THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR ROBERT BYRD.

Washington, DC…U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., and Congressman Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va, announced today that the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Huntington, WV will receive a significant increase in funding for needed expansions and improvements at the facility. Senator Byrd, with Congressman Rahall’s strong support, made certain that the VA had sufficient funding in its budget to support these vital projects. The new investments will enable the VAMC to significantly expand its outpatient mental health facilities and to enhance patient privacy in its inpatient care units.

“It is our moral responsibility to ensure that America’s brave men and women receive the best medical care available when they return home,” said Byrd. “I want to thank Congressman Rahall for his continued efforts on behalf of West Virginia’s veterans. These projects will increase access to vital mental health services and improve conditions for patients receiving treatment at the facility. Rest assured that I will continue to work hard every day in the United States Senate on behalf of our nation’s heroes.”

“West Virginians enjoy a proud history of being among the first to answer the call to serve our nation at home and abroad,” said Rahall. “This new funding is welcome for Huntington veterans and for all of us who have worked long and hard to protect and expand the VA health care system here in West Virginia. Senator Byrd’s dedication to our veterans is unsurpassed, and I look forward to continuing to work with him and our colleagues in Congress to ensure that all veterans have access to the services and benefits worthy of their noble service.”

The expansion of mental health facilities will receive a $5,470,000 boost in federal investment. This will enable the Medical Center to meet the increased needs of its patients, including those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The addition of new services and programs and the hiring of additional staff at the Medical Center have resulted in a need for additional space for outpatient mental health services. The project includes the renovation of a three-story building to provide more counseling and group therapy rooms.

Additionally, $2,440,000 will go to renovations that will enhance patient privacy on inpatient care units. This project will eliminate 4-bed patient rooms on inpatient units and will improve the overall work flow in those units.