VA breaks ground on new multi-specialty Cookeville clinic

Funded by the PACT Act, this clinic is slated to open in 2029 and will increase access to health care to more than 22,000 Veterans.

“We’re so excited to be able to be here today,” said Dr. Kerri Fox, TVHS Interim Executive Director. “Over the next five years, we are expecting to see a 9% increase in our [Cookeville] Veteran population. This is an example of us putting Veterans first.”

Located at 1053 Neal St., the new clinic will be nearly 36,000 square feet and offer expanded access to comprehensive care.
Services range from primary care, mental health care, women’s health, and select specialty services like audiology, ophthalmology, physical medicine, prosthetics, radiology, and more. The current Cookeville VA Clinic provides primary care, mental health care, telehealth, and some lab services.

“I heard of the new services they are going to render. And at my age, at 87, every time I wake up, I have a new need […] I’m looking forward to getting help, I really need it and appreciate it so much,” said Veteran Bobby Greenwood.

Despite the heavy rain, dozens of Veterans and community stakeholders attended the groundbreaking ceremony including Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton, staffers from Congressman John Rose’s office, VA Construction and Facilities Management Deputy Director for Lease Delivery Nicholas Hall, VA Construction and Facilities Management Resident Engineer Blake Springer, Engineering Design Technologies, Inc., Tennessee Department of Veterans Services, and a number of Veteran service organizations. 

“Today represents much more than the start of a construction project. It symbolizes VA’s commitment to putting Veterans first and ensuring that Veterans have access to high-quality health care,” said Hall. “Reaching today’s milestone has taken several years of planning, coordination, partnership, and persistence among VA staff, community leaders, designers, engineers, contractors, and private development partners. Our mission is not to simply build buildings. It is to create safe, functional, and welcoming environments that enhance the health care experience.”

Over the next several years, TVHS will break ground and unveil multiple new locations and sites. By 2030, VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System anticipates opening two new facilities funded by the PACT Act: the Clarksville Multi-Specialty VA Clinic and the Nashville Multi-Specialty VA Clinic.

Clarksville remains the fastest-growing Veteran market in Tennessee with the Veteran enrollment rate at VA to grow by 41% through 2035. This clinic will be 254,000 square feet – nearly six times larger than the current Clarksville VA Clinic.

At Nashville, the Veteran population is expected to grow by 27% over five years. The multi-specialty clinic will be 157,000 square feet and house most outpatient care services currently offered at the Nashville VA Medical Center.

Additionally, TVHS is expanding rural Veterans’ care to access in Columbia and Bowling Green, Kentucky. A new Columbia VA Clinic will be built by 2030 spanning approximately 48,800 square feet. The Bowling Green VA Clinic, approximately 41,400 square feet, is also anticipated to open by 2030.

“I would encourage anybody that needs help, give the VA a chance. They’re doing a great job,” said Greenwood.

To stay informed on the latest growth and developments happening, visit the TVHS construction and modernization website.