A new report identifies five options for a new VA Medical Center in Omaha.
Omaha has been on the VA’s list for a new hospital for two decades. While the project has moved on the priority list several times, the funding hasn’t become available.
Two of the five options are to renovate the current hospital at 42nd and Woolworth Streets. Another is to build a new hospital at the current site. The report also identifies permanent relocation to the current Creighton University Medical Center as an option.
Second District Congressman Brad Ashford says whichever facility option is chosen needs to meet veterans’ physical and mental health needs.
"We don’t have those mental health services for anyone in the area, so it really impacts veterans who have acute problems, so that’s one. Women’s health, there are not adequate facilities as we increase the number of women in the force up to 16, 17, 18 percent, and it’s getting bigger, we don’t have the kinds of facilities here for women’s health issues."
The report says funding for a replacement hospital isn’t likely to be available until the late 2020s. The renovation, construction, and permanent relocation options will be studied to determine their costs. A recommendation could be made in September.
Omaha’s VA hospital opened in 1950. The VA of Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System serves about 55,000 veterans each year in its hospital and clinics.