Hoyer: Vets Clinic ‘Taking a Step Forward’

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) has been working for years to get a replacement Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, or CBOC, in Charlotte Hall for veterans, and was pleased when a solicitation announcement was made in January.

In a statement from his office, Congressman Hoyer said the clinic, which will be compliant with rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act, is long overdue in Southern Maryland.

“Our veterans deserve access to high-quality health care close to home, which is why I worked closely with VISN-5, federal, state, and local officials, and local veterans over the years to secure the funding necessary to construct a new CBOC in Charlotte Hall,” Congressman Hoyer said in the statement.

The new CBOC was originally slated to be operational in 2013. The project, however, has been delayed multiple times by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“After sending a letter to VA Secretary McDonald last summer expressing my deep frustration and concern by the delays, I am encouraged that the solicitation has been announced and we are taking a step forward,” Congressman Hoyer said. “I will continue to monitor the progress of the Charlotte Hall CBOC and work closely with stakeholders to ensure the process continues to move forward and the new CBOC is constructed in a timely manner.”

The Washington, DC, Veterans Affairs Medical Center hosted a pre-bid conference on Jan. 18, 2017, with offers due by Feb. 15.

The current facility provides routine medical care for common injuries and illnesses, general outpatient medical care and medical screenings for issues like cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, and audiology. Medical care for women is provided by Sharon Johnson, NP. Medical staff at the center can provide referrals to specialized programs and services available at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, DC.