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Erie VA Medical Center Set to Break Ground for Crawford County VA Clinic

PRESS RELEASE

September 13, 2023

Erie , PA — Erie VA Medical Center (VAMC) proudly announces the groundbreaking of its Crawford County VA Clinic.

Construction of the new 15,212 sq. ft. medical facility marks another modernization milestone for the local Department of Veterans Affairs organization and will enhance health care accessibility to Crawford-area Veterans. Featuring the integrated Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT) model design, this new location will become the third of Erie VA’s county clinics to offer this patient-centered environment.

“The Erie VA Medical knows the best health care is only effective if delivered on time,” shared Medical Center Director John A. Gennaro. We continue to improve organizational operations and mobilize resources to advance Veteran health care throughout our entire catchment area. This new state-of-the-art facility will set new standards in health care delivery, emphasizing the importance of a patient-centered approach. We are excited to embark on this journey towards a healthier and stronger Crawford region.”  

One of Erie VAMC's five outpatient clinic sites, this $2.5 million dollar project is set to become the next cornerstone of health care excellence in the region. With a commitment to enhancing the well-being of Veterans, their families, and the entire community, the clinic will embody innovation, accessibility, and compassionate care.

Key Highlights of the Crawford County VA Clinic:

PACT Model Design: The clinic’s unique design centers around the PACT model, which emphasizes a patient-centered approach to care. This model ensures that each patient receives comprehensive, coordinated, and user-friendly healthcare services tailored to their needs. It allows Veterans to remain in one exam space while providers come to them, rather than patients having to move about the facility to receive various specialty services.

Modern Attributes and Expansion Opportunities: The clinic will feature updated medical equipment, advanced Telehealth tools, and a wide range of medical specialties, including Cardiology, Whole Health, Endocrinology, and Podiatry. With the building nearly doubling in size, plans to expand services will align with patient needs. From primary care to mental health services, Veterans will have access to a holistic spectrum of care under one roof.

Accessible Location: The clinic’s strategic location within Vernon Township ensures easy access for Veterans from all corners of Crawford County. With abundant accessible parking and near-by restaurants and shopping centers, it is designed with the comfort and convenience of patients in mind.

Welcoming the new medical facility to the area, Philip Pandolph, Chief Executive Officer of Meadville Medical Center, stated, “The Crawford County VA Clinic will be a great addition and community resource for our local Veterans. VA patients in our community will have expanded access to essential healthcare in Vernon Township in a beautiful new facility. After several years of planning, it is exciting to see additional development at Vernon Place, bringing retail and improved access to much-needed healthcare to benefit our community,”

Until construction on the new clinic concludes sometime in 2024, over 2,700 local Veterans will continue to receive uninterrupted care at the current Crawford County VA Clinic location at 16954 Conneaut Lake Road.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Friday, September 22, at 1:00 p.m. at Route 19 and Vernon Place; community members, Veterans, and stakeholders are invited to attend and celebrate this momentous occasion. The clinic is expected to be operational by late fall of 2024, bringing a new era of health care excellence to Crawford County.

To learn more about the Erie VAMC like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VAMCErie/ and follow us on X at https://twitter.com/ErieVAMC.

Media contacts

Briana R. Cummings, Public Affairs Officer

814-860-2074

Briana.Cummings@va.gov

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