The North Florida / South Florida Veterans Health System held a ribbon cutting ceremony, Apr. 23, 2024, for the new Jacksonville North VA Clinic and Domiciliary located at 145 Heron Bay Road, Jacksonville, Fla., 32218.
By William-Joseph Mojica, Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist
Jacksonville is one of the largest, fastest growing areas in Florida, and one of the most Veteran centric communities in the country. As the Jacksonville market continues to expand, NF/SGVHS is planning to meet that demand with direct care options for Veterans with this new facility.
“Each decision we make, and every action we take, must be based on one principle—improving outcomes for Veterans, their families, their caregivers, and their survivors,” said Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the keynote speaker for the ceremony. “That’s what opening Jacksonville North is all about, improving outcomes for Veterans, increasing their access to the best care possible.”
The new state-of-the-art facility boasts increased capabilities for the area with modern medical equipment and capabilities. Officially, the clinic began seeing patients, Apr. 9 with a broad range of general and specialized medical services available to Veterans in the area.
“This region continues to grow and continues to see an increase in Veteran enrollees and demands for services,” said Wende Dottor, Executive Health System Director for the NF/SG Veterans Health System. “This new space that we are celebrating today will allow us to enhance primary care, mental health, radiology, optometry and of course supporting services.”
As the Jacksonville market continues to expand, VA leadership vows to bring increased health care to Veterans.
“Demand for access to care at VA facilities here is at an all-time high, and it’s going to get higher for the next decade and beyond,” said McDonough. "VA is committed to providing Vets with the care they need, where they need it, and that’s right here in North Florida/South Georgia. We’re doing this because VA care is proven to be the best, most affordable health care in America for Veterans. We want as many Vets as possible, throughout Florida, throughout this nation, to come to us for their care.”
To honor the VA’s commitment to Veterans, before, during, and after the ceremony, numerous resource tables were available for Veterans to visit.
“Even if you don’t think you need VA care today, you might need it tomorrow, the next day, or thirty years from now,” said David Isaacks, Network Director for the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network. “But once you’re in, you have access for life, and I promise we’ll do everything in our power to serve you well and it is a pleasure to do that.”
The diverse Veteran patient population requires a complexity of care that ranges from minor health care needs to chronic diseases. To handle the care for our Veterans, the NF/SG staff remains at the forefront of providing the best care possible.
“We have the best people, in the most Veteran-centered region, in the most Veteran-focused state, dedicated to keeping our most sacred promise—serving America’s Veterans just as well as they have served us,” said McDonough.
Prior to the ceremony concluding, a red ceremonial ribbon was cut symbolizing the facility being officially open.
“Thank you for attending today and supporting the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs in so many ways. Your dedication and service to America’s Veterans makes a difference in all of our lives,” said Dottor.
For more information on the new Jacksonville North VA Clinic and Domiciliary or even the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, please visit https://www.va.gov/north-florida-health-care/locations/malcom-randall-department-of-veterans-affairs-medical-center/.