State Reps. Cornwell, Bashore on Closure of Vinita VA Clinic

Cornwell, Bashore on Closure of Vinita VA Clinic

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita, and Steve Bashore, R-Miami, today released the following statement in response to news that the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs is seeking to close the Veterans Affairs clinic in Vinita.

"I am deeply disappointed by the sudden news that the Veterans Affairs clinic in Vinita will be closing," Cornwell said. "I've seen firsthand what a burden it was to travel so far for healthcare services. My grandfather was a veteran who had to travel several hours to visit a VA clinic, and he didn't visit as often as he probably needed to because it was so far away from his family and work responsibilities. And now, sadly, even more veterans will have to go through the exact same difficulties. My heart hurts that this is happening to the men and women who have given so much to our country and at the process by which this choice was made."

Cornwell continued: "The unexpected decision was announced without consulting my office or community leaders, despite the huge role the VA clinic plays in the Vinita community and the much-needed services it provides to our many veterans. I ask that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reconsider this closure and I hope to hear details soon regarding how and why this decision was reached."

"For many of the veterans from House District 7, the Vinita Veterans Affairs clinic is the closest facility to meet their healthcare needs," Bashore. "I don't want to see them have to make a longer drive to receive services. I, too, look forward to hearing from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on how they intend to best meet the needs of our local population. I thank our veterans for their service to our nation and our fellow citizens, and I want to ensure their needs are met in the best possible manner."

Lankford, Inhofe, Mullin demand answers on plans to close Vinita VA Clinic

Lankford, Inhofe, Mullin Demand Answers on the VA’s Plans to Close the Clinic in Vinita

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Representative Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough after learning that the VA continues to seek closure of the VA clinic facility in Vinita, OK, without reaching out to tribal or community leaders about the closure despite the clinic’s use in the area. The nearest facility if the clinic closes, would be in Claremore, OK, approximately an hour away from Vinita and the surrounding area.

The Members wrote in the letter, “From our discussions with veterans in the state, community stakeholders, and others, it is clear the Vinita VA Clinic has been a tremendous benefit to veterans in northeastern Oklahoma. Given this wide acclaim, we were surprised to learn of VA’s plans to close Vinita’s clinic. This news was also a shock given that recent Eastern Oklahoma VA health leases indicated the Vinita VA Clinic lease would be renewed on October 1, 2021, and was not set to expire until September 30, 2030. Furthermore, we were concerned to hear the VA did not reach out to tribal and community leaders prior to the decision.”

The Members’ letter requests further clarity and answers on how the decision was reached to close the Vinita VA Clinic as well as a detailed explanation and timeline of the solicitation process, any future plans for the clinic, and whether consideration was given for a potential re-bid on the lease.

You can read a copy of the letter HERE and below: