BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Department of Veterans Affairs made it’s recommendations to the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission on Monday, March 14. One of them being to move all inpatient and outpatient services from the Battle Creek VA Medical Center to the Grand Rapids area.
VA officials say the potential move is based on a recommendation of where veterans are currently located in proximity to major facilities with input on how to deliver the best care going forward.
The recommendation went onto say that in 2019, there were nearly 35,000 enrollees within a 60-minute drive of the Wyoming community-based outpatient clinic, compared to more than 23,000 enrollees within the 60-minute drive time of the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.
Public Affairs Officer for the Battle Creek VA Medical Center Brian Pegouske says the process could take a couple of years, which would include a congressional vote, but that there is a need for updated facilities.
Per the recommendation, outpatient and inpatient services, which includes mental health care currently offered in Battle Creek, would move near Wyoming or Grand Rapids.
