New VA outpatient clinic to open soon in Oconomowoc, the only one in Waukesha Co.

OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A new Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic is now part of the development of Olympia Fields in Oconomowoc.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the 8,500-square-foot facility took place Friday.

More than 10,000 hometown heroes live in the area and about 5,500 of those veterans are eligible for VA care.

"We're here because of your dedicated service to our country," said James McLain, executive at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. "It's your turn to be served," added Wisconsin State Assembly Representative for District 38 Barbara Dittrich, during remarks.

Oconomowoc is now home to Milwaukee VA's fifth community-based outpatient clinic -- the only current VA clinic in Waukesha County.

"This was probably one of the fastest built, for a VA clinic, across the entire country," McLain told CBS 58 News.

The facility, which plans to offer primary care, mental health care, women’s health and telehealth among other services, broke ground last May. Officials said plans to build the clinic took place before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but timelines were delayed.

Vietnam Veteran Vern Larson told CBS 58 News having a clinic so close to home will be convenient.

"It'll help us that we don't have to go to Milwaukee for everything," he said.

Larson has lived in Oconomowoc for 30 years and said he would always have to drive 30 minutes to receive health services.

McLain said the clinic's location was meant to be accessible to the western suburbs.

"It was really aimed at filling in a donut for our veterans in between Madison, Beaver Dam and Zablocki, and we'll see what comes of it in terms of, if we need another clinic out here," McLain said. "We will do our best and continue to do our best to take care of America's heroes."

McLain said a soft opening will take place around April/May, but all services are expected to be up and running by this summer.