent outpatient clinic. Meanwhile, a temporary location is expected to open in December.
"Sometimes the rules and laws don't work. One of them was the 40 mile rule. We're on our way to Huntington and on the way, you can bet I'm going to be pointing out the 40 miles as the bird flies doesn't apply here. As you can see, the roads clearly don't go that way," said Jenkins.
Now, veterans are just waiting for a plan to be put in action.
"We're one of the most patriotic states in the nation, with more veterans per capita than any other state. We just need to make sure the care is getting to the people and that it is the best of care," added Manchin.
The delegation rounded out their visit with a trip to Marshall University to discuss employment opportunities for students at the VA.
