Groundbreaking heralds construction of new Veterans Affairs clinic

April 15--ASHTABULA --Monday's groundbreaking for a new Veterans Affairs outpatient center in the Ashtabula harbor is one answer to increasing demand for veterans' healthcare in the area.

A planned 6,476 square-foot clinic at 2044 Lambros Lane will accommodate growth as the Erie Veterans Administration Medical Center expands, offering more programs and services, including telehealth and behavioral health programs.

The construction of the $1 million facility is expected to be completed by this fall. The work will be overseen by Developer Thomas Kennedy from Professional Development Associates, Inc. of Erie.

"We are proud and honored to be here today," Kennedy said. "No development is possible without encouragement from local officials."

Kennedy praised the VA and the City of Ashtabula for their cooperation in making the project a reality.

City Manager Jim Timonere welcomed the crowd of 25 or so dignitaries, city and VA officials, veterans and local residents who came out in a light drizzle to witness the groundbreaking.

"We soon will provide more services to our veterans in a beautiful new facility," he said. "Good things are happening in the city and county. We are restoring pride in our city."

Timonere commended Luciana Ratermann, the city's director of planning and community development, for her hard work.

Local veteran Alex Lambros, whose family Lambros Lane is named after, said he was excited about the clinic.

"It's a big uplift for the community," he said.

Veteran Jerry Campbell said he was "proud to be here."

Joanne Camp, CBOC supervisor for the VA, said the new clinic is going to have "everything we asked for." She said it was easy to work with the city.

Last year, the Ashtabula VA Clinic served more than 2,300 local veterans. The clinic provides a wide-range of services including primary care, behavioral health, telehealth programs, on-site phlebotomy and various peer support groups.

The Ashtabula VA Clinic is accepting new patients. Anyone who served in the military and received an honorable discharge from military service, is eligible for VA health care.

Call the Ashtabula VA Clinic at 866-463-0912, stop in between 7:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit www.va.gov to apply for VA health care.

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