June 23, 2020

Dear Friend,

I’m happy to report that the new Garland VA Medical Center is now offering basic services to North Texas veterans. The former Baylor, Scott & White hospital has been treating veterans with COVID-19 since April. Today, I had the opportunity to visit the Garland VA in person for the first time since the facility was secured by the North Texas VA Health Care System.

Touring the facility, I was reminded of the many ways North Texans have come together over these past few difficult months. I’m proud to have led the charge to get this done, and the opening of this facility is the result of bipartisan cooperation and partnership between every level of government. It was so inspiring to see the hardworking folks at the VA selflessly serving on the frontlines of the pandemic to support our veterans. 

The Garland VA Medical Center will continue to help our community fight the spread of the coronavirus and provide desperately needed care for our veterans. Starting today, teams of health workers including Patient Aligned Care Teams, Well Women’s Teams, lab technicians, and pharmacists are ready to serve about 8,000 patients in a broader capacity. Over time the facility will grow to serve over 184,000 North Texas veterans and will create about 5,000 jobs for our region. 

As a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will continue to pursue bipartisan ideas that will help North Texas and expand opportunities and care for our veterans and their families.   

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress