The West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center opened new outpatient clinics in Hendry and Glades Counties on Tuesday.
The two clinics are the first of their kind in both counties
Local veterans previously had to cross county lines to get healthcare.
Hendry County spokesperson Electa Waddell said there are about 2,500 full-time veterans in the county. That number almost doubles during season.
“There is a great need here in Hendry County to better serve our local veterans,” Waddell said. “The closest veteran’s clinics right now, up to date, for our residents, would be in West Palm Beach or north in Okeechobee.”
The Florida Department of Health gave both clinics space in facilities it already operates.
Waddell said this project has been in the works for about five years. She said the biggest challenge was hiring full-time doctors and lab work physicians for both clinics.
Waddell said both clinics will currently only be open for a few days each week. But, she said, that could change based on demand.
“When they do open, the Clewiston office will be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. With the Moore Haven outpatient clinic, open on Monday’s and Wednesday’s, with the expectation, within 30 days that they’ll go full-time."